The Best Pubs in County Galway According to You
Galway has long been regarded as the heartbeat of Irish pub culture, a city where traditional music drifts through cobbled streets and a warm welcome awaits behind every door. From the buzzing lanes of the Latin Quarter to the quieter corners where locals have gathered for generations, County Galway’s pubs are places where stories are shared, songs are sung, and time seems to slow down. It’s no wonder so many of them are earning votes in the national pub poll.
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With 246 votes cast so far across the country, six County Galway pubs have made the list — and every single one of them deserves its place. Here’s a closer look at each, ranked by the people who know them best: you.
The Quays Bar, Quay Street, Galway City
Sitting at number four in the entire national pub poll with 17 votes, The Quays Bar is a Galway institution that continues to win hearts. Step inside and you’ll find yourself surrounded by stunning church-inspired interiors, ornate woodwork, and medieval arches that make it feel like nowhere else on earth. Spread across multiple levels, it’s a pub that rewards exploration — there’s always a new nook to discover. Whether you’re catching a live band or settling in for a quiet pint, The Quays delivers an atmosphere that’s truly unforgettable.
Monroe’s Tavern, Dominick Street, Galway City
Over on the west side of the Corrib, Monroe’s Tavern holds its own at number eight in Ireland with 10 votes. Known far and wide as one of the best spots in the country for live traditional music and set dancing, Monroe’s is the real deal — no gimmicks, just genuine craic. The pub hosts regular sessions that draw both seasoned musicians and first-time visitors, creating an energy that’s impossible to fake. If you want to experience the soul of Galway’s music scene, this is where you come.
Taaffe’s Bar, Shop Street, Galway City
Right in the heart of Galway’s busiest street, Taaffe’s Bar sits at number 11 in Ireland’s biggest pub poll with 7 votes. This is the kind of pub where you pop in for one pint and leave three hours later with new friends and a sore face from laughing. Traditional music sessions are a staple here, filling the cosy interior with the sound of fiddles, bodhráns, and the odd sing-along. Taaffe’s has a knack for making everyone feel like a regular from the moment they walk through the door.
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Tigh Neachtain, Quay Street, Galway City
A Galway landmark with a striking blue and yellow façade, Tigh Neachtain (pronounced “Tig Knock-tin”) currently holds the number 18 spot in the national pub poll with 5 votes. This pub has been serving pints since the early 1900s, and stepping inside feels like stepping back in time — weathered wooden furniture, dim lighting, and walls full of character. The outdoor seating on Quay Street is some of the most coveted in the city on a sunny afternoon. Tigh Neachtain is the kind of place that writers, artists, and dreamers have always gravitated towards, and it’s easy to see why.
The Crane Bar, Sea Road, Galway City
Tucked away on Sea Road in the west end of the city, The Crane Bar sits at number 34 nationally with 2 votes — but those who know it will tell you it punches well above its weight. The upstairs room is legendary among traditional music lovers, hosting intimate sessions that rank among the finest in Ireland. It’s a small, honest pub with no pretensions, where the music does all the talking. If you’ve ever wanted to sit just a few feet from world-class musicians in a room full of people who truly appreciate the craft, The Crane is your place.
Tig Coilí, Mainguard Street, Galway City
Rounding out the Galway entries at number 44 in the poll with 1 vote, Tig Coilí is a small but mighty pub that deserves far more recognition. Famous for its daily traditional music sessions — both afternoon and evening — this little gem on Mainguard Street packs a mighty punch. The atmosphere inside is electric when the music gets going, with locals and visitors squeezed in shoulder to shoulder, tapping their feet in time. Tig Coilí is proof that in Galway, the smallest pubs often hold the biggest magic.
County Galway’s pubs are among the finest in Ireland, and this poll is your chance to make sure they get the recognition they deserve. Whether your favourite is already on the list or you think there’s a hidden gem missing, every vote counts. Head over to Ireland’s biggest pub poll now and have your say.
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