The Irish Pub is an institution – a place where stories are told, music is played, and friendships are made. It never rains inside a pub, so Irish people can experience a little bit of sunshine inside these four walls. The pub is more than just a place to have a drink. Like the church, it has played a central role in bringing communities together for centuries.
In the pub, plans are hatched, deals are made, and the future of the country is shaped. As a leader for small-group tours of Ireland, we’ve been in our fair share of pubs, so we’re perfectly placed to recommend a few of our favourite watering holes along the Wild Atlantic Way. You will definitely visit some, if not all, of them on your adventure with us.
Scroll down to get started on our picks! And if you have any questions for us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Neachtains in Galway City
You will first be taken in by the inviting blue and yellow exterior of Neachtains. This, coupled with the cozy snugs and great choices of beer and wine, will win you over. Neachtains has a great outdoor seating area on the busy Bohemian streets of Galway. Talented buskers are never too far away, so you can relax, enjoy a pint, listen to some music, and watch the world go by.
The Oslo in Salthill, Galway
For all you craft beer enthusiasts, this is the pub for you. It is located in Salthill, meters away from the Promenade on Galway Bay. Oslo is home to the Galway Bay Brewing Company. They also have a vast selection of craft beers from around the world. What they don’t have is not worth drinking! The bar staff are all beer enthusiasts too, which always helps.
This is the perfect place to while away an afternoon tasting the offerings and indulging your inner beer snob! And while you’re in this incredible city, find out why Galway is known as Ireland’s cultural heart.
Tigh Joe Watty’s on the Aran Islands
This is one of the oldest pubs on Inishmore – the largest of the Aran Islands. They serve fantastic seafood straight from the Atlantic… Try the mussels after cycling from Dún Aenghus! In a location this remote, this amazing pub is the obvious stop before turning in for the night. Their motto is: When you drink at Tigh Watty’s, you drink with the locals. What could be more authentic than that?
Guests have been known to pick up a word or two of Gaelic at this watering hole, and one guest has even fallen in love with a Galway Girl!
The Cronin’s Sheebeen in Westport Quay
After a challenging climb on Croagh Patrick, The Ole Sheebeen pub on Westport Quay is one of the most inviting watering holes in the west of Ireland. The staff and the delicious food are what make this place special. Visit the Sheebeen once and you will not be forgotten! This is a great spot to strike up a conversation with the locals and learn a bit more about Westport and its surroundings.
Don’t miss our Guide to Hiking Ireland’s Croagh Patrick if you plan to summit our country’s holiest mountain!
Matt Molloys in Westport Town
Staying in Westport, we cannot leave Matt Molloys pub off our list. Come for a pint and stay for the craic. Matt Molloy’s is a great spot for attracting locals and tourists alike. With live traditional music playing every night it is not surprising that they always have a full house.
The pub is located right in the middle of Westport Town, one of our choices for the best small villages to visit in Ireland. It would be a sin not to enjoy a tune and a drink during your stay with Tour Ireland.
Find More Authentic Experiences on Our Ireland Tours
We hope you’ve enjoyed our picks for the best pubs in the west of Ireland! If you want to visit one or more of them, browse our range of small-group Ireland tours and find the perfect fit for your needs. If you have any questions about our trips, please just contact us for the answers you need.
