A Guide to Exploring Galway at Night

Sure, there is tons to do in Galway during the day. You can walk along The Prom in Salthill, taking in the magnificent views of the Galway Bay, the Burren in County Clare, and people-watching as you sit by the steps at Black Rock Diving Tower. 

 

Or, you can walk along Shop Street, checking out the Irish stores, Aran Sweater shops, handmade leather goods stores, vintage shops, and much more. Head a few steps away to Quay Street, home to some of the busiest and liveliest pubs in the entire town.

 

If you would rather explore the West End, you can venture over the bridge and get a coffee at Urban Grind, get a healthy veg sandwich at Greens & Co., or take a seat outside of Gourmet Tart Coffee or The Salt House during a sunny day. 

 

Once the sun sets, however, there is even MORE to do! The town really comes alive at night, with every night of the week (yes, even Mondays, Tuesdays, etc….) showcasing live music, never-ending pints of Guinness, Irish dancing, good spirits, and “great craic”. 

 

Let’s see a few must-do things during your first night in Galway and how to explore the town after dark. 

Start in Eyre Square


 

Eyre Square Galway – By By Sulmac (talk) (Uploads) – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107818311

It seems like everyone bases themselves around Eyre square, the unofficial “center” of town. Although the majority of pubs are further down Shop Street, and the West End is a huge go-to for going out at night, starting in Eyre sQuare can help you catch your bearings. Plus, this is where the coach bus station, the Bus Eireann (local) bus station, and train station are located — so if you want to explore as soon as you get here from the airport, start here. We recommend heading to The Skeffington Arms (known as ‘The Skeff’ to locals), O’Connell’s Bar for outdoor seating and great pizza, McGettigan’s to catch a game on one of their many TVs, or An Pucan for live music. 

Walk down Shop Street

Galway Shop Street – By Jerzy Strzelecki – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15871775

 

If you head out of Eyre Square and walk down the street, following the masses of people all heading in one direction, you immediately come upon a pedestrian-only street. Known as Shop Street, this is the liveliest section of town during all hours of the day. During the daylight hours (and nighttime), there are buskers singing their tunes and playing their guitars. At night, the buskers stay strong and play some lively music, getting you prepared for the night ahead.

 

One of the first stops you should make on Shop Street is Garavans Bar.  head in here to enjoy the dim atmosphere and strong drinks. Continue walking and then stop into The Bunch of Grapes, an unassuming pub that will make you never want to leave. Plus, there are many others, like Taaffes Bar (great for live music), Freeney’s (one of the best Guinness sin town), and Sonny Molloy’s.

Continue to Quay Street

Quay Street Galway – By Trish Steel – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Quay_Street,_Gaillimh-Galway_City_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1249982.jpg, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66366254

 

As you continue walking along Shop Street, eventually it splits into two — bear left to stay on Shop Street as it turns into Quay Street (the epicenter for pubs in Galway). At night, everyone flocks to The Quays, 1520, The Front Door, The Dail, and Busker Brownes. All of these pubs are located within a 2-minute walk of one another at the intersection of Quay Street and Tigh Neachtain — the bright blue pub on the corner that is THE best spot for people watching.

Head to the West End 

 

Galway Shop Street – By Sabine Holzmann, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54156879

If you can still stand by this point, head over the bridge to meander into the West End. turn right over the bridge and you will start to walk along the canal to the pubs and restaurants. Stop off for one pint in The Salt House if you are a craft beer fan, OR continue heading along the canal to the center of the West. 

 

Not sure if you made it? Keep an eye out for Monroe’s, the massive white building on the corner and you will know you have made it safely. Monroe’s is known for its live music every night of the week, great vibes, and upstairs area that hosts local DJs and late-night bands.

 

After a drink at Monroe’s, continue walking and come to Taylor’s. Taylor’s is a typical Irish pub with private corners, a dimly lit interior, and an outside beer garden that is always fun for meeting people.

 

After Monroe’s, make a right and head down the street. You can stop off at the Bierhaus for a craft beer, or make a left and walk to The Blue Note. This adorable pub is often overlooked in favor of Taylor’s or Monroe’s, but it shouldn’t be — head inside for friendly bartenders, an outside area, and tons of seating to top off your night. 

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