Where To Enjoy Traditional Irish Music In Galway Ireland

Widely considered one of the nerve centres for traditional Irish music in Ireland, the city of Galway can always be relied on to have at least one ‘session’ – or informal musical gathering – any night of the week. Read on to find out where they are.

Tigh Cóilí

Tagged ‘the home of traditional Irish music’, Tigh Cóilí is a snug pub whose walls are crowded with vintage photos of the musical acts that have played there throughout the years, including international and famous musicians. Conveniently situated right in the city centre, this Galway institution holds Irish music sessions no less than twice a night, seven nights a week. This place is an inevitable tourist magnet, though, so if you’re hoping to get a seat and relax while you listen, you may be better off looking elsewhere.

The Crane Bar

The Quays

Bar, Pub, Restaurant, Irish, European, Pub Grub

Galway’s Latin Quarter is home to many of its best traditional pubs, including Tigh Cóilí and The Quays. This nearly 400-year-old watering hole is home to an upstairs ‘Music Hall’ where TV music specials are often recorded, with a church organ behind the stage, and live music also takes place downstairs in the main bar. The Quays has previously won the All Ireland Music Bar Award, in 2010. More recently, it won City Bar of the Year at the 2016 Sky Bar of the Year Awards. Traditional Irish music can be heard here several nights a week.

The Western Hotel

Tigh Fox Trad House

A stone pub with a welcoming wood-burning stove, the homely Tigh Fox Trad House kicks off its live music a little earlier than other venues. The first of two sessions begins every evening at 5.30pm in the front bar, while the 9.30pm session moves into the stage area in the back. Centrally located just off Eyre Square, Tigh Fox Trad House is known for being a particularly fun and friendly venue.

Tigh Neachtain

According to the Galway City Pub Guide, Tigh Neachtain’s universal appeal even extended to the American Beat Generation poet Allen Ginsberg, who used to drink here when visiting the area. Dating back to 1894, it is still one of the city’s favourite pubs – indeed, people from across the country talk fondly of Tigh Neachtain. Live music takes place here every Sunday, best enjoyed with a glass of whiskey – the bar stocks over 130 different kinds.

About the author

Kate Phelan

From Irish cuisine to the best gallery shows, Kate covers everything Ireland has to offer. She has bylines in numerous publications including IMAGE Interiors & Living.