Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Galway

An excellent pub, located near Thoor Ballylea and Coole Park, once homes to some of our literary revivalists. This pub and restaurant has won various awards, including 'Best Newcomer', 'National Pub 1998' and the 'Black and White Whiskey Pub' Award. Local seafood and mouth-watering steaks are among the specialties, and an excellent selection of wines from all over the world complement any meal. This comfortable establishment incorporates flagstone floors, stained glass windows and a heartwarming open fire. The Blackthorn is a real find for lovers of Irish set dancing; reels and jigs abound on Saturday nights.

This is a genuine old Irish pub with a fine old stone floor and antiquated furnishings. It always has a friendly, warm atmosphere, further enhanced by the turf fires burning on colder days. In summer the billboard outside reads "Ceol Anocht" (Music Tonight) and certainly on most nights there is a lively session in progress, offering a good selection of traditional Irish music.

The Meridian invites elite diners to a royal treat at the Westwood House Hotel. From the food and atmosphere to the service and decor, this restaurant lives up to its four star status. The menu includes a variety of options for breakfast, Sunday lunch and a la carte meals. So if you want to experience delicious Irish preparations in an elegant setting, this is the place for you. For more information, log onto the website.

This pub is ideally situated for the traveler exploring the surrounding area. The main road in Kilcolgan village leads to Limerick. Off to the right is a road leading to the Burren. For anyone who dreams of the perfect Irish pub, this is as close as you get. Moran's is covered by a thatched roof and boasts a comfortable wooden interior. Riverside seating in the company of swans completes the idyllic experience. Renowned for its exceptional seafood, Willie the proprietor is a champion oyster opener, and awe-inspiring surroundings, Moran's is worth a visit.

Formerly an old smokehouse, this restored stone building is one of the coziest places to relax during the Galway winter. Nimmo's features creatively prepared fish and shellfish. The space also serves as a wine bar. In the summer, the view from the windows allows you to watch sunsets over the river. Beyond the stone-clad exterior and up the stairs is a lovely dining area with local artwork on display. At night the stars shine through the skylight, adding to the romantic atmosphere.

Raftery's is located approximately 18 kilometers from Galway city in the small, picturesque village of Craughwell. This award-winning restaurant has been run by the same family for years. It is also a favorite meeting place for the famous Galway Blazers Hunt, who are based nearby. House specialties include Irish Coffee, and the utterly divine smoked salmon on homemade brown bread. Musical entertainment is on offer most nights, usually featuring traditional Irish music. The staff are warm and welcoming and there is usually a good turf fire blazing away.