The Kings Head — Restaurant in Galway

The King's Head in Galway, Ireland is an absolute gem for tourists seeking an authentic Irish pub experience. Nestled on High Street, right in the bustling heart of Galway's city center, it offers a delightful blend of history, atmosphere, and great hospitality.

Stepping inside The King's Head is like stepping back in time. The pub, which dates back to the 17th century, exudes a charming old-world vibe with its exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and cozy corners. As a tourist, you'll feel instantly transported to a bygone era, immersing yourself in the rich heritage of Ireland.

This lively establishment is renowned for its fantastic Irish music sessions. You can expect to be serenaded by talented musicians playing traditional tunes that will have your foot tapping and your spirits soaring. The infectious energy and warmth of the crowd will make you feel like a local, and you might even find yourself joining in on a spontaneous céilí dance.

Of course, no visit to The King's Head would be complete without sampling the wide array of drinks on offer. From perfectly poured pints of Guinness to a splendid selection of whiskies and spirits, this pub caters to all tastes. Whether you're a beer aficionado or eager to try an Irish whiskey, you're sure to find a libation that suits your palate.

Hungry? Fear not, as The King's Head has you covered. Their menu boasts a mouthwatering selection of pub grub that will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Treat yourself to classic Irish dishes like fish and chips, savor hearty stews that warm the soul, or indulge in a gourmet burger bursting with flavor. The locally sourced ingredients ensure a true taste of Ireland.

To top it all off, The King's Head also houses a charming restaurant upstairs for a more formal dining experience. Here, you can relish a delectable fusion of Irish and international cuisine, prepared with care and finesse. It's the perfect option for those seeking a quieter ambiance and a chance to explore the culinary delights of Galway.

As you soak in the vibrant atmosphere, you'll be in excellent company. The King's Head has welcomed a parade of famous personalities over the years and has even served as a backdrop for films and TV shows. You might just find yourself rubbing elbows with locals, fellow tourists, or even a familiar face from the screen.

So, if you're a tourist looking to immerse yourself in the lively pub culture of Galway, revel in live Irish music, savor mouthwatering food, and experience the genuine warmth of Ireland, The King's Head is an absolute must-visit. Prepare to be captivated by its history, entertained by its music, and enchanted by its...

So I rarely leave bad reviews, but this one is going to be one of them. But first the good things...

The food was amazing, so congratulations to the chef and kitchen staff, the potato was perfect, the scallops were cooked just right. The chard salad was amazing. The cod was perfect, the beef stew comforting, crab claws amazing, bread outstanding. The food was 10/10. Nothing bad, not even a slight criticism of the food.

Now the bad things... The service was absolutely appalling, and I've been a waitress myself for +10 years, so I'm usually very much empathetic and relaxed with service as I know it is a very stressful and tiring job... But oh boy. We ordered drinks, then starters and mains. After 15 minutes we got the mains, while we were eating the mains, we got the starters. And the drinks? Well they came when we already finished the food, as dessert I guess. You could feel they were not professional waiting staff, and they were not very aware of how to manage the floor and orders. They didn't even look at the tables to know if we needed something, even though I waved and waved and nobody even looked at me. I requested the drinks while we were eating and said yes, yes. They didn't even have the wit to come tell us there was some problem with the drinks until I went on to cancel my cider as I wasn't going to drink it for dessert... And they didn't accept me cancelling it because "the drinks are ready now". Still, we didn't see the drinks until 15 minutes after that statement. Then we asked for the bill, the waitress typed the amount on the card reader and it was 50€ more than the bill... My mother in law almost typed the PIN number and paid, luckily she realised and asked her to change the amount before paying.

The thing is... This is not the waitresses fault. This is the supervisor's fault. As you don't plant untrained staff on the dining floor alone in peak season. A good floor supervisor knows the strengths and weaknesses of their staff and manages them correctly.

I'll come back? Definitely not. Although I will recommend the food to friends and family, I'll warn them about the service, so they are not caught by surprise as...

Had dinner at The King’s Head in Galway and left convinced I might actually be a sea captain. The inside of the pub looks like the set of a Pirates of the Caribbean film — all wooden beams, low lighting, and historic charm. I half expected Jack Sparrow to swing down from the ceiling while I tucked into my lobster. And what a lobster it was. €50 with chips, and I devoured it like I’d just come ashore after months at sea. Rich, buttery, and perfectly cooked — the kind of dish that makes you seriously consider adopting a crustacean-based lifestyle.

My friend went for the chicken, which was also excellent — juicy, flavourful, and generously portioned — but let’s face it, I was too busy living my best maritime fantasy with a claw cracker in hand to notice much else.

A huge shoutout to Orla, our server, who looked after us like we were royalty in from the high seas. Despite the place being absolutely buzzing, she was calm, kind, and effortlessly on the ball. Friendly without being overbearing, and genuinely lovely throughout. The whole front-of-house crew worked like a dream team — plates flew out hot, drinks kept coming, and the atmosphere stayed top-tier.

In short: excellent food, stellar service, and an interior that’ll make you feel like you are starring in Pirates of the Caribbean (which I loved). Highly recommend — bring an appetite, maybe an eyepatch... Although I think I may have left my...