McSwiggans Bar and Restaurant

3 Eyre Square, Woodquay, Galway

Telephone: 353 91 568917

McSwiggans Bar & Restaurant, located in Eyre Square, Galway’s City Center, offers an extensive and varied mid-priced menu. McSwiggans boasts a beautiful, Victorian style interior with traditional décor, terracotta floors, wooden snugs, and open fire places. The atmosphere proves both warm and inviting, and though the restaurant encompasses three levels and can seat 120 guests, the interior divisions make the restaurant seem smaller and more intimate. McSwiggan’s attracts a diverse crowd and adheres to the tastes of all ages. In addition, McSwiggans hosts traditional Irish music sessions most nights of the week, and these sessions only augment the eclectic clientele and upbeat atmosphere. Last orders are 23:00 Thursday to Sunday and 22:30 Monday to Wednesday.

Angela Says: Though I have made the rounds and visited many restaurants in Galway, McSwiggans is my professed favorite. I love the lively atmosphere and the interior decoration. There is even a tree in the middle of this unique restaurant! However, restaurant-goers beware: McSwiggans, for good reason, proves an extremely popular destination and is usually quite busy. Thus, unless you want to eat dinner before 5:00 pm or after 10:30, make sure to make reservations a day or two in advance, especially for large groups or on weekends. The staff always proves very friendly and efficient, and the wait for food is never too long. At McSwiggans, side dishes are recommended in addition to main courses (meaning if you order only a steak, what you will get will be a steak, alone, on a plate). And speaking of steak, McSwiggans does this carnivorous standby excellently! Though I typically prove a seafood-girl, I love McSwiggans steak which comes with either garlic butter or peppercorn sauce. Both are excellent.

P.S. Though your pants may be busting at the seams, don’t forgo the dessert menu! I am a huge admirer of the cheesecake – the pina colada and strawberry varieties are excellent – and though the cheesecake is lighter than what we are used to in America (it has more of a whipped consistency), it is a “can’t miss!”

Atiba Says: McSwiggans is the perfect setting to take your parents when they visit. This is my personally preferred restaurant in Galway City. This restaurant gives you bang for your buck. The food is of the best in Galway and the price range is decent. The portions are large, thus if you’re a light-weight eater, I’ll advise you to bring a doggy-bag. For a desert, if you’re a cheesecake junky like I am, you’d be in heaven. The pineapple-coconut or Malibu is just delicious. However, don’t be afraid to try the homemade brownies, they are also really good. The atmosphere is very intimate and cozy and complements the wide variety of wine. McSwiggans proves an appropriate place to bring your special someone to dine-out.