Three Galway pubs, The Crane Bar, Tigh Neachtain and The Kings Head, have been named among Ireland’s top 50 pubs in a new list published by The Sunday Times.
The list, described as both a celebration of the nation's pubs and a potential point of contention amongst loyal pubgoers across the country, marks the British paper's first attempt at ranking Ireland's most iconic public houses.
Judging criteria
Described as the inaugural (and possibly final ) attempt at ranking the pubs of this island, the collective judging panel made up of food writers John and Sally McKenna, 'pint expert' DJ Thomas "Crossy" Cross, pub author Ali Dunworth and food and drink influencer Cassie Stokes, noted why each pub should be included in the list of Ireland's best.
What emerged was a rich tapestry of Victorian snugs, exceptional service, historic charm, and top-tier pub grub. Modern pubs were in the minority, with character instead of trend winning out. Pub design, storytelling, and standout menus, especially involving chowder, fish and chips, were critical to earning a spot.
Spotlight on Galway
The 50 pubs featured on the list from counties across the island including Dublin (14 ), Kerry (4 ), Clare (4 ), Belfast (3 ), Cork (7 ), Mayo (3 ), Donegal (1 ), Meath (2 ), Westmeath (1 ), Wicklow (1 ), Waterford (1 ), Kilkenny (1 ), Limerick (1 ), Sligo (2 ), Tipperary (2 ) and Galway (3 ).
Among them, three Galway pubs stand tall: The Kings Head, The Crane Bar, and Tigh Neachtain.
The Kings Head
Standing proudly on Galway’s High Street, The Kings Head has been a fixture for centuries, over 800 years. Its name is a nod to a rather gruesome past: the building once housed Colonel Peter Stubbers, believed to be the executioner of King Charles I. These days, it’s a far warmer and livelier place under the stewardship of the Grealish family, known for their passion and care in preserving this landmark.
Described by the McKennas as a “great pub for every manner of socialising,” The Kings Head is not just a historical footnote but a living, breathing part of Galway’s fabric.
"We're really thrilled to be included and to be alongside some true Galway greats in The Crane and Tigh Neachtan. It's always a positive to be involved in the national conversation about things we do well in Ireland, and the best of bars roundup does exactly that," said Paul Grealish of The Kings Head.
The Crane Bar
Described by Dunworth as being a "pure, straightforward pub with creamy pints and a nice contrast to the rest of buzzy Galway", The Crane Bar's long-established passion for traditional music contributed to its inclusion on the list, with the music taken as "seriously as the pints".
"If you're yabbering on, prepare to be shushed," states Dunworth, summing the venue up succinctly as "proper order, proper pints and pure Galway charm".
Tigh Neachtain
Described by Stokes as being "the most beautiful city pub in Ireland," Tigh Neachtain's status as a visual and cultural gem has earned its place on the list.
Established in 1894, Tigh Neachtain's long history in the city is present throughout its all-wood interior, packed full of private snugs and decorated with local artwork, including Galway International Arts Festival posters throughout the event's history.
With an extensive seating area which wraps around the side of the pub, Tigh Neachtain's iconic blue walls and Galway-themed mural serve as the backdrop for hundreds of snaps by tourists and visitors to the city each year.
"It has it all," says Stokes. "A cool space heavily adorned with posters and art, a fantastic range of beer and spirits and excellent people-watching."
Celebrating the culture and spirit of Galway's pubs
The Sunday Times acknowledged that the list would provoke debate, noting that Irish pubs are deeply personal spaces and closely tied to individual memories and communities. The paper said the process sparked “fun discussions, and a few personal affronts along the way.”
Despite that, Galway’s showing in the rankings reaffirms the city’s long-held reputation as a centre for hospitality, music and conversation. For the Kings Head, The Crane Baar and Tigh Neaghtain, the recognition serves as a national endorsement of what us locals have always known: some of the best pubs in Ireland can be found in Galway.
