Merging traditional Irish brewing methods with innovative techniques, these Galway breweries are responsible for giving Galway its name as a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. We want to introduce you to some of our local breweries so if you’re curious to learn a bit more about what you’re drinking you’ve come to the right place.
The thriving craft beer industry in Galway is a result of the talents and skills of its fantastic breweries. In order to give you a glimpse behind the curtain to show you who’s responsible for the delicious beverages you’ve been enjoying, we have compiled a list of the breweries in Galway that deserve to be on your radar. For fun we also have one non-beer mention as well as our recommendation of where to take your first step into Galway’s craft beer scene. Sláinte!
above: Galway Food Tours
Enter Galway’s craft beer scene with Galway Food Tours
If you want to sample a variety of craft beers during your time in Galway, let the award-winning Galway Food Tours’ Craft Beer Tours be your stepping stone into the industry. It’s the perfect way to begin your flavour-filled journey into the world of craft beer in Galway. Guided by a local beer enthusiast, this walking tour will feed you not only with the very best brews from Ireland, but also with facts & stories about Galway, learning the secrets of beer production. Taking place on the first Thursday of every month, secure your place on one today!
Book your Craft Beer Tour here
Duration: 2 and a half hours approx.
Tour includes: Guided tour with beers and nibbles at every stop.
Address: Galway City, starting point will be organised once you book.
Learn more about Galway Food Tours here
above: Galway Hooker Craft Brewing Co
Galway Hooker Craft Brewery
Galway Hooker Craft Brewing Co is an independent artisan brewery that is dedicated to the production of high quality, natural full flavoured beers. It’s Ireland’s third oldest independent brewery and the oldest existing brewery in Connacht. They are the producers of the original Irish Pale Ale, and their range of award-winning products include IPAs, Pilsners, stouts, beers, red ales and more. All of their beers are craft brewed by combining the finest ingredients with traditional brewing techniques, and are brewed using only malt, hops yeast and water. You’ll be able to find and enjoy Galway Hooker beers on tap and bottled in bars across Galway city and county as well as nationwide.
Brewery Tours available from March 2025
Duration: 1 hour approx.
Tour includes: Guided tour with an up-close look at the raw ingredients used to make their beer, a welcome drink on arrival and a Galway Hooker craft flight tasting board.
Address: Carrowmoneash, Deerpark Industrial Estate, Oranmore
Learn more about Galway Hooker Craft Brewing Co here
above: Galway Bay Brewery
Galway Bay Brewery
Founded back in 2009, Galway Bay Brewery is an independently owned and operated brewery that is based in Galway. From classic styles to big barrel aged beers, they brew a full spectrum of beers with a passion for quality and innovation. Galway Bay Brewery is responsible for some of the finest craft beer orientated bars across Ireland. Their list of bars include the Oslo in Salthill, The Dew Drop Inn in the City Centre and The Salt House in Galway’s Westend. Outside of Galway, their bars include Dublin’s The Gasworks, Bar Rua, The Beer Temple, Against the Grain and many more. You can see the full list here. Their popularity is a result of their diverse range of beers which include new monthly releases.
Address: Station Road, Carrowmoneash, Oranmore
Learn more about Galway Bay Brewery here
above: Connemara Brewing Co
Connemara Brewing Co
Led by one of the foremost brewers in Ireland, Aine O’Hora has started and ran both start-up and large international breweries, and she has invested all that experience into Galway’s Connemara Brewing Co. In using traditional recipes and the best local ingredients from Connemara, their range of products have earned them a reputation for great flavours, and consistent high quality. Their signature lager and ales are perfectly balanced and complement many different tastes. To ensure that they deliver the perfect product every time, the brewery focuses on creating small batches of their beers at a time.
Address: Unit 2C, Carraroe Industrial Estate, Carraroe
Learn more about Connemara Brewing Co here
above: BRÚ Brewery
BRÚ Brewery
Brewed on the outskirts of Galway city, BRÚ’s beers are loved nationwide and can be found stocked in bars and restaurants as well as Ireland’s largest retailers such as Dunnes Stores and SuperValu. Originally established in 2013, BRÚ Brewery brews beer for all tastes, whether you’re a seasoned craft beer drinker, or just looking for a familiar quality pint. They offer two core ranges; BRÚ core and Urban Jungle, and all their beers are vegan. Their BRÚ Core range showcases traditional and classic Irish styles with a contemporary twist, while the Urban Jungle range embraces a more adventurous side with bold, modern beers.
Address: Station Road, Carrowmoneash, Oranmore
Learn more about BRÚ Brewery here
above: All About Kombucha
All About Kombucha
While this brewery isn’t producing craft beer, All About Kombucha’s kombucha beverages are certainly worth talking about. They brew unpasteurised, LIVE, and organic kombucha, all of which are hand-canned and brewed in Galway. The team behind this Galway brand’s mission is to create a kombucha which is good on the gut, good to the planet and good on the palate. Their award-winning drinks are our number one choice for non-alcoholic nights out and they have now launched two fantastic DIY brewing kits for all avid kombucha fans. To learn more about these please see the link below.
Address: Lakeview, Claregalway Corporate Park, Claregalway
Learn more about All About Kombucha here
Now that you have a taste for the incredible craft beer and kombucha breweries that call Galway home, broaden your palate by taking a look at the thirst-quenching products coming out of Galway’s best distilleries at the link here.
Feature photo courtesy of Galway Hooker Brewing Co
Published on Updated on
