There are many different features that make the land of the Tribes stand out to all others & one of the main reasons has to be as a result of the varied trad music landscape.

Such is the extent of options that myself & the team here in Citylink discovered it as quite the task to narrow it down to a shortlist of six.

They are as follows:

Taaffe’s Bar

Owned by the Lally clan, Taaffe’s is a type of pub that irrelevant what day of the week it is you are guaranteed to find a crowd, and equally as important, a pleasant atmosphere. With sessions as often as twice on a daily basis, the early session being a relaxed & somber gathering at the front of the pub whilst the evening session located the notably small stage at the back of the pub. The best means of meandering through the crowded pub is to dance your way through as it often proves to be a tight squeeze. The smoking area/bathrooms are also situated down the back of this long-established pub.

Tiġ Ċóilí

This trad music pub is located on mainguard street at the end of shop street. So, let us bring you the good news first, this Tig Cóilí is renowned for its trad music sessions 7 nights a week meaning locals & tourists alike can soak up all the atmosphere, craic & ceoil they can take in. Even members of this family owned pub try their hand at a song or two when they are not called upon behind the bar. In the summer, the seating area out the front is a nice setting to enjoy a pint out the front.

Murty Rabbitts

Located just off of Eyre square on Forster Street, Murty Rabitts serves its customers a weekend of trad music to enjoy as well as some tasty meal options.

This recently decorated bar has lots of comfortable seating as well as an open fireplace to add to the cosy atmosphere. In addition, it is located just a stones throw away from Galway Coach Station meaning Citylink customers won’t have too far to travel.

Garavans

Garavan’s have great traditional music Friday – Sunday. The one thing that stands out to me about the sessions here is that it feels like you are almost in someone’s house sitting around listening to a group of friends playing a few tunes and enjoying each others company. There is no stage, airs or graces… just enjoyable music!

Garavan’s is one of those hidden gems that normally only Galway people know about. Its not just an ordinary visit to a pub, its an experience you take home with you.

The Crane Bar

The Crane is a well established Irish trad venue located in the West end of Galway City. Traditional music is on the menu here every night of the week. This corner pub has a beautiful Victorian façade from the 1800’s, Comprising of of two levels, the bar on the ground floor is a local favourite whereas upstairs has a great buzz every night for music sessions at 9.30pm. Despite the Crane being tucked away in the West end of the City, it is the first stopping point for many music lovers on their visit to the City due to its reputation as a live music venue.

Monroe’s Tavern

Monroe’s Tavern features traditional Irish music every night and it is one of the primary Irish language pubs in the City,  Live music is performed here seven nights a week. Monroe’s has forged a reputation as a home for traditional Irish music. Every Tuesday night they have Traditional Irish set dancing which you can join in on if you are confident enough. Monroe’s Tavern has a rustic feel with open stone fires, stained glass features and wooden flooring.

*New addition*

Upon advice from Citylink customer Ryan Crowell, we have also decided to include Slow Session at Club Aras an nGael on Dominick St. This is great for beginners with no pressure of performing in front of large crowds & merely appreciating all things Trad. Every Saturday at 7pm & all skill levels welcomed.

You can find out more at their Twitter handle @SlowSession.