Sunday, July 7, 2013

Galway, Irelands secret craft beer mecca

Oslo, The Cottage, The Salt House, The Scholars Rest, Tig Neachtan, Bierhaus - these bars within (almost) walking distance of each other all serving top notch craft beers.

Granted, four of them are sister pubs but my-oh-my the beer scene in Galway these days is tremendous. From Oslo, the brewing powerhouse of the cottage group, to Tig Neachtan, the home of actors and artistic types, this town has got it all.

Perhaps my favourite Galway pub is 'The Salt House', a stones throw from Galway's legendary pubs such as The Rosin Dubh and Monroes, a tiny, spit on the floor venue offering nothing but craft beer and bar nuts. The staff are tremendous, laid back (almost bohemian) and super knowledgeable (or if not completely immersed in craft beer knowledge, they're certainly eager to learn) there is also from time to time a cask ale on too. On my last visit there were two Thornbridge ales on tap.

Tig Neachtan is well worth a visit for their Galway Hooker beers that do not appear anywhere else, most notably the Bonaparte's Stout - most likely my favourite Irish stout ever (rating can be found here) plus they do a great chowder (with a dash of pernod)

It seems craft beer has infiltrated almost all of Galway, barely a bar doesn't have SOMETHING that will pass as acceptable besides the usual tipples. Galway Hooker seem to be doing a good job at marketing their flagship product (and, sure why wouldn't they?)

Couple all of this with the amazing atmosphere that only Galway can offer and you're onto an amazing city.

Sure, didn't I marry a Galway girl??



For a list of Galway bars worth visiting, click here

Photos to follow.

Himself

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Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Beer lover, Loving Husband and Dad :-) - oh and I'm an expert recruiter