Historical Pubs in Galway City PART 1

The CraneRichardsons takes in views of Kennedy Park and
Sea Road, Galway CityEyre Square. The pub itself has 2 levels, an off
licence and accommodation. Again this would be a
It's a 2 level bar with the downstairs beenpopular traditional Irish music pub with sessions held
frequented by the locals. The "craic" gets goingmostly downstairs. Bands with different musical styles
upstairs from 9.30pm each evening and is veryhave played in the upstairs venue.
popular with visitors to Galway.The Spanish Arch Bar
These days' traditional Irish music sessions aren't theQuay Street, Galway
only music genre on offer - the Crane has broadenedTraditional Irish music sessions by upcoming musicians
its horizons - roots, blues and the occasional singerare on offer at the Spanish Arch Bar. The energy of
songwriter also add to the mix.youth clearly comes across and it's a definite draw
Taafesfor tourists. At the week end there's more of an
19 - 20 Shop Street, Galwayemphasis on soft rock with the music being geared
This pub has definitely seen a bit of history in itsto older clientele.
time. Taafes has been running as a pub for the pastWhat would the Carmelite nuns have said? Part of
150 years, with the building itself notchingthis pub was actually a 16th century Carmelite
approximately 400 years.Convent and it really is a historical gem. Wood
Traditional music sessions are popular here starting atpanelling from the home of famous British Actress,
5pm (from April to October) and at 9pm (for theLily Langtry can also be seen here.
rest of the year). The great Sharon Shannon (theseCookes Thatch Bar
days joining the legendary Shane Mc Gowan inCookes Corner, Newcastle Road, Galway
concert) played Taafes!Cookes humble beginnings can be traced back to the
As well as being a traditional pub it's also a GAA pub.1600's. It would have been part of the Blake Estate.
Check out the walls while you're here - it's kind of likeThe Cooke family purchased the pub in 1855 and it
a shrine to sporting heroes.was passed down through 5 generations of the
Pub grub is served during the day and it's a hugelyfamily. In 2002 the Cooke family sold the pub.
popular spots with both locals and tourists.Today it's one of only 2 thatched roof bars that
Richardsonsremain in the City. The establishment itself consists
1 Eyre Square, Galwayof 3 bars under 1 roof - a snug, a lounge and the bar
The historical connection here is attached to Jamesunder the thatch roof. You can catch a live music
Joyce's wife, Nora Barnacle. The building was homesession from Wednesday to Sunday, with traditional
to Nora's first love, Michael Bodkin. He was theIrish music sessions featuring on Wednesdays and
influence for James Joyce's story "the dead", due toSundays.
his dying young and also because of Nora's great lovePrivate parties are welcome and Cookes will arrange
for him.for finger food and music.