Cookes Thatch Bar

I’m hesitant to write a review, as I don’t want to spoil this place’s charm and local wonder by overrunning it with visitors. So if you’re in Galway with a tour group, stay away as this place will be ruined by a busload of tourists.
However, if it’s just you and a friend, stop by a local bar, far away from the beautiful buy highly touristy side of town. A friendly and warm atmosphere makes the Thatch Bar homey. However, it’s real payoff is Wednesday nights. A couple of Wednesdays a month, the best musicians in Galway (and traveling through Ireland) descend on this bar for a friendly jam session. Starting about 10 and going until they’re tired, the group just plays what it wants, and it’s a trial-​by-​fire for newcomers to join the beautiful mix of harmonies coming from dozens of instruments. Unlike the bar strip in Galway where bands appeal to tourists with renditions of «Danny Boy,» this is where the local musicians come to share and trade music, play what THEY want to play, and really cut loose. If you can sneak in and blend in, you’ll be treated to a night of song (and possibly dance) more authentic that most you’ll fine in Éire.