Best Trad Music Pubs
Traditional music sessions in Galway 🪕
Galway has a vibrant traditional Irish music scene and a history of producing some of the most successful traditional Irish musicians. De Dannan, were once based in Galway and other figures in traditional music like Dolores Keane, Frankie Gavin and Mairtin O’Connor, also hail from Galway. Popular bands including the The Saw Doctors and The Stunning, were formed in Galway too. The wealth of musicians performing on the streets and in local venues is a testament to the strong music scene here.
There are plenty of theatres and pubs that showcase the work of local and visiting musicians such as The Town Hall Theatre, An Taibhdhearc, Galway Arts Centre, the the Roisin Dubh, Crane Bar, Taaffe’s Bar, Tig Coili and Monroe’s are just a selection of places to see live performances of various types on a regular basis. Many of these are pubs with interesting histories, so you can journey into old Galway accompanied by some of the best Irish music in the country. Below is a list of the pubs where traditional Irish music sessions are held on an almost daily basis.
Tigh Coili
Tigh Coili Pub in Galway City is one of the most popular bars in Galway and is famous for its traditional Irish Music sessions. Tig Coili is at the end of the main shopping street in Galway and is full of atmosphere. Tigh Coili has no TV’s or pool tables to distract you from the excellent Irish music and craic where you are likely to see well known artists like Sharon Shannon join the session.
Taaffes Bar
You are sure to catch a traditional Irish music session in progress in Taaffes at any time of the day or night. The bar’s location in the middle of the main shopping thoroughfare ensures a busy daytime pub where the ceol and the craic take precedence. Taaffes is a great traditional pub in the centre of the city, with live sessions at 5pm and 9pm each day. Food served until 2pm each day.
The Crane Bar
The Crane is a renowned Irish traditional venue situated in the West end of Galway City. Traditional music is on the menu here seven nights a week. This corner pub has a beautiful Victorian façade from the 1800’s, Consisting of two levels, the bar on the ground floor is a local favourite while upstairs comes alive every night for music sessions at 9.30pm. Even though the Crane is tucked away in the West end of the City it is the first stop for many music lovers on their visit to the City due to its reputation as a live music venue. Over the last number of years the Crane has branched out to include a wider selection of music such as roots, blues and singer songwriters.
Tigh Neachtain
Tigh Neachtain is the traditional heartbeat of Galway city, where the sound of Irish folk and song echoes to the clink of glasses by the warmth of the hearth. The home of the creative soul, you can find writers, artists and poets amongst the crowd, drawing inspiration from the calm surrounds. Tigh Neachtain has played host to the most talented traditional Irish musicians and continues to foster home-grown talent, with live music throughout the week.
An Púcán
are firm supporters of the arts and feature some of Galway’s finest on stage 7 Nights a week. The Front Bar at An Púcán hosts two sessions of live music daily in the evening. Early traditional Irish music sessions, followed by acoustic sessions every evening. The Back Stage is live every Friday and Saturday with late opening nights until 2am with live cover bands and DJs making An Púcán a great late night destination.
Garavans Bar
At Garavans, you’re never far from fiddle-loving musicians or storytelling bartenders. A seat at the custom made wooden bar positions you perfectly to hear local tales and tunes, but it’s hard to resist a table in the snug next to the musicians corner and indulging in the perfect pint. Although there is a music session almost nightly, it’s not uncommon to find a musician strumming along throughout the day.
Monroes Tavern
Monroes Tavern features traditional Irish music every night and it is one of the main Irish language pubs in the City, Live music is played here seven nights a week. Monroe’s has a solid reputation as a home for traditional Irish music. Every Tuesday night they have Traditional Irish set dancing which you can join in on if you are confident enough. This is the real deal with locals and tourists really mixing in a great atmosphere.
Galway Trad Sessions FAQs
What are the best traditional music pubs in County Galway?
- An Chistin (Carraroe)
- Olivers Seafood Bar (Cleggan)
- Macdaras Bar & Restaurant (Clifden)
- Lowry’s Music and Whiskey Bar (Clifden)
- Griffin’s Bar (Clifden)
- Powers Thatch Bar (Oughterard)
- The Hooker Bar / Tigh Mhichael Jack (Bealadangan, Lettermore)
- Joe Watty’s Pub (Inis Mór)
- Greens Bar (Kinvara)
- Porterhouse (Oranmore)
- Curleys Bar (Portumna)
- An Bodhrán Buí (Moycullen)
What is a Galway Trad music session?
Traditional music sessions are when musicians come together for the enjoyment of playing music together, sharing stories and tunes, sometimes over a pint or cup of tea in a comfortable place. Sessions typically take place in pubs, community centers, or other public spaces, and they are often open to anyone who wants to join in or listen. Musicians of all skill levels and ages are welcome, and the focus is on sharing the music and creating a lively, social atmosphere.
In a session, musicians usually play a mix of jigs, reels, hornpipes, and other traditional dance tunes, as well as slow airs and ballads. The music is typically played on instruments such as fiddle, flute, tin whistle, accordion, concertina, banjo, bodhran, and guitar. Musicians take turns leading tunes, and others join in with harmonies and accompaniment.
Irish traditional music sessions have a long and rich history, and they continue to be an important part of Irish cultural life today. They provide a space for musicians to connect with each other and with their heritage, and they offer a chance for anyone to experience the joy and energy of traditional Irish music.
How do I join a trad session in Galway
What to expect at a traditional Irish music session?
Music video of traditional Irish music sessions in Galway pubs and outdoor busking on the streets of Galway City.