That is not a worry in Galway, however, with plenty of standout pubs to give you plenty of unique options this festive season.
Narrowing it down to 12 is almost impossible, such is the wealth of charming venues across the city, but this list will certainly provide something for everyone.
Bierhaus Galway
Bierhaus
Location: Henry Street
With a wide range of craft beers from around the world, Bierhaus is a must-visit for those interested in the art of brewing. The pub is also renowned for its quality of food, so is an excellent choice to stop into for a quick bite. A perennially Galway pub, you will meet many of the city’s best characters once you step inside, along with some of the city’s liveliest gigs.
The outside of O’Connor’s in Salthill. Photo: Ray Ryan
O’Connor’s
Location: Upper Salthill
The fact that Grammy-winning DJ Fred Again sought out O’Connors pub for his New Year celebrations in 2024 says everything about the appeal of the venue at Christmastime. The family-run pub is something of a throwback, with no screens inside, open fires galore and live music seven nights a week.
Crannóg launch at the Crane bar in Galway’s Westend.
The Crane
Location: Sea Road
The Crane is one of Galway’s most renowned pubs for its intimate traditional music shows. Offering on both floors, the venue has become iconic for intimate pub seats around 70 patrons and it has long been a haunt of those who love to play and those who love to listen to them. Situated in the ‘Small Crane’ Square, The Crane Bar offers music nightly both upstairs and down.
An Púcán in Galway.
An Púcán
Location: Forster Street
For those with an interest in live sports, it is hard to top the month of December, and for those in Galway, it is hard to top a visit to An Púcán to take it all in. The front of the bar is home to cosy snugs, classic pub food and traditional music, but step into the back and you will find a giant screen with surround sound and a matchday atmosphere. It is hard to argue against it if you want a carnival-like atmosphere for the biggest sporting occasions.
The Róisín Dubh in Galway.
Róisín Dubh
Location: Dominick Street Upper
If it is live a gig that you are after, the Róisín Dubh is well worth considering for its music and comedy offerings. From world-renowned headliners to emerging artists, you are almost certain to find something to your taste. Its music shows can range from slow jazz to drag DJs, while its unrivalled comedy shows have attracted major players such as Rich Hall, Kevin Bridges and Jim Jeffries through the years, with plenty more in the pipeline.
Freeney’s Bar, Galway
Freeney’s
Location: High Street
An old-school offering in the heart of Galway, Freeney’s is the ideal venue to visit for a quiet one. The family-run pub has a small outdoor seating area, which provides an ideal perch for watching the world go by on High Street. Sit inside the pub and you’ll find the perfect place to chat with locals or pick the brains of the whiskey experts behind the bar.
Cadell bar in Woodquay
Cadell
Location: Woodquay
Our first Woodquay offering and although this craft beer haven is relatively new compared to many entries on this list, it more than holds its own in the character department. Its vibrant atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd throughout the week, and its food selection makes it an ideal venue for social gatherings. The pub also has a great selection of free board games if your evening needs an added competitive twist.
Taaffes
Taaffes Pub
Location: Shop Street
If you visit Taaffes you are almost certain to leave with a story. Many claim it pours the best pint of Guinness in Galway and although we cannot confirm those reports, we can say that it is a pub teeming with charm and warmth. Known for being a GAA pub, it is frequented by both locals and visitors so you’re sure to hear plenty of stories if you choose to mingle.
O’Connells Pub in Galway city. Photo: Facebook
O’Connell’s Bar
Location: Eyre Square
Known for having one of Galway’s liveliest beer gardens, O’Connell’s is full of rich history while also catering to modern audiences. The front bar is steeped in history, with original features from the bar in 1862 still intact, such as the tiling, windows and antique lighting. Step through to the back, and you’ll find the iconic Gin Lane beer garden, full of picnic tables and a booth selling the famous Dough Bros Pizza.
M.P. Walsh in Galway. Photo: Facebook
M.P. Walsh
Location: Dominick Street Lower
A modern take on a traditional style of pub, M.P. Walsh is something of an underrated gem in the city. The pub first opened its doors in 2008, having originally been a post office, and now contains many throwbacks to its origin, with a variety of historical artwork and signage decorating the walls inside. The venue offers a warm environment to sit and enjoy an evening surrounded by live music on the weekends and live sport shown almost every day of the week.
Garavan’s Bar, Galway. Image: Facebook
Garavan’s Bar
Location: William Street
The fact that Garavan’s won City Bar of the Year at the x is a testament to its quality. Housed inside a building that dates to the 17th century, you will enter a must-see sanctum for those with an interest in Galway’s rich history. The pub itself has been around for almost 90 years and has also become synonymous with the local whiskey scene. If you happen to be interested in an Irish coffee, this is one not to miss.
Tig Cóilí in Galway.
Tig Cóilí
Location: Mainguard Street
Self-described as a country pub in the heart of Galway city, Tig Cóilí will not disappoint if you are in search of ambience in a cosy environment. Having played host to many famous figures in the traditional music scene, it is undoubtedly one of the finest places to visit for music fans. With up to three sessions every day, it is particularly magical at Christmas and will likely feature several impromptu sessions if you stay for long enough.