Pubs with Traditional Music, Galway

Monroe's Tavern is another Irish pub in Galway City that has traditional Irish music seven nights a week. It is a large white building situated close to the Claddagh area in Galway City near the River Corrib. I walked past this pub in the morning. I hoped to return in the evening, but I never made it back. Hopefully, I will enjoy a pint of Guinness at Monroe's next time I visit!

A bit of an 'old man's' pub of first appearances but this little wooden rabbit warren is great.

If you can 'bag' one of the compartment things that sit about six to eight people then you are in for a good night.

It probably has the best kept Guinness in Galway and there are often traditional Irish music sessions on - some impromptu. and not aimed at tourists.

Don't bother to eat here - but do get involved, it is good place to talk about everything and anything with anybody.

Dress Code: none

I got lured in here the first time by a duo of middle-aged men singing "Caledonia." The second time, I was led there from a more touristy bar by a local man who seemed to be a regular there. It wasn't until my third trip over that I got the pun of the name. Not a bad pub, but expect it did seem to have an older crowd.

Dress Code: none, as far as I could tell.

This was the first pub I went to in Galway City, and despite being a tourist magnet, it was also a pretty lively bar. There is a small stage for trad bands in the rear of the pub, but most of the activity is at the bar itself, where tourists (and a few locals) can gather and talk travel.

Last time I went to Galway I managed not to see any of the attractions as we got stuck for a few days in the Cottage Bar near Salthill. The first night we were there, there was a hen night on for Sharon Shannon's sister. Sharon is a very popular Irish folk musician and the nicest girl you can ever meet. The pub was full of eccentrics and mad musicians. Even when they couldn't stand or talk any more, they still played their music pitch perfect. I practically lived on toasted ham and cheese sandwiches for a few days as that was the main grub on sale in the pub. Though there is no guarantee that Sharon will always be there when you pay the bar is visit, there also normal regular trad sessions over the weekends. It's like the Bermuda Triangle: Once in, you may never find your way out again.

Friends of mine play there (members of group CRANNOG):
in Ireland musicians are not only professionals, most are "volunteers"
and i really enjoyed the pint

Dress Code: Any who comes with fiddle, guitar, or flute, or voice... may join the "SEISIUN"

Great traditional Irish music session we came across on a Thursday night at The Western Hotel.
Music started with just 3 musicians, but every 10 minutes or so someone new appeared out of the
woodwork, to make a mega-jam of 12 musicians. This isn't a "touristy" show, but rather great irish musicians
playing mainly for themselves, a great find!

Came across a brilliant session here on Thursday (18/1/2007), eleven or so musicians,
great acoustics and ambience. Fast reels and jigs, but also ballads, slow airs, even some
blues thrown in. Recommended listening! Apparently its on every Thursday, 9.30.

See http://godel.nuigalway.ie/opentrad/

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Went to The Western Bar after seeing a poster for their traditional Irish music on Thursday and Friday nights. It is a really cool bar/pub, seemed really traditional and local, but not grubby like some "old man" pubs can be. We arrived in at about 10 (the music had started at 9:30), and were immediately thrown into some crazy Irish music! It was exaclty what I had been hoping for. Thursday nights they have an open session, so anyone can play, and as the night went on (of course we stayed) I think there were about 12 musicians- just people off the street who came in! so cool. I can't play any instruments, but it felt great to just clap along and let out a whoop every once in a while, a few more pints and i would have been up on the table doing my best Irish jig. I seriously recommend the Western Bar if you are looking for great Irish traditional music, its really close to the city centre and I got to learn all about what the Irish call "craic".

Dress Code: Whatever you want!

On a corner down Dominick Street, just opposite the Spanish Arch in Galway city. Good pizza and beer. Lively music from local traditional musicians. CD and T-shirt sales.

Dress Code: Casual