When it comes to live music Galway comes alive. The bustling streets have an amazing array of buskers, some of whom play in Galway’s top venues. In this article we list just a few of many places to visit for live music in Galway. Some of the best acts in Galway play these venues so sit back and vibe to what Galway has to offer. We’re only babies when it comes to event listings but over the coming months more and more businesses will be able to add their events directly to our events page. Check back soon to be impressed! For now check out the venues below:
Taylors Bar & Beer Garden
Originally a Merchant House, this Bar was converted to a bar and grocery in the late 1800’s. Located in Galway’s Westend Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden has been beautifully restored to its former glory. The pub now boasts some of the best cocktails and a vast selection of spirits.
They have live music nightly from 9.30pm Monday to Thursday. Their Live Music is an eclectic mix from buskers to solo artists and some of Galway’s best bands too!
On the weekends they have live music from 7pm and a DJ from 9.30pm until late. Their choice of DJs is to their credit, homegrown heroes such as Byrno take to the stage.
Every Sunday is a Hoolie with Paul Belton and Mark Dooley, they play host to Music Bingo and one hundred euro worth of prizes to be won!
For more information see:
Monroe’s Tavern & Monroe’s Live
Monroe’s Tavern:
Monroe’s Galway has been offering live music seven nights a week since 1964. Monroes provides unparalleled live music from both famous and soon to be famous acts in Galway. The atmosphere at night time is always buzzing. They cater for tourists and locals alike. Music generally kicks off around 9pm and can include speciality nights such as Latino Wednesdays. You can rest assured at the weekends you won’t have far to go to continue the party. Their upstairs is home to Monroes Live and the Backstage Bar which are award winning in the live music scene.
Monroe’s Live:
Opened in 2009 Monroes was quick to become one of Galway’s best venues for live music. Monroes Live is a 400 capacity award winning venue with nice smoking areas and if you’re lucky, they might even let you bring up a pizza from Monroe’s Pizza Pizza. Since it’s incision into Galway’s nightlife Monroes has seen its fair share of top acts come through the door. Popular Galway act Amazing Apples still play from time to time. They have also played host to big acts such as Sharon Shannon, Hudson Taylor and many more. Monroe’s Club Nights feature some of the best electronic acts in the business too. All powered by a Funktion One sound system. Their backstage venue has a capacity of 150 patrons and plays hosts to intimate nights such as Urban Fridays. Awards they have picked up along there exciting journey include ‘IMRO National & Provincial Winner – Live Music Venue of the Year’
For more information see:
Roisin Dubh
Galway’s Westend wouldn’t be “Galway’s Best End” without the Róisín Dubh. A late bar in Galway they offer plenty of gigs both downstairs and up catering for all types of music genres. It’s where the locals go in the evening. They have probably the friendliest smoking area in Ireland. They also play host to comedy gigs and silent discos. The bar itself is well equipped with a decent selection of craft beers and whiskey. The staff are some of the soundest (nicest) in Galway too.
For more information see:
An Púcán
An Pucan is one of those places that has it all. They offer one of the best selection of live music gigs in Galway too. Located in Galway’s East Village the Pucan offers live trad music and acoustic sessions every day, twice a day. At the weekends their backstage bar plays host to some of Ireland’s best cover bands followed by a DJ til late. An Pucan has a beautiful beer garden to the rear. There are plenty of spaces available for bookings too. They serve award winning food seven days a week and their beverage menu is not to be overlooked, they have a massive selection of wine, whiskey and cocktails for you to indulge in.
For more information see:
https://www.anpucan.ie
The Dáil Bar
The Dáil Bar is a friendly local hidden in Galway’s Latin Quarter. Upstairs is home to ‘The Liquor Lounge’, an award winning cocktail bar. Downstairs they play host to some of Galway’s best musicians that will entertain you til late. Mostly two or three piece bands their live music options vary nightly. What sets this place apart is its hospitality and you get that feeling that you’re almost at home with a band playing in the background. Their staff are friendly and fast, they are full of recommendations for beer, whiskey and gin too. Upstairs you can choose from a nice cocktail menu and they have DJs too. There is a beer garden upstairs and they serve quality food daily too.
For more information see:
Seven
Located on Bridge Street, Seven hosts live music both upstairs and downstairs. They cater for groups and have many specialist gigs upstairs. Bands they play host to include The Lewd Tunes and DJs they play host to include DJ Mark Molloy and DJ Paul Belton. There is a smoking area to the rear but you’re also welcome to smoke out the front. Since its inception Seven has been creating delicious cocktails to enjoy. Frozen cocktails and more seem to appeal to the crowds that flock here. Whilst this venue might look small, its total capacity is to 700 patrons thanks to its layout. It serves delicious food seven days a week too.
For more information see:
The Quays
A live music list wouldn’t be complete without the mention of the Quays. This award winning venue offers live music seven nights a week. They are award winning too having won Ireland’s Best Live Entertainment Bar for 2022. On the weekends their Live venue opens upstairs. It’s a great place to party in Galway’s vibrant Latin Quarter. Their staff are well trained and they offer a good selection of drinks including cocktails. They serve craft beer and premium spirits too. Top quality acts from this venue include the likes of Aslan, Dakota and Hot Fuss. There is a smoking area upstairs and downstairs has outdoor seating.
For more information see:
