Best Restaurants for Traditional Irish Food in Galway

Bangers and mash – By Joereddington – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75735741

Ireland is known for its music, Guinness, friendly people, green fields, Cliffs Of Moher, bustling city of Dublin, and — food? Well, no quite. But Irish food is a must-try the next time you take a holiday to the Emerald Isle!

Trust me, Irish food has come a long way in 20, 10, or even 5 years. When you used to travel to the United Kingdom and Ireland, you would be restful if you could get a nicely-cooked piece of meat and mash. Nowadays, Ireland is up with the trends, offering vegan delicacies, hearty bowls of Guinness stew, Asian fusion cuisine, and much more. 

But, if you are heading to Ireland for just a few days, trying traditional Irish food should be at the top of your list. Think of filling plates washed down with the perfect pint – what more could you want? 

For those based in Galway for their upcoming trip, check out these restaurants for the top traditional food in the city center. 

McSwiggans Restaurant & Cafe Bar

Steak with brown sauce – By jeffreyw – https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffreyww/21282113835/in/photostream/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71637666

McSwiggans is a bit of a fancier pub than you will find around Away, churning out some of the best plates you will see during your time in Ireland. Not only is the food presented nicely, like you’re at a Michelin-starred restaurant, but the quality of the food is not to be disputed. We recommend trying the ribeye with pepper sauce, fish and chips, beef burger and chips, or one of the huge sirloin steaks with a side of potatoes. 

Plus, you are right in the middle of Woodquay – so head to Bar Nah Chaladh or Caribou for a pint afterward! 

An Pucan

Full Irish breakfast – By jules – Full irish breakfast, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22380771

One of the best pubs in town for sitting outside at the beer garden, watching a sporting game on the big screen, or catching a live music gig, An Pucan can do it all — that’s including good pub food! 

We recommend heading here early on a weekday or weekend to get a good table, eat dinner, and stay for the live music. Come a bit early for dinner time. You can enjoy an Irish table on their all-day menu, like the An Pucan full Irish breakfast (with craft butcher sausages, black and white pudding, beans, scrambled eggs and potato wedges), Galway Bay fish finger blaa sandwich, An Pucan’s bangers and mash, or oysters and mussels. 

For dinner, try the traditional Irish stew with Galway lamb, traditional Irish bacon and cabbage stew, An Pucan seafood plate, or ‘trad’ wedges — spicy potato wedges with smoked bacon, garlic mayo and cheddar cheese. Perfect pub food!

Murty Rabbits

Irish Beef Stew – By A Healthier Michigan from Detroit, United States – Irish Beef Stew, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=101187445

Often overlooked by other pubs in the nearby area, Murty Rabbitts is one of the hidden gems of Galway. Located on Forster Street, this pub is just a few minutes’ walk from the center of the action in Eyre Square — but somehow manages to stay off the radar. 

Head here for some traditional food, like the mussels with garlic bread, bangers and mash, Irish Guinness stew, chip butty, fish and chips, or vegetarian mash and gravy. If you are looking for the quintessential Irish pub, this is it. 

The Quay Street Kitchen

Lamb served with risotto – By Dirk Ingo Franke – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14952476

Quay Street is where it’s at — all day, every day, all year round. But especially at night! Quay Street comes alive with the bars and pubs, playing live music on the streets, and families pushing their way to try and get a seat at the coveted corner of Tigh Neachtain. 

If you are feeling a bit peckish before heading for a few pints, check out The Quay Street Kitchen. This tiny and cozy restaurant has tons of options on the menu for vegans and meat-lovers alike. With a more modern interior with wooden flooring, seats, and a wooden bar, this modern twist on Irish classics is a great diversion from the typical mash. 

We recommend trying the ‘off the coast Irish mussels’, Fall off the bone Irish (featuring slow-cooked lamb shank in rosemary and thyme, red wine, potato hash, and summer vegetables), or the Fishmongers Vessel (a really, REALLY good version of fish and chips). 

Finnegan’s

Sunday Roast – CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=584420

Finnegan’s on Market Street in Galway is another unassuming option that people often forget about in lieu of the more ‘popular’ pubs like The Front Door or 1520. However, for traditional Irish food, Finnegan’s is the hottest spot in town. 

We recommend trying the chicken and mushroom vol-au-vent for a starter. For the mains, the Treaty fish and chips (hand-battered with Treaty pale ale) or the Roast of the Day is the perfect option. For veg-lovers, try Finnegan’s vegetarian tagine or warm goat’s cheese bon bon salad. 

Heading here for brekkie? Finnegan’s can do all the classics. We recommend the Full Breakfast to start your day right. 

John Keogh’s Gastropub

Fish and chips – By Matthias Meckel – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74468548

Last but not least, we have John Keogh’s. This menu is perfect for families, as it has something for everyone without breaking the bank. For the starter, we recommend trying Keogh’s Irish chicken wings with hot sauce and blue cheese dip. For a traditional main, the fish and chips with Ali’s Fish fresh haddock and beer batter is perfect for any summer or winter day. 

Plus, this pub is right on Dominick St. Upper — next to Taylor’s and Monroe’s, two of the best pubs in the West End for an after-dinner pint!