On Newcastle Road, just at the edge of the west, Cookes Thatch Bar has quietly reopened its doors-refreshed, revived, and ready to welcome back familiar faces and plenty of new ones
Under new management and following a full refurbishment, the pub has been carefully brought back to life. Because Cookes isn’t just any pub. It holds a rare place in the city as Galway’s only thatched bar, a living nod to a style of building that once defined much of rural Ireland.
A thatched roof-woven from natural materials like straw, reeds, or rushes-is more than just an architectural feature. It’s a piece of Irish heritage. For centuries, thatch was the roofing of choice across the country, valued for its insulation, durability, and the skill required to craft it. Today, with so few thatched buildings remaining in urban settings, Cookes stands as a small but important reminder of that tradition, right in the heart of the city.
But for all its history, there’s nothing complicated about what Cookes Thatch Bar offers. It opens daily from 12:30pm and does exactly what a good pub should do. It serves its neighbourhood-Shantalla, Newcastle, and Galway’s Westend-while welcoming anyone who happens to pass by the door.
Inside, it’s about the simple pleasures: a well-poured drink, a familiar face, and space for a proper chat. There’s live music every weekend, adding to the easy rhythm of the place, and when there’s sport on, you’ll find it on the screens. No fuss, no overthinking it.
In a city that’s always evolving, Cookes Thatch Bar feels grounded. A bit of history overhead, a fresh start behind the bar, and the same timeless idea at its core-it’s just a pub, exactly as it should be. And they are Dog Friendly.
Tarraingíonn Scéal Scéal Eile!…One Story Leads To Another!
Podcasts, Audio Plays and Voice Over and Tutorials
Soundtrack and Podcast are a one-stop audio and music production studio. They have the know-how, the passion and the tools to give voice and sound to your unique and compelling stories!
Soundtrack & Podcast was founded in the Autumn 2020 by musician and composer Alan Preims, and visual artist Elena Santos. Telling compelling stories through sound and music is Soundtrack & Podcasts’ guiding principle, which is at the center of every recording, music composition and audio design at the studio.
Is stiúideo ilfhreastail léiriúcháin fuaime agus ceoil muid. Tá an saineolas, an paisean agus na huirlisí againn chun guth agus fuaim a chur le do chuid scéalta uathúla agus spéisiúla!!
Irish Design, who have just finished a very successful stand alone Pop up in Brown Thomas on Grafton Street. The brand celebrates the vibrant fusion of African and Irish heritage. Sustainable, high-quality garments reflecting a modern identity to be treasured for generations. Inspired by Japanese and NYC street style, with a touch of the Wild Atlantic Way. All of our clothing garments are ethically made in Ireland.
Our latest pieces from Emerald and Wax this season are a selection of kimono and wrap jackets style, which are a spectacular fusion of Irish Tweed and African prints, merging two cultures that are integral to the brand’s identity and cultural heritage while respecting and valuing the magnificence of each
Located around a 25-minute walk from Seapoint Leisure Amusement Center, Westend Apartments Galway overlooks the patio. Wi-Fi is available for guests’ business or leisure needs.
Monkey Business is at a distance of approximately 10 minutes away by car, while The Quadrangle is merely 13 minutes’ walk away. The beach is about 5 minutes’ drive away. Lynch’s Castle is merely 7 minutes’ walk away, and Galway Bay is also in close proximity to the 10-room Westend Apartments Galway.
Guests have access to an adjoining terrace and a sitting area featuring a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as comforts like an ironing set. The apartment is also furnished with a sofa. Offering a separate toilet and a shower, a bathroom comes with dryers and bath sheets.
There are a freezer, an oven, and a stovetop provided in a kitchen. The seafood restaurant Oscar’s Seafood Bistro is around 5 minutes’ walk away. Jury’s Hotel bus stop is just a 5-minute walk from this student accommodation.
