Galway's status as one of the key visitor destinations on the island continues to be enhanced by its trail of Irish whiskey bars. We delve into what delights they have to offer visitors here at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way. Discover where to raise a glass in the best whiskey bars in Galway right here…
The 1852 Whiskey Club
The 1852 Whiskey Club is a dedicated whiskey bar that’s all about discovery and trying new things. With whiskeys from all over the world and one of the largest selections available in the West of Ireland a visit is highly recommended. Don’t worry if you don’t know your single malt from your Midleton Rare - they just love talking whiskey tasting. The highly knowledgeable staff are on hand to gently guide you through new and exciting Irish and international brands. Located on the ground floor facing Galway’s Eyre Square, you’ll feel right at home learning about whiskeys of the world.
Whiskey Platters: Whiskey Ambassador (€18), The 4 style of Irish Whiskey (€23), The Skeff Premium (€100), Midleton Distillery (€21)
Address: The Skeff Bar & Kitchen, 27 Eyre Square
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Sonny Molloy’s Irish Whiskey Bar
Steeped in Galway’s rich whiskey heritage, Sonny Molloy’s Irish Whiskey Bar is one of the country’s most popular whiskey bars - and for good reason! It was chosen by Redbreast Whiskey as the first on-trade establishment in the world to release a 16-Year-Old Single Cask whiskey. Exclusively bottled for the award-winning bar, it marked the first ever partnership between Redbreast Whiskey and a bar. Additionally, Sonny Molloy’s is home to the world’s most expensive Irish whiskey platter, arguably featuring the finest whiskeys ever produced! This bar is definitely one for whiskey enthusiasts and should absolutely be on your radar.
Whiskey Platters: A Welcome to Irish Whiskey (€19), The Distiller’s Choice (€20), Irish Pot Still Gems (€21), Sip the 4 Irish Styles (€23), Sonny Molloy’s Premium Selection (€59.95), Sonny Molloy’s Prestige Platter (€2,750)
Address: 3 High Street
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Garavan’s Bar
Garavan’s Bar is a famous traditional Irish bar in the heart of Galway City. Winner of the Irish Whiskey Bar of the Year award in 2017, this is a must-visit for any whiskey enthusiast, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or discovering the world of Irish whiskey for the first time. At this bar, they believe the true beauty of whiskey lies in the nuances of flavour and aroma that make each whiskey unique. This is why all of their tasting platters come with whiskey notes that detail the nose, taste, and finish of each whiskey, along with recommendations for the best way to enjoy them.
Whiskey Platters: Classic Whiskey Tasting (€12), Pot Still Whiskey (€18), The Blake’s Estate Vintage Whiskey (€60), The Grand Master’s Irish Whiskey (€120)
Address: 46 William Street
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Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden
The relationship between Taylor’s Bar & Beer Garden and whiskey stretches as far back as the bar itself! Before Taylor's became the bar you know and love today, it was under the ownership of its namesakes Patrick and Vera Taylor in the 1940s. They sold quality meats along with snuff, tobacco and general groceries. Whiskey and other liquid refreshments were available in the back bar too - the more you know! Nowadays, this historic bar boasts as fine an Irish whiskey selection as you would expect, with tasting trays available for you to try across a full range of pot still, malt, grain and blended expressions.
Whiskey Platters: Introduction to Pot Still (€20), Sailors Home Whiskey (€25), Pot Still Heaven (€25), Premium Pot Still (€60)
Address: 7 Dominick Street Upper
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Freeney’s Bar
Everywhere you look there’s whiskey! A venerable museum to Irish whiskey, Freeney's Bar has an incredible collection on display, as well as a range available to try by the glass and to buy by the bottle. Family owned and operated since 1938, Freeney’s is one of Galway’s original whiskey bars. There’s a real warmth and character about the bar and their Irish whiskey selection is truly exceptional. They also have quite the display of whiskeys around the bar and an expert knowledge of the spirit. If whiskey is a love of yours, a quiet one in Freeney’s Bar should be on your bucket list.
Address: 19 High Street
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An Púcán
Offering customers access to a tailor-made whiskey experience that will not only engage the connoisseur but also the curious, An Púcán has a serious passion for providing great-tasting whiskeys that everyone will love. They aim to bring together like-minded people to appreciate and enjoy some of the best whiskeys around. Alongside their collection of premium Irish whiskeys, you’ll find a variety of whiskeys here from across the globe, including some from; Japan, Sweden, Canada, and America. This extensive range can be enjoyed in a number of ways, including whiskey flights and in cocktails.
Whiskey Platter: Beer-Lovers (€13), Pot Still (€21), Wine-Lovers (€22), Top Shelf (€60)
Address: 11 Forster Street
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O’Connell’s Bar
At O’Connell’s Bar, shelves are brimming with gins, vodkas, rums and local brews, but whiskeys take the centre stage. They are well known for their vast and ever-expanding whiskey collection, however their love of whiskey doesn’t stop with just tasting because in 2022, they launched their own exclusive Powers 12-year-old Single Cask Whiskey. Under the guidance of Cork’s Midleton Distillery - the home of Irish Whiskey- O’Connells introduced the whiskey lovers of Galway to brand-new flavours and received a phenomenal response as a result, read all about it here.
Whiskey Platters: Cask Strength, Welcome to Irish Whiskey, Wild Atlantic Way, Irish Pot Still
Address: 8 Eyre Square
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The Dáil Bar
The Dáil Bar is home to an extensive selection of both Irish and international whiskeys. From smoky and robust to smooth and delicate, each sip of whiskeys at The Dáil Bar tells a story of craftsmanship and character. Every month, the staff at The Dáil Bar nominates a new “Whiskey of the Month” to highlight the range of blends they have to offer. These whiskeys are always worth a taste especially if you are looking for something a bit different, their staff can provide more whiskey recommendations which will satisfy both new and seasoned enthusiasts.
Address: 42-44 Middle Street
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Kelehans Bar
If you love Irish whiskey, you’ll be delighted to learn about Kelehans Bar’s brand-new whiskey platters. These expertly curated platters are the perfect complement to any night out or meal. With three different options to choose from, you can also create your own platter from their wide selection of whiskeys. Kelehan’s Bar features plenty of cosy snugs and corners, making it an ideal spot to meet up with a fellow whiskey lover. Enjoy a tipple and catch up over some delicious whiskeys in this warm, inviting setting.
Address: N59, Bushypark
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Honourable Mentions:
Ahascragh Distillery
Book a whiskey distillery tour and tasting here
Ahascragh Distillery is Ireland’s first zero-emissions distillery and offers a unique experience for all whiskey and gin enthusiasts and those interested in history, tradition and craftsmanship. All tours of Ahascragh Distillery are fully guided and conclude with a tasting of their award-winning whiskeys, creating memories and tastes that will linger long after your visit. These tours are a treat for all whiskey lovers so book your visit today via the link above. Their whiskey products include Clan Colla Irish Whiskey, and UAIS Irish Whiskey. Their Family Bond Irish Whiskey range was recognised as category winner at the prestigious 2023 World Whiskies Awards; as well as receiving gold medals at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Awards and the Irish Whiskey Masters, among others.
Address: Chapel Street, Ahascragh
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Micil Distillery
Book the Micil Whiskey Experience here
Micil Distillery was Galway’s first legal distillery in over 100 years, producing Irish poitín, gin, cream and whiskey. Their Micil Whiskey Experience takes you on a deep dive into the history of Irish whiskey, exploring how it’s made, and uncovering details about brewing, distilling, cask finishes and maturation. You’ll discover what makes Micil’s whiskey so unique, and learn about the innovative blending and cask finishing happening at Micil Distillery. The tour takes place in a working distillery and includes three tastings: two independent whiskey bottlings by Micil and a special Heritage Edition poitín made with peated barley and oats. It’s a fun, interactive experience and a must-do for all whiskey lovers.
Address: 226 Upper Salthill
Learn more here
Galway Food Tours
Book a Galway Whiskey Tour here
The enthusiastic and knowledgeable team at Galway Food Tours are the perfect guides for your tour of this city's finest whiskey bars. On the 'Galway Whiskey Tours,' these experts will guide you around the streets of Galway into some of the oldest bars to discover the best of Irish whiskey. Not only will you be tasting some of these terrific drinks but also getting a great understanding of Ireland’s rich whiskey, both past and present. These tours are an ideal introduction for all whiskey amateurs or anyone looking for an fun, informative afternoon tasting uisce beatha (whiskey).
Learn more here
For more information visit The Galway Whiskey Trail’s Facebook page HERE. Comprising the finest whiskey bars in Galway City, this trail can guide you to your next glass of whiskey. Whether you're searching for a rare exclusive malt or wish to sample whiskeys from a wide variety of distillers, The Galway Whiskey Trail is your perfect companion.
Feature photo of The 1852 Whiskey Club at The Skeff
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