From the traditional to the trendy, Galway’s Westend has a drink for every taste. Come for the pints, stay for the vibe. Click the heart to add the venue to your Favourites list.
The best neighbour bar since 2005. Burky serving up the tastiest food, beers, wines and cocktails with a balance between variations on classics, and their own bespoke creations is what sets it apart. They always source the highest quality liquid, make fresh, and never batch.
Located on Dominick Street Lower, Carroll’s is the epitome of a traditional Irish pub. With live music sessions and a colourful beer garden, it’s a spot where craic is always on tap.
An award-winning gastropub on Upper Dominick Street, John Keogh’s offers a warm welcome, delectable dishes, and a fine pint. It’s the kind of place where stories are shared over hearty meals.
A historic gem on Dominick Street Upper, Taylor’s boasts a lively beer garden and regular live music. It’s where old-world charm meets contemporary buzz.
Since 2000, Massimo on William Street West has been the go-to for locals looking to drink and dance the night away. With its soulful vibes and late-night grooves, it’s a staple in Galway’s nightlife.
A family-owned treasure on Dominick Street Upper, Monroe’s is famed for its live music sessions and traditional Irish dancing. It’s where Galway’s rich musical heritage comes alive.
A cornerstone of Galway’s music scene, Róisín Dubh on Dominick Street Upper hosts a diverse range of artists and events. It’s the place to be for those seeking eclectic tunes and a vibrant crowd.
Tucked away on Raven Terrace, The Salt House is a true haven for craft beer lovers. Run by Galway Bay Brewery, it boasts an impressive selection of rotating taps and over 100 bottled brews. The vibe is cosy and laid-back, with a fire crackling in the winter and friendly staff always ready to help you discover something new. A proper local gem.
A bit of a cult classic in Galway’s Westend, The Blue Note is known for its eclectic tunes, colourful décor, and always-great atmosphere. Whether you’re catching a DJ set, sipping on something crafty, or enjoying a chinwag in the beer garden, it’s one of those places that feels like home—if your home had deadly tunes and great pints.
A cornerstone of Irish traditional music, The Crane Bar on Sea Road is where the tunes flow as freely as the pints. It’s one of the few places where you’ll find nightly trad sessions with local musicians, and the upstairs venue often hosts intimate gigs. No frills, no fuss—just great music and a proper Galway welcome.
The Universal brings a fresh, contemporary feel to Galway’s pub scene. With small plates, natural wines, and a cocktail menu that changes with the seasons, it’s the kind of place you pop into for one and end up staying all night. Ideal for a date night or a catch-up with pals who appreciate good food and a great pour.
MP Walsh’s is the kind of pub that feels like it’s been part of the neighbourhood forever – and in many ways, it has. With its old-school charm, no-nonsense pints, and warm, lived-in feel, it’s a favourite for anyone looking for a quiet one with good company. A true local in every sense.
A café, shop and community space all rolled into one – Plámás is proudly Galwegian. This spot champions all things local, from the coffee they serve to the brilliant makers they stock. The space often plays host to exhibitions and events that celebrate Galway’s creative scene. The Irish language (Gaeilge) is a big part of what they do – you’ll often hear it spoken behind the counter or see it woven through the shelves and signage. It’s a great place to chat, listen, or just soak up the culture and language over a quiet brew.
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.
