The reopening of MacNeill’s burrowed in the historic cellars of The Hardiman on Eyre Square is a momentous occasion in Galway City. Find out more here...
This historic pub was originally established within The Hardiman Hotel in the late 19th Century, a well-known, iconic pub witnessing the changing character of the city over the years and enjoying various identities such as O’Flaherty’s and Fagan’s.
The best of the old, mixed with contemporary touches, means the refurbished and repurposed pub retains its classic charm, but with added comfort and extra style. Its nooks and crannies, cosy snugs, character and characters, make MacNeill’s a welcome addition to the Galway pub scene!
MacNeilll's Pub at The Hardiman in Eyre Square
For many, the reopening will evoke feelings of nostalgia. Those who visit the premises for the first time will find MacNeill’s to be an inviting space with a warm atmosphere, coupled with great traditional food and drinks, helping to establish its status as ‘the new local’.
The design concept for MacNeill’s Pub came from designer Graham Barrow, the person responsible for design schemes such as Fire Restaurant, Sole Restaurant and, more recently, Hellfire in Dublin.
"I tend to shy away from anything that looks like it's been ordered from catalogues, preferring a more bespoke, custom-made approach to interior design, thus creating a space that is individual and harmonises with the luxurious Hardiman Hotel above," he says.
To realise his concept, he sourced salvaged materials for parts of the pub, mixing these with lux fittings, sleek flooring and heritage wallpaper. The use of these old and new features throughout creates a cocoon-like labyrinth of spaces within the basement, offering residents and visitors a myriad of options in terms of backdrop, ensuring a different experience with every visit. The charming interior, with its dark wood panelling, cosy nooks and snugs, and stunning stained-glass windows, gives a nod to the heritage of the historic property and its traditional culture.
Food at MacNeill's Pub
The Food…
The soul-warming comfort of traditional Irish dishes dominates the food menu at MacNeill’s Pub, all while incorporating contemporary flavours and techniques. Sourcing local, fresh, seasonal ingredients is the mainstay of the new Pub that pays homage to Irish heritage while embracing the evolving tastes of today. The new menu is an exciting contemporary menu with something for everyone from Brunch to Light Bites, Mains and more. The finest local seafood and shellfish will feature strongly, with classic dishes such Seafood Chowder and Fish & Chips on the menu. Other dishes include winter warmers such as Classic Irish Stew and Traditional Bacon and Cabbage. Desserts are to-die-for and include sublime classics such as Baileys and White Chocolate Mousse and Granny Smith Apple Cheesecake.
The Drink…
An extensive selection of Irish and international lagers and craft beers, including some tasty finds, will be served while punters can, of course enjoy a pint of a perfectly poured Guinness while Irish Whiskey and Spirits enthusiasts will be happy with the extensive whiskey collection. New to MacNeill’s will be an array of bespoke cocktails as well as your old favourites with a MacNeill’s twist to take you back in time, with a well-trained bar service team proud to serve the community.
Cosy Corners at MacNeill's Pub
Entertainment is a must in the lively City of the Tribes, and MacNeill’s will host regular live music and invite local cultural artists and performers to take part in trad sessions, poetry and storytelling sessions, local history highlights, and more. Be sure to follow @macneillspub on social media and keep an eye out for their live entertainment announcements.
Over €400,000 was invested in the refurbishment and repurposing of MacNeill’s Pub with 15 new jobs being created in bringing the Pub back to the city, and you might just see some familiar faces there also.
An additional 20 rooms have just been announced for The Hardiman Hotel, so it’s exciting times for the Galway venue.
Opening in time for the busy Christmas period with the Galway Christmas Markets in full swing right upon MacNeill’s doorstep, it's going to become the place to be when everybody discovers the pub down the stairs!
The team at MacNeill’s is looking forward to welcoming old and new customers to experience the timeless charm of the new pub and can’t wait to show you around. Come on in!
Photos by Daniel Geeson
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