The Kings Head, Galway Travel Guide

Name: The Kings Head
Address: 15 High St, Galway, H91 AY6P, IE
Telephone: +35391567866
Price range: 2
Rating: 4.4

4.4 (4457)

800-year-old Galway gastropub where medieval stone walls echo with live music, fresh Atlantic seafood, craft ales, and endless craic in the Latin Quarter's beating heart.

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The Kings Head

Nestled in Galway's vibrant Latin Quarter, The Kings Head is an 800-year-old pub spanning three floors, blending medieval history with lively live music, craft beers, whiskeys, and fresh West Coast Irish cuisine. Renowned for its seafood chowder, Connemara lamb, and no-reservations policy, it offers a quintessential Irish gastropub experience in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way.

A brief summary to The Kings Head

15 High St, Galway, H91 AY6P, IE
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Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 12 pm-12 am
Tuesday 12 pm-12 am
Wednesday 12 pm-12 am
Thursday 12 pm-12 am
Friday 12 pm-2 am
Saturday 12 pm-2 am
Sunday 12 pm-12 am

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Kings Head.

No reservations needed—walk in and claim a spot across three floors, but arrive early for peak times.
Try the benchmark seafood chowder or Blood Red Ale, exclusive to the pub and brewed locally.
Catch free live music nightly or Wednesday trad sessions for authentic Irish entertainment.
Explore all floors: ground for music, bistro for upscale eats, Ruby Room for comedy.

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Explore The Kings Head on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Kings Head, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Central Latin Quarter location; 5-min walk from Eyre Square, €0, accessible anytime.
Bus

City bus to High St stop, 10-min ride from Galway station, €2-3, frequent service.
Taxi

5-min ride from anywhere in city center, €8-12, available 24/7 but peak surcharges.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Restrooms
Food Options
Drink Options
Seating Areas
Sheltered Areas

Discover more about The Kings Head

Historic Heart of Galway

Dating back over 800 years to the 13th century, The Kings Head stands as a cornerstone of Galway's medieval Latin Quarter on High Street. Named after its dark connection to the execution of King Charles I in 1649, the building features original 400-year-old fireplaces, medieval windows, and thick stone walls that whisper tales of the 14 Tribes of Galway. This family-run gem preserves living history while pulsing with modern energy, making it a must-visit for those seeking authentic Irish heritage amid the city's vibrant street life.

Gastropub Excellence

Recognized in the Sunday Times Ireland's 100 Best Restaurants 2025 list, The Kings Head redefines the gastropub with a focus on fresh, local, seasonal ingredients from Ireland's west coast. Executive Head Chef Brendan Keane crafts benchmark dishes like Atlantic seafood chowder, lobster and chips, Cleggan crab claws, Kelly's Galway oysters, scallops with boxty, and cod with sorrel butter sauce. The bistro and bar menus emphasize seafood, Connemara lamb, and organic vegetables, served from 12 p.m. daily without reservations—walk-ins welcome across three spacious floors.

Drinks and Craft Brews

The bar boasts an impressive lineup of local craft beers, including the exclusive Kings Head Blood Red Ale brewed by Galway Hooker Brewery in Oranmore—a hoppy, preservative-free nitro ale with a creamy head. Complementing this are vast whiskey selections, classic cocktails infused with poitín, and Irish tipples that capture the spirit of the region. It's a haven for whiskey trails and craft beer enthusiasts, with signature drinks enhancing the historic ambiance.

Live Entertainment and Craic

Entertainment is at the core, with free live music seven nights a week on the ground-floor main stage, hosting international acts, cover bands like Megabeat and Pyramid, and Wednesday's Trad at the Head featuring traditional Irish music and dancers. The top-floor Ruby Room offers intimate lunchtime comedy with stars like David O'Doherty and Tommy Tiernan, plus venues for Galway International Arts Festival and Comedy Festival. Late bars on weekends extend the revelry.

Central Location and Vibe

Perfectly positioned near the Spanish Arch, River Corrib, and Claddagh, The Kings Head draws locals and tourists alike for its friendly welcome, efficient service, and bustling atmosphere. Open late Fridays and Saturdays until 2 a.m., it serves as a social hub with full bar, outdoor seating, and wheelchair access, embodying Galway's 'City of the Tribes' and 'City of Vibes' moniker.