- Culture
- 20 Mar 01
Even within Galway, which is one of the most compact cities in Ireland, there are several distinct areas which have their own unique atmosphere and flavour.
Even within Galway, which is one of the most compact cities in Ireland, there are several distinct areas which have their own unique atmosphere and flavour. Salthill, for example, has always enjoyed a reputation as a lively location for nightclubs, hotels and guesthouses. However, other areas closer to town have also enjoyed a rejuvenation of sorts, helped by the building boom and increase in the population.
With pubs, restaurants and live music venues dotted in abundance around its quaint narrow streets, the Dominick Street area has in recent years become one of Galway's liveliest quarters. Prominently situated on a corner site in this bustling area bordered by the canal, Monroe's Tavern is without question one of Galway's finest pubs and one of the best known.
A spacious, airy establishment with an imposing brightly painted exterior, this local landmark has been in the Monroe family on and off since 1964. Having been leased out for a number of years, it is now firmly back under the direct control of the Monroe brothers who've since built up the clientele.
We've doubled the business in the pub over the past few years, says Gary Monroe. It's an incredible mix of people who come in to us from locals to tourists, young and old and from all kinds of backgrounds. Come in on any night of the week and you'll find, say, a young carpenter or student chatting away to a dentist or a doctor and probably an American tourist joining in as well. It's the kind of atmosphere we like to promote and it seems to have worked well for us.
The same familiar faces come back to us again and again because they know they'll always receive friendly service with the personal touch.
As well as attracting a large section of the local trade Monroe's has increasingly become an essential port of call for tourists who arrive in town looking for that unique Galway atmosphere and flavour.
We often ask people, particularly foreigners and visitors to Galway, how they heard about Monroe's, Gary offers. Usually they say that it was the tourist office who recommended us or the guy in the bus station, or a taxi-driver, which is a great compliment to us.
Perhaps one of the secrets to Monroe's astonishing success in attracting full houses is the high quality of free entertainment on offer most nights of the week. Over the years Monroe's has become famous for its traditional music sessions and more especially for their legendary Tuesday night set-dancing sessions which draw in crowds, young and old, to step out in style and comfort.
We now have traditional music seven nights a week all year around, offers Gary Monroe. Even in the winter when the tourist trade dies down we still draw in the crowds. The only time we have to cancel the sessions is maybe during Christmas week when people are out partying.
Musicians regularly appearing at Monroe's include such renowned names as Jackie Small, Alan Kelly, Dessie Adams, Brendan Larrisey, and the well-known group, Cian.
As the only bar in town offering regular set-dancing, with no cover charge, Monroe's Tuesday night set-dancing sessions were popular, even in the days before the success of Riverdance and Lord Of The Dance. They still come into Galway from miles around to enjoy a night's dancing to the best live traditional music available, while those who'd rather watch also crowd in to witness the amazing feats (and feet!) of the energetic dancers.
Gary Monroe: It gets so crowded at times that we have to clear out most of the tables and chairs to make room for those who want to dance.
Eating & Drinking at Monroe's
Not only does Monroe's serve up the best pint in town, you can also eat some of the finest food to be had in Galway without ever leaving the premises.
Breakfast is served from around 9.30am, lunch is available from midday till around 3.00pm, with freshly made hot and cold dishes at reasonable prices.
Then, around 4.00pm Monroe's acclaimed Pizzeria comes into operation, where a wide range of sumptuous pizzas with a variety of fresh toppings can be enjoyed in the comfort which only Monroe's can provide. In short all you need for a thoroughly enjoyable night out!
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Live Bands.
Not only do Monroe's offer the best in live traditional music, but they soon plan to open their doors to more contemporary bands and artists.
We've revamped the large area upstairs and shortly we hope to be in a position to stage a wider variety of gigs, says Gary Monroe. I believe there's a need for more venues in Galway and we hope to be able to cater for that niche of the market.
Watch this space!