With a new team, an inventive kitchen, and a beer garden that might just be the city’s sunniest spot, the Hole in the Wall has cemented itself as a must-visit for locals, students, and visitors alike. Read all about it right here...
Food is at the heart of the Hole in the Wall experience. Head Chef Seán, who previously worked at the now-closed Caribou, brings his own flair to the menu, giving it a fresh lease of life. Known for “dirty but tasty” comfort food, the menu leans into indulgent pub classics with a twist.
Burgers are the star of the menu - from double smash patties with smoky bacon to spicy jalapeño options. Alongside them, loaded fries always earn rave reviews, with the bacon jam fries in particular achieving near-legendary status. The steak sandwich is another standout, it’s one of the most popular items on the menu and considered one of the best in Galway. Monthly food and drink specials also keep things fresh, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
The pub’s cocktail offering has become one of its signatures. Quirky, creative drinks rotate regularly, from decadent dessert-inspired sips to refreshing crowd-pleasers. It’s part of what makes the Hole in the Wall an easy choice for both a casual evening pint or a night out with friends. Management, led by Ryan Gibbons, continues to strengthen the cocktail program even further, so there’s always fun new drinks to enjoy.
Ask any regular, and they’ll tell you the beer garden is one of the pub’s biggest draws. Perfectly positioned, it soaks up sunshine from late morning until evening, making it arguably one of the best sun traps in Galway. Recently spruced up with new seating, greenery, and a refreshed layout, it’s a space made for long afternoon sessions that lead seamlessly into night.
Step inside, and Hole in the Wall’s interior sets it apart. Unique and characterful, it’s filled with unexpected details, including two pianos bolted to the ceiling! But behind the style is a serious history. The building is one of Galway’s most photographed bars, gracing countless postcards over the years. Originally a 19th-century agricultural supply store, P.Fahey’s, with stables before transforming into the beloved pub it is today. For many locals, the pub carries personal memories too, from student nights to family celebrations, it’s a place woven into the city’s social fabric.
Community is central to the Hole in the Wall’s ethos. The bar proudly sponsors the Galway Tribesmen Rugby League Club, a partnership that has grown into a genuine friendship over the years. The Tribesmen even host their weekly quiz nights at the bar, highlighting its role as a hub for more than just food and drink. Beyond the doors, the pub is also very much part of Woodquay’s own community - a neighbourhood that values connection, tradition, and bringing up one other. The Hole in the Wall is an evident extension of that spirit: lively yet welcoming, steeped in history yet always forward-looking.
Run with heart by a team who understand the importance of good food, good drink, and good company. The Hole in the Wall is the kind of place that offers something which appeals to everyone, whether you’re new to Galway as a student or a long-time local.
Visit them in-person at 17 Eyre Street, Galway City, and online on socials @barholeinthewall or holeinthewallbar.ie for more. The kitchen is open Monday to Thursday from 5pm, Fridays from 3pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm.
All photos (except for the cocktail shot) are by Lucrecia Henriquez, courtesy Hole in the Wall.
