There’s nothing quite like teetering on the edge of your seat, pint in hand, waiting for your team to score with the whole pub erupting into a collective roar. Galway is known for its community spirit and come match day, it’s always at an all-time high at these Galway sports bars.
An electric atmosphere second to none, flowing pints and good grub to keep the stomachs lined, watching the game on a pub’s big screen is the only way to do it. While Galway’s absolutely flooded with quality places to cheer on your team, here are some of the best sports bars in Galway...
Taylor’s Bar
For a match day experience you'll never forget, head straight to Taylor's Bar in Galway's Westend. With two big screens in the beer garden and five more inside, no matter where you end up sitting you will have a stellar watch point for all the action. If you're planning on making a day of it with your pals, book ahead of time and you might just be able to reserve their nook specifically for yourselves. Topping it all off, Taylor's offers 20% off on all cocktails from Sunday to Thursday, so really why wouldn't you choose Taylor's as your match day venue?
7 Dominick Street Upper, Galway's Westend // more here
Charlie's Bar
Charlie's Bar in Loughrea has all your match day needs covered. Their eight 65" TV’s and floor to ceiling big screen with full surround sound system both inside and out guarantees that you’ll always have a good view of the game from the high stool when your team is playing. The outdoor seating area can sit up 300 people so don't forget to bring all your friends along with you to help you with the cheering. Charlie's have also been known to throw a BBQ in their beer garden ahead of big matches just make sure you keep an eye on their socials to stay up to date on all the latest.
51 Main St, Loughrea // more here
McGettigan’s
Known amongst the masses as one of the leading sports bars in Galway, McGettigan’s draw people from far and wide come match day. With a whopping 16 large-screen HD TVs all showing the world's top sporting events, there’s plenty of space to enjoy the game with all your friends. Home to a high-energy buzz and ideally located on the edge of Eyre Square, this is just the spot to stay fueled with delicious bar foods and cocktails before, during and after the action.
9-11 Prospect Hill, Eyre Square // more here
An Púcán
Famous for its inviting atmosphere, terrific drink offerings and quality food, An Púcán really is the whole package. If you’re an avid rugby or football follower, this city centre spot is always showing the latest match day madness on their big screens. There are over 11 screens scattered throughout the pub and you will always feel like you’ve ended up with the best seat in the house. Not to be forgotten their huge Heineken themed beer garden is always buzzing on big match days so if you're looking to watch the game with fellow supporters of your team this is the spot.
11 Forster Street, East Village // more here
Capones
If you're after a sports bar that serves up unique match day specials, Capones in Knocknacarra can't be beat with their unmissable deals on pints, pizza and burgers. Having built up a reputation as the place to be come match day, the Speakeasy Bar at Capones offers a range of Italian inspired dishes and an incredible cocktail menu that is packed with the classic and delicious house creations. The sound team at Capones will have you feeling at home from the moment you step in door.
1 Kingston Road, Knocknacarra // more here
Hole in the Wall Bar
In amongst the bustle of Woodquay is the stunning Hole in the Wall Bar and when it comes to watching the match with a sound group of people, very few places do it better. They've got plenty of big screens to keep you tune into all the action, so no matter where you're seated inside or out in their beautiful spacious beer garden, you'll have terrific seats. Hole in the Wall is the perfect spot for large groups so if you're planning on enjoying the game with your mates, this might just be the spot for you.
17 Eyre Street // more here
Harry's Bar
Bringing together handcrafted cocktails, tasty food and big screens galore to create one of the most enjoyable drinking experiences in the city, Harry’s Bar is without a doubt one of the best bars in Galway for watching the match. Screening all the very best sporting action on their big screens, just pull up a chair and let the cheering commence. Having won multiple awards for their burgers and cocktails you can enjoy some seriously delicious pub grub while you tune into the game.
77 Bohermore // more here
The Skeff
At The Skeff, they’re always match-ready and with a full sports listing across their numerous screens, when it comes to watching your game of choice you can bet that The Skeff will be showing it. As well as screening all the big fixtures, this team are big supporters of all things Tribal including Galway County’s hurling and football teams as well as Connacht Rugby. When it comes to the Six Nations we've known them to offer pints of Guinness and even give away match tickets for lucky supporters! The Skeff undoubtedly is one of the best places to go to catch all the match day action.
27 Eyre Square // more here
Merchant Bar & Restaurant at Eyre Square Hotel
Just a stone's throw from the city train and bus stations, Merchant Bar & Restaurant is a perfect place to tune into all the sporting action. They have plenty of big screens for the major events, whether it is GAA, soccer or rugby that's showing. To accompany your matchday viewings the team at Merchant Bar have got a fantastic menu available. Original selection of craft cocktails from their own in-house mixologist, a modern wine list and great tasting beers available every day of the week, you can't go wrong when you choose Merchant Bar.
6 Forster St, East Village // more here
PJ Flaherty's Pub
If you haven't already been to catch a game live in PJs Bar Salthill, you need to ASAP! Electric atmosphere, stunning Salthill location and terrific in-house bar offers on big match days, not to mention their soon to be brand new speaker system, at PJs it's every sport's lover dream. For all of your match day needs, cheer on your favourite teams with a pint in hand in the company of the sound heads at PJs.
Salthill Lower // more here
The Kings Head
Screening a variety of sports including GAA, soccer and rugby, The King's Head’s ground level big screen always draws a crowd. Combined with a bite to eat from their amazing bar menu and a frothy pint, this is a great spot for a more intimate viewing experience. Whether you fancy butting heads with a fan of the opposition or talking strategy with a like-minded soul, this is the place to do it.
15 High Street, Latin Quarter // more here
Seven Bar
With multiple big screens in prime locations throughout the bar, Seven Bar is a sports lover’s heaven. Pints have a tendency to be flowing, so make sure to get a round in and try out Seven's famous chicken wings before it all kicks off. When the action is all over, stick around to enjoy the live music and resident DJs, and party the night away no matter whether you're celebrating or commiserating the outcome of the game. It's always a good time at Seven.
5-7 Bridgestreet, City Centre // more here
The Dáil Bar
For all the main games and sporting events, The Dáil's got it. Proud supporters of a selection of local teams including Connacht Rugby and Galway United, the crew at this pub know how to show sports fans a good time. Great craic, delicious food options and a vast drink selection, you're certainly in for a treat every time you end up at The Dáil Bar.
42-44 Middle Street, Latin Quarter // more here
Murty Rabbitt’s
With screens galore, plenty of craft beer and a big aul beer garden out the back, Murty Rabbitt’s is well worth the short jaunt from Eyre Square to catch all the excitement of match day live. They’ve got plenty of screens to keep your attention firmly on the game, but if you fancy having a little nibble to keep hunger at bay, they serve great food all day long.
25 Forster Street, East Village // more here
The Cellar
GAA, soccer or rugby, you name it - The Cellar will be showing it on their HD screens. Any day of the week, passersby will hear roars of encouragement echo from the walls of this Eglinton Street gem and once you’ve stuck your head in the door, chances are you’ll be joining them. Make sure to grab some great grub to keep you going while you power through the pints - there really is something for everyone at The Cellar.
12 Eglinton Street, City Centre // more here
