We stopped by the historic Kings Head pub before dinner on a Monday right around 5 to listen to some live music. They, like many pubs in Galway feature an early show (for tourists mainly) as well as the more traditional 9 pm session. The two- person band we saw featured a fantastic guitarist with a nice voice and a flautist who played a variety of instruments. As we arrive a bit before 5, we had no problem finding a small low table with a couple of stools near the band. The pub is quite large and it was possible to hear the music throughout the place. We ordered drinks at the bar (a bit over priced) and enjoyed our sips for 90 minutes before we had to leave. The band played non-stop the whole time. By the time we left the place was quite full with lots of people standing-the crowd was dominated by Americans. This was a fun taste of Irish culture in one of the more historic pubs in the area dating to the 1600s. read more

The Kings Head - Exterior - Pubs Near Me - Galway, G

the service initially when grabbing food on the second floor was amazing. but then totally dropped off we waiting 30 min for the bill. The fish and chips were quite delicious and worth every penny of purchasing them even though they're more more expensive than any other place on the strip we did get a beer and cider, which was also quite tasty but it's basic. Also they ask for a tip which hasn't happened to us yet... Ambiance is dark and very Irish but cool spot to check out read more

I was really disappointed in both the food and the service. As a solo diner I am consistently overlooked and I'd just like to emphasize I'm owed service like any other table. The food was really poor for what I received--the fries barely cooked and the fish soggy. read more

We truly enjoyed our stop at The Kings Head. The ambiance was enjoyable and the staff were positive and upbeat without it feeling forced. The beverages were cold and quickly refilled...what else could someone want? read more

This restaurant has been around forever. It's one of those institutions that you must visit but you know that it's a tourist trap. The food was edible but not great, however the ambiance and service were outstanding. read more

The Kings Head - Pubs Near Me - Galway, G

Friend and I came here based off of a personal recommendation! When we arrived, it was pretty busy so we were told we'd have to wait a little while for a table. We added our name to a list and grabbed a drink in the meantime! About 45 minutes later, we were called and seated. For drink, I got an apple spice hot toddy that was a seasonal drink. It was delicious! It was the perfect ailment for a sore throat I had at the time. For food, I asked our waitress for some recommendations and ended up getting the black bean burger. After a few minutes, the food arrived. The burger was soooo good. It was soft and had great flavor. Admittedly most bean burgers I've tried in the past have been sad and dry. This burger single handedly changed my tune about bean burgers! The fries were hot and fresh, a perfect side. Overall, my friend and I were really happy with experience. Would be more than willing to come back if I found myself in Galway again. read more

The Kings Head - Bean burger - Pubs Near Me - Galway, G

Very traditional Irish pub with an eating area as well as drinking area with multiple bars. There is outdoor seating in two locations and many different cozy seating areas. They play traditional Irish music, which adds to the charm. Service was polite but not really attentive. Had to flag our waiter down multiple times for water and the check. Food was really good as well. Had the oysters and Guinness stew which were amazing. read more

The Kings Head - Guinness Stew - Pubs Near Me - Galway, G

Perfect classic seafood pub spot during our Wild Rover tour! We were seated immediately and food came out pretty fast, and the girls working there were so sweet! Got a large bowl of chowder with bread and butter for 13 euros and also loved the huge tender fish and chips - the tartar sauce was very flavorful. They had Guinness, of course. read more

The Kings Head - Menu - Pubs Near Me - Galway, G

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Crowded place with lots of tourists but can't say it lived up to our expectations. We had a feeling things were going to go badly when our food came before our drinks. Food was mediocre and service had serious room for improvement. I have a feeling it would be a better spot to visit to have a beer out front and people watch. Would suggest finding another dinner spot given all the options! read more

Stopped here for the live music at the end of the night. It was great, but not traditional Irish music. The drinks were a little more pricey, but def really well done. I got a cocktail and it was one of the better cocktails I got on my trip! read more

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We came to have lunch at this location around 2:30pm on a Friday. We were lucky to be seated quickly and saw many people waiting for tables right after us. We ordered the recommended Kelly's Rock Oysters, Fish & Chips and the grilled codfish plate with lemon butter sauce and seasonal vegetables, and finished with the apple strudel. Everything was absolutely delicious! I would recommend it all. For drinks, we ordered the quintessential Guiness and I finished with an Irish coffee. Both drinks were also good. This place was recommended to us by our tour guide and I am so happy we stopped here. One of our best meals of our trip! read more

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I have an acquaintance I have known for many years. He is a musician and spends considerable time in Galway. It was only natural to ask him his favorite eateries. I was taking a tour while in Ireland and we would be spending a few hours in Galway. It was just after lunch hour so the place was relatively quiet. I ordered a Guinness and the fish and chips. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The portions were huge and well priced. My only regret is that I wouldn't be there during a busy time. That may sound odd but, I believe it would be a raucous good time. Thanks Jay Pinto for the tip read more

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Really enjoyed the atmosphere and the seafood chowder was really good! Very central place.

If you want the quintessential tourist Ireland pub experience, this is one place you can have it at. This place is crowded, has live music and has their bar pumping out drinks quickly. We had a bit of a wait for dinner service, but once we were in the food was good! I ordered the seafood platter and it did not disappoint! So much variety of seafood presented. For dessert I tried the fresh strawberry, cream on meringue. It was so light, it was the perfect closing. Service was not so great, but sort of to be expected with a new server at such a busy place. read more

The Kings Head - Cold Seafood Platter - Pubs Near Me - Galway, G

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I wanted to like this spot more than I did. It was our first stop in Galway. It's a historic spot, and a favorite pub for many in Galway. I wasn't impressed by the service. We found a spot at the bar in back, where people were sitting. We sat for nearly 15min chatting with other people and we still were not even acknowledged. One of us had to go around the bar to find a bartender. My friend and l ordered one of the seasonal drinks on the table top menu, that we had been staring at for a long time waiting to be served. I ordered the apple cider hot today because I had a scratchy throat, my friend got the spiked caramel hot chocolate. They were ok, nothing special. My boyfriend got a point of Guinness, which was fine. We drank our drinks and moved on, not impressed. The inside looked typical, the drinks were fine and the service was subpar. Didn't live up to the hype. read more

The Kings Head - Local beer - Pubs Near Me - Galway, G

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We stopped in on a Thursday afternoon. We absolutely couldn't pass up a pub that's more than 800 years old. The atmosphere and vibe definitely didn't disappoint. Love the ancient winding architectural nooks and crannies, the fireplace. This place was pretty darn busy on a mid-week afternoon. There were servers to come to your tables and they were flying. We ordered at the bar. We loved it so much that I bought a t-shirt ... I thought I bought a black t-shirt but when we got into normal lighting, found out it's blue. haha. Cool pub. read more

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We wanted to love The King's Head, and the service and ambiance were both promising, even though there was a constant sense of hustle and bustle. And the pre-meal cocktails were lovely. But the food was sadly uneven. The Chilled Seafood Platter was delicious. The Crab Claws starter was Ok, but the garilc-butter sauce was a bit too garlic-forward and included chili spice not mentioned in the menu and almost too hot to enjoy. The biggest disappointment was the Lobster and Chips. The chips were tasty and grease less. The lobster, however, was mushy in texture and provided very little meat. My wife and I were sufficiently hungry shared a slice of pizza after dinner -- and found it more satisfying than our experience at The King's Head. Sigh read more

Loved their food!!! Fresh authentic irish seafood 1000% a bit pricey but so worth it. We ordered irish coffee while waiting for a table, but we got our table so fast! It was a bit after lunch so just typical bsuy busy read more

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Got very busy here as soon as the tour bus loads got in. The potatoes and chicken were dry. The burger was very good though and highly recommend the garlic mayo. read more

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I honestly can't give a proper review of the food because the experience there was awful. We ordered more food than this but I stopped taking photos because I was so uncomfortable. A man that we were sat beside harassed us all night at dinner. He talked to his friend all night about impregnating women ( yes literally all night!) and every time he mentioned a woman he touched my mother. He kept reaching over our table to touch my drink multiple times. The waitresses were kind and tried to distract the man and ask him if he was done eating but said that they weren't a loud to throw him out. He started angrily eating his food and insisting we were African. Then said he could treat us anyway that he wanted in his country. At this point we got up and left because I feared for our safety. But there's no reason he should've been a loud to continue his dinner while we had to remove ourselves. read more

The Kings Head - Salmon salad - Pubs Near Me - Galway, G

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Delightful atmosphere and decor. Sweetest server in Ireland. Food was delish. Would definitely go back. read more

The Kings Head - Seafood chowder champ and chips - Pubs Near Me - Galway, G

Such a cool spot, with an interesting history! I tried the Guinness stew, boxty, and soda bread. Everything was delicious! The servers were friendly and service was prompt. They are very allergy-friendly and will ensure your food allergies are known by the kitchen. read more

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Best night of our trip was spent here. Great live band, was a bit off the beaten path so was not jammed with people. Got to dance and have a great night, definitely a spot to stop in on your trip. read more

The Kings Head - Espresso martini - Pubs Near Me - Galway, G

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Feels really like a tourist trap - we came before the live music came on but it seemed almost every single patron was a tourist. The bar service was kind of slow and the vibes and ambiance were just not there. The Guinness was ok but not super cold and not the best one we had. Seems like a lot of people were eating and they had a queue but the bar side was dead empty while others on the street were bustling, so that tells you something. read more

Wonderful food and pints. Busy on weekends but I loved the seafood chowder. Good service as well. read more

What a cool spot. Be sure to read up on the history of the building. We missed out on the live music since we got here for lunch but I'm guessing it's a great time. The seafood chowder was excellent, lots of chunks of seafood and a nice touch of dill. The wife got the schnitzel, which was tasty though she skipped out on the slaw Daughter had the fish and chips, which were crispy and crunchy and flavorful. Son had the boneless ribs and he loved it. Service was prompt, friendly and efficient. Highly recommend this spot. read more

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Loved the Guinness stew, fish and chips, and beer. Great medieval building, saw them pouring amazing soup and bread that I wish I had room to eat. Was large, ran as we were in a business getting the same recommendation on locations to eat but seems like no one had to wait. Price was reasonable they accept credit card and you have option to tip on it only if you want. read more

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Stopped into The King's Head in Galway and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere is exactly what you want in an Irish pub--cozy, historic, and full of good energy. I ordered the Galway Girl cocktail and it was amazing--light, refreshing, and perfectly mixed. My boyfriend had the Executioner's Old Fashioned, which was strong, smooth, and packed with flavor. For food, we went with the beef stew, and wow... easily one of the best we've had on this trip. Rich, hearty, and perfect for a cold Galway evening. If you're in the city, definitely make a stop here. Great drinks, great food, great vibe. read more

The Kings Head - Pubs Near Me - Galway, G

The worst service and bad cover band music. Don't waste your time. Much better options on this street.

800 years of history but still innovating cool cocktails. Try the Executioner's Old Fashioned! Also, the mussels were good, and the Seafood Chowder has a very unique POV that we enjoyed. Just avoid sitting upstairs if you are dining. It's a huge, rambling place, and when we came, the staff were very kind but spread a little too thin to cover all corners of this gem. read more

So much cool history about this place! I came here on the recommendation of a nearby shop owner. The front is a proper pub where folks were really into a game that was on the tvs. In the back to the side is the restaurant that is much more calm. I got a table there and ordered a quick meal so that I could get back to my tour group. The seafood chowder was solid and had good flavor, just needed a bit more salt. The chips, aka french fries, were so good! I contemplated taking the rest of them with me lol. The servers had on the cutest Kings Head Christmas shirts and I was able to purchase one as a souvenir! The girl who waited on me was great as well. Very attentive and friendly! read more

The Kings Head - Seafood chowder, chips, Sauvignon blanc - Pubs Near Me - Galway, G

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Service just ok but it was fairly busy. COD dish fish was overcooked on both meals, champ potato's were very dry as were the mushy peas. Lots of other choices so I would give it a miss read more

The service was slow. We did not get our drinks until we were done with our food so we thought they had forgotten about our drinks. The burger was not good and cold. The fries were also cold. The stew was the best thing we ordered and it had coarsely chopped vegetables. Luckily it wasn't crowded and multiple families with children were eating in. read more

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During our short stop in Galway, our tour guide named The Kings Head as one of the recommendations. From the outside already, the restaurant takes you a bit back into time as you go inside. The fireplace is the first thing that welcomes you in this pub with lots of old decor. We got seated fairly quick and were quick to order as we were starving. We started off with the Rock Oysters (€17.50) and Crispy Chicken Wings (€11.45). Even though the oysters were recommended as Galway is close to the ocean, these were sadly disappointing. The oysters were so skimpy and totally not worth it. On the other hand, the wings were pretty unique in flavor and had a nice crispy to it. For the main courses, we ordered the Beef and Guinness (€18.95) and Fish and Chips (€21.00). The fish was a thick piece, which almost got a bit overwhelming. The tartar sauce helped balance this a lot though. But the favorite dish was definitely the beef stew. It was super flavorful with a creamy mashed potato. We had multiple stews during our trip in Ireland and this one was our favorite! This was a great spot in the town of Galway for some good ol' Irish food. read more

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Great spot in The Latin Quarters of Galway! We stopped for a quick snack before our Whiskey tour at 4:00; my travel mate had the seafood chowder (I believe was the special) and she said it was really good and creamy. I had the Irish Crisps (French fries) and those were really good. I love my fries with mustard instead of catsup because of the sugars. Our waitperson was cordial & quick. She engaged with us as needed with a pretty smile. Go early because it does become crowded quickly. Clean and inviting atmosphere. I give my recommendation to try out The King's Head while in town! read more

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Excellent seafood chowder - would definitely recommend. Great and friendly service. Service was also fast as I was in a time crunch trying to make it back to the bus! read more

The Kings Head - Seafood chowder - Pubs Near Me - Galway, G

I know this review is mainly going to be seen by Americans and not by Irish people but this restaurant was not good. It's such a shame because they are transparent about their sourcing which is really cool and unusual. Also the history of the building is interesting. But the food was shite. We got oysters because they're supposed to be a specialty of Galway. Shucked so badly. I had to keep spitting out bits because there was so much shell fragment in. I spat out at least 5-6 pieces across 3 oysters. They were also shucked badly enough that the some oysters were a bit cut up and not intact. The Guinness & beef stew was tasty, but the meat was tough. Not sure if that's typical or not. The dahl was drowning in black cardamom. Not toasted as far as I could tell and definitely not ground. That one was probably my bad for ordering dahl at a pub but I was desperately in need of some veg. Ambiance is classic pub. Bathroom smelt of mildew but the rest of the restaurant was fine. Not terrible, maybe average to subpar. Wouldn't return, wasn't worth the money. read more

A wonderful Irish pub/restaurant! Our group had a short wait and had drinks by the coffee little fire while we waited. I loved the ambiance and Halloween decorations! Food was a little pricey, but very good. I had the vegetable Dahl and found it flavorful and delicious. The bread that came with it was a little tough, but softened when dipped into the Dahl and added a nice crunch. Great place in Galway! read more

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Good size bar with a good band and wonderful seating options. Looks like a great menu of drinks available, just around good Irish bar that represents about what you would expect read more

We stopped here very briefly for a snack. We had the seafood chowder which was creamy and flavorful. Almost everything that we had in Ireland was served with what they call Guinness Brown Bread. It's fantastic. If this pub could talk, it would have some stories. It's over 800 years old. I had to stop and check it out. read more