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Galway has more of a late-night pub scene than a club scene. And, being a music center, Galway regularly hosts top-notch performances in its impressive selection of theaters. Because of its small size and concentration of pubs and restaurants, Galway can seem even livelier at 11 pm than it does at 11 am. On weekends, when there are lots of students and other revelers in town, Eyre Square and environs can be rowdy after pub-closing time—2 am on Friday and Saturday. On the plus side, if you've been staying out in the country and you're ready for a little nightlife, you're certain to find plenty of it here.
With the most eye-catching facade on High Street, if not Galway City, the King's Head is dripping with 800 years of history with its association to the execution of King Charles I. Staff are charming and a cúpla focal (a few words in the Irish language) will put you in good favor. There are trad music sessions nightly.
Fans of musician Ed Sheeran will instantly recognize the interior of this landmark pub as the location of his "Galway Girl" music video with actress Saoirse Ronan. Trading since 1942, this generous-size tavern in Salthill is a firm favorite with visitors who browse through the pub's vast collection of paraphernalia, from farmyard tools and grandma’s garters (hanging over a hearth) to a life-size statue of the "Quiet Man," John Wayne. Its impressive collection of whiskey is showcased on an imposing shelf behind the bar counter.
This bright-blue, mural-scarred pub is in the hub of Galway's medieval center and the core of its beating heart. For more than 120 years its mahogany snugs and alcoves have given patrons refuge from the city's infamous mist and rain while its stock of more than 130 brands of whiskey has fueled heat through their veins. Predictably, it's buzzing on the weekends.
Cross O'Brien Bridge and take the first left to find this Irish-speaking social club–pub, which is a great place to hear traditional music, watch (or join) dancing and language classes, and hear the Irish language in use. Non–Irish speakers are very welcome. Open weekdays only.
Arrive early to get a seat at this tiny bar to the west of Claddagh; its two floors can get crammed during nightly trad sessions.
Gin is having a moment in Ireland right now and nowhere is that more evident or celebrated than Hyde Bar and Gin Parlour, where you will find more than 500 brands of gin, featuring flavors from potato to rhubarb to "Unicorn Tears." The bold interior, with electric-blue and shocking-pink furnishings and larger-than-life wall murals, comes as a surprise after entering the classic ivy-clad doorway. There's also a good selection of craft beer and the old reliable beverages. By day, this is a hugely popular brunch spot.
A popular Galway City pub with a restaurant upstairs, McSwiggan's has everything from church pews to ancient carriage lamps contributing to its eclectic character.
A large and handsome street-corner pub, Monroe's has free music nightly from 9 pm and regularly hosts impressive rock acts. Quality bar food and a friendly service add to the appeal.
Behind the simple facade, this Gothic bar is a surprising labyrinth of rooms across three stories, kitted out with furnishings from a medieval church, including pews, a giant organ, and altar. There are regular rock and country sessions.
A legend in its own right and a serious venue for stand-up comics, silent discos, emerging rock and traditional bands, the Róisín Dubh often showcases big, if still-struggling, talents.
Open for 150 years, Taaffe's is bang in the city center and hosts regular trad-music sessions that start from 5:30 pm.
