Monroe's Tavern
For the more traditional minded, Monroe's Tavern, just south of the Corrib and visible from the Spanish Arch, has traditional music every night and set dancing on Tuesdays. Highly Recommended if you're in town on Tuesday night.
King's Head Pub
The King's Head Pub has decent prices and a nightly cover band. Popular with students and tourists alike, this place is always lively.
Cookes Thatch Pub
Is one of only two remaining thatch pubs in galway. dating back to the 1600's, the trad music sessions on wednesday and sunday night are unmissable (http://cookesthatchpub.com)
The Crane Bar
You'll find live Irish music nightly at the Crane. Take your pick from the locals playing traditional music downstairs or the musicians playing various types of music upstairs.
Roisin Dubh
(http://www.roisindubh.net/), on dominick street, near monroe's, is perfect for those of you who like alternative and rock music, and on wednesdays hosts a popular comedy night showcasing local and international acts.
The Quays
(http://www.galwaycitypubg...) is warm and offers good live folk music and as well as cover bands.
Freeneys
Near the King's Head Pub on High St. is Freeneys (http://www.galwaycitypubg...). It is a fine "old man" establishment with some of the best Guinness in town. also popular with students who want to drink a few quiet ones.
Busker Brownes and Kirbys Restaurant, Cross Street.
(http://buskerbrownes.com/) 4 bars, 1 venue and over 400 years of history! live bands sunday - thursday & late night dj at the weekends! adjacent to buskers is kirby's restaurant serving the best of modern food with a contemporary twist. +353 91 563377.
The Galway City Pub Guide (http://galwaycitypubguide.com/) is a good resource for checking out pubs and clubs in Galway. The guide includes reviews, photos and videos, as well as a list of the top ten pubs in Galway. You can add your comments about the pubs you visit. Technically drinking in public is not allowed in Galway but enforcement of this rule is unfeasible during summer months and well behaved groups are usually left alone. Don't mingle too near to obviously drunk people though as the authorities will likely confiscate all visible alcohol.