It should come as no surprise that Galway, Ireland is home to great nightlife: The country is covered in pubs, and the presence of a major university, plus a reputation as a hotbed for traditional music make Galway one of the best places to embark on a pub crawl. Anywhere you go in the city, you can generally rely on a friendly atmosphere, good pints and whiskeys, and pub fare that ranges from serviceable to excellent, plus many offer live music nightly. These are a few pubs that we think stand out in Galway for their notable food, lengthy whiskey lists and stellar music.

The facade of the King's Head Pub; photo via Wikimedia Commons.
The King's Head is one of the oldest pubs in Galway—it's been in operation since the 1600s, but the building dates from the 13th century—and it also happens to serve one of the city's finest menus of pub fare. The burger and fish and chips are recommended, but the menu is varied and offers several homey, traditional Irish plates, too. Great Guinness and an ample whiskey list, along with friendly staff and a comfortable, low-key vibe make this place a must-visit. Like all great Irish pubs, it hosts live music every night of the week.
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Tags: Ireland, Galway, pub, pub crawl, pub fare, Irish music, live music, nightlife, traditional music, whiskey, Guinness, pints