With a young population of locals, a huge student population, seasonal workers and thousands of tourists exploring the west of Ireland every summer, it’s not a surprise that Galway’s nightlife is one of the city’s main attractions. Our nightlife caters to all tastes from those visiting to enjoy a quiet pint in a traditional pub to groups of stags and hens who want to dance into the small hours of the morning. Imperial Hotel Galway offers the ideal accommodation for all types of travellers, no matter how late you want to stay out. Our central location on Eyre Square is within walking distance of all of the action but far enough from the heart of the nightlife scene that you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep. Start your adventure in Galway by booking the perfect accommodation in our Eyre Square Hotel.
Traditional Irish Nights
Many tourists come to Galway to experience a traditional Irish night out and they rarely leave disappointed. Although it’s a tourist attraction, Galway is very much in touch with its traditional roots and has a strong connection to Irish music and language. Music is the heart and soul of Galway’s nightlife and you’ll be drawn into pubs by singing and playing all evening. Tigh Coili hosts Irish music sessions 7 nights a week in a family-run pub in the heart of the city. You’re spoiled for choice with excellent pubs and music in Taaffes, Monroes, The Crane, An Pucan, and the Quays. Some sessions are informal in back rooms and upstairs of pubs, not advertised. There are often street performers singing the best trad music too so follow your ears!
Pubs and Clubs
Did you know that Galway County has an impressive 475 pubs, one for every 506 people that live there? If there isn’t a pub or club in Galway that suits you, it’s possible you don’t like them at all! With a growing population of students and young tourists, there is always a demand for late bars and clubs that go on to the wee small hours. Coyotes Late Bar is a popular choice, Cube Nightclub has just reopened after 13 years closed, Electric Garden is a popular choice for shows and events and Monroes has free live music 7 nights a week. Roisín Dubh is the best place for student events midweek and has a great lineup of shows and music at the weekend. You’ll always find a party in Galway!
Stag & Hen Parties
As a vibrant city with lots of activities and things to do during the day, it’s not surprising that stag and hen parties flock to Galway over the weekend to enjoy the brilliant nightlife. Some smaller bars and pubs don’t allow large groups of hen or stag parties as they’re not big enough to accommodate them but we have plenty of choice in Galway and hundreds of pubs that are happy to welcome your group, no matter what size! Some parties choose to take a guided pub crawl, guaranteeing they don’t miss any of the hot spots in town and there are also more rural bus tours available taking you to traditional pubs in Clifden and Connemara. You’ll find groups enjoying themselves in central pubs like Roisín Dubh, O’Connors Pub, Freeneys, The Quays, and Naughtons.
Theatres and Shows
While we are well known for the fun and craic found in our pubs, bars and nightclubs, you don’t have to have a drink to have fun in Galway. There is always something going on in the city during the year like the Galway International Arts Festival, the Galway Film Fleadh, the Galway Races, and the Galway Oyster Festival. Sometimes the after-parties are better than the daytime events! There are theatres and venues with late evening shows like Leisureland, The Black Box Theatre and Town Hall Theatre, welcoming excellent acts this year like Jimmy Carr, Passenger, Jake Bugg and Rob Lamberti. You’ll find impromptu performances in pub backrooms and community halls across Galway too, just keep your eyes and ears open.
If you’re planning a trip to Galway to experience our famous nightlife for yourself, first book the ideal accommodation in the heart of the city. Imperial Hotel Galway is ideally located on Eyre Square and offers excellent quality, value and a warm Galway welcome, even if you’re not home until very late!
