The pub has a tremendous significance in Irish culture, and nowhere more so than in the West of Ireland. The pub is not just considered to be a social outlet but it is seen as a worthwhile pastime especially in a place like Galway, which makes no apologies for its pub culture and, in fact, thrives on it. And there'll be a lot more than drink flowing in the average Irish pub where good conversation, the best of music and the 'craic' are the order of the day. It is here that you will find the truest representation of contemporary Irish life as it is embodied in its people, which are, after all, the country's greatest asset.
Pubs in Galway generally open from 10.30 am to 11.30 pm, but some open for longer hours during the weekend. The price of drink varies, but a pint of stout is about EUR 3.30 (Jan 2004). After 29 March 2004, smoking is banned in Irish pubs (and all work places).
So where are the best pubs? Well... this is what our readers think:
