The Galway Whiskey trail

Irish Whiskey has undergone a major renaissance over the last 20 years and while many pubs have become craft beer havens, a smaller number have embraced the wide range of Irish Whiskey being produced.

In 2015 a number of venues got together to form the Galway Whiskey trail so watch out for information leaflets around the City.

Here are a few great Whiskey loving pubs to get you started.

Garavans pub located on Williamsgate street. An award winning Whiskey menu including a tasting menu awaits in this beautiful family run Pub.

Freeneys Pubs on High street. This Pub and off-licence also has a small fish tackle shop in the building. Freeneys features on the Irish Whiskey trail and you can be assured of some knowledgeable staff to guide you.

Tigh Neachtains at the corner of Quay street and Cross street. This pub has a slightly more bohemian feel and it may be very busy but the Whiskey menu is good and the service friendly.

The Salt House Bar on Ravens terrace. Part of the Galway Bay Brewery stable oubs you will be able to find a great selection of Whiskeys alongside the mammoth craft beer selection.

For more info on Whiskey in Galway or to organise a talk or tour on the history of Whiskey in Galway contact Galway Walking Tours- www.galwaytours.ie

 

The Sunday evening special

If there is one day of the week God intended for drinking then it was Sunday and in Galway there is no better day. Sunday drinking in Galway throws up endless options to see wonderful live music around the town. We have included what we think are the pick of the bunch and this crawl definitely has a few musical styles thrown in. This Pub Crawl is best started at in the early evening.

 

 

Weigh Inn Sunday Session

 

A Sunday session at the Crane

We start our pub crawl in Tig Coili which is a great spot for some traditional music on a daily basis.

Go to Tigh Neachtain for their Sunday session which is guaranteed to get your feet tapping and head nodding.

The Salthouse on Ravens terrace has carried on the long running Sunday session tradition from its previous incarnation (Weigh Inn) taking place from about 5 - 7. Taylors, Carrolls and Garavans all deserve honourable mentions for the standard of their Sunday music.

For those who appreciate different styles of music why not head to the Roisin Dubh where the weekly Sunday night open Mic usually starts around 9.30pm. Alternatively local legends Pyramid play every Sunday night at the Quays Pub playing other peoples originals.

A later stop is at the Crane where music can be heard on the ground floor or upstairs with Greg Cotter and Mary Flanagan. For those hardy enough to continue there is a fantastic Sunday night musical feast in the back room of the Roisin Dubh from 11.30 featuring the gravel throated John Conneelly

 

 

The Quiet Pint

 

The Quiet Pint

 

 

This is a great pub crawl for those looking to have a few enjoyable pints in relaxed friendly pubs where time seems to stand still (at least until closing time). Best enjoyed Sun - Thurs

This crawl is best enjoyed with rich creamy pints of Guinness.

Starting off in Garavan’s on shop Street where there is always somewhere to sit no matter what time of the year. On leaving Garavan's turn right, proceeding past Eason’s until you come to Taaffes on your left. This may not be as quiet as some of the other pubs but once inside the door turn right to the small seated area and bar. You might be lucky enough to hear some good Trad music if you’re here at the right time.

On coming out of Taaffes turn left onto Cross Street. Go past the Kings Head until you come to Freeney’s . Here you have plenty of seating options is this charming Pub. Most recommended for small groups are the small partitioned sections of the main bar. On leaving Freeney’s go directly across the street to Murphy’s where the clientele is as Galway as it gets. Settle into some comfortable seats and finish off the night.

Image

Back the West- Bohemian

Although Galway is a small City it still has its distinctive neighbourhoods. The bohemian spirit in the City is at its strongest in the area around Dominic Street or more simply "the West". This Galway Pub Crawl will give you a good taste of the more offbeat side of Galway. 

This crawl can be pretty much be done in any order although beware of closing times as the Roisin Dubh is the only one open late 7 nights a week.

Start off in Massimo on William Street West. The crowd is chilled out and the atmosphere friendly. Probably the only pub in Galway where a visit to the mens toilet is a must to check out the red lips urinals. One of a number of Bars in town that stock Galway Hooker Beer. Nearby is the Universal. This beautiful pub maybe small but it has a fantastic selection of drinks but be warned some of the beers are strong so choose wisely if you want to continue.

Image 

Next Up is the Blue Note just a quick stumble down the street is a great venue especially for smokers due to the large "outdoor" smoking area at the back.

After this its on to Bierhaus at the corner of Dominic and Henry Street. The widest range of beers in Galway awaits you and for all you photo hounds check out the Graffiti art on the side of the building.

Finally head along Dominic street to the Roisin Dubh . Depending on the time of the evening you can check out the music in the back or grab a seat near one of the many bars

Enjoy 

 

The Quay Street Shuffle

 

This Pub crawl is definitely best enjoyed during Festival season although you will be lucky to squeeze in during Race week.

The Quays

 

Starting off in the intimate confines of Neachtain’s where you can soak in some of Galway Pub Culture at its finest while also soaking in somNaughtonse pints.

Continue across the street to the equally atmospheric Quays Pub and be sure to check out the unusual features taken from a French  Church. If you can drag yourself away go across the street to The Spanish Arch bar where depending on the night you will be able to soak up some good music be it Big Band or Trad.


 

On leaving the Spanish Arch head up Quay Street towards Shop Street and go into The Front Door where you have plenty of areas to choose from. With a late bar several nights a week you can wind down until the wee hours.