By Johnny B
Copyright advertiser
Monroe’s Tavern has been named ‘Best Music Pub’ in the Connacht region at this year’s Irish Pub Awards.
It scooped the coveted award from applicants across Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon.
The accolade celebrates pubs that offer innovative and engaging live and recorded music experiences, creating vibrant atmospheres, while positively impacting their business growth.
Co-owner of the family-run pub, Gary Monroe, described the win as a team effort.
“It’s always lovely to win an award, especially for the staff. It’s a real team effort,” he said. “Being a family pub makes it extra special. Galway has so many fantastic music pubs, so it’s great to be recognised.
“With the music we bring from around the country and internationally, everyone plays a part in this award.
“And most importantly, thanks to our customers. They’re the ones who make the atmosphere so unique.”
Known for hosting a mix of local, national, and international talent, it continues to be a hub for music lovers.
Monroe’s Tavern is a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant live music scene and recently hosted a surprise pop-up gig by Johnny B of The 2 Johnnys.
The historic venue has brought live music to the city seven days a week since 1964 when, inspired by their life in New York, John and Margaret Monroe introduced Galway to the first bar with table service.
Originally the ‘New Manhattan Bar’, it boasted a ‘Ladies Lounge’ and a ‘Singing Lounge’.
Renamed Monroe’s Tavern in 1979, it is still a family-owned business, with the same strong commitment to live music, and the atmosphere of a true Irish local.
From the showbands of the Sixties and Seventies, to the present day, management brings exceptional talent to the bar’s stage night after night, free of charge.
With folk legends to Latin rhythms, classic anthems to trad, this is the place where emerging and established artists come together under the same roof.
The renowned Galway venue will now represent the Connaught region against six other pubs at the next, national stage of the Irish Pub Awards. These are taking place on November 12 at a gala in the Mansion House, Dublin.
