Trapper's Inn on the Tuam road hits the spot for good grub, perfect pints and atmosphere

Sunday World

03-05-2025

The Old Commando didn't see the need to use up space in his gut on food so he stuck with his usual pint of plain, of which he was very complementary.
Trapper's Inn on the Tuam road hits the spot for good grub, perfect pints and atmosphere
​OUR Commandos were delighted to be making the five-hour round trek to Galway this week and, as the Young Commando said, I only wish we could go there every week.
It has never happened to us, and we don't know of anyone it happened to either, but we don't think it's possible to have a bad night out in Galway. It's always busy in or around the city regardless of the time of year, the time of the week or even the time of the day you call to a pub.
'Hopefully today's no different,' the Old Commando said, as our designated driver took us along the Tuam Road on the outskirts of the city centre.
As sharp as ever, he spotted The Trapper's Inn on the right-hand side and suggested to us that this might be a nice little local to check out, while noting they served food and his stomach was rumbling.
The Commandos don't mind where they visit as long as there are refreshments available, so he parked the pub mobile in the spacious car park adjacent to the boozer.
Stepping inside the front door we found a bar to the left and to the right, but the Young Commando immediately turned left as he spotted a soccer match on one of the two TVs.
It was reasonably busy when we arrived with a mixed clientele of mostly couples or groups of men, but we were served very quickly and a couple of the Commandos even opted for food.
The Old Commando didn't see the need to use up space in his gut on food so he stuck with his usual pint of plain, of which he was very complementary.
Coors and Rockshore are also available on draught and the bar staff and waitresses were all polite and friendly. The Old Commando enjoyed his pint of Guinness as he checked out the Galway GAA memorabilia behind the counter.
Most of the clientele appeared to be tourists rather than locals but we did meet one regular barfly who informed the Old Commando as he sank his pint of Guinness of the new Radisson Red Hotel which had just opened 300m away.
'Trade has picked up around these parts since Christmas when that new hotel opened up. I suppose they're all coming here first for a few pints before getting taxis into the city centre,' he told the Old Commando.
There was a decent atmosphere throughout the pub with a high turnover of customers during our stay.
Most customers were dining, or lining their stomach as the Young Commando put it, and our troops who did order grub were left satisfied.
The solid fuel stove wasn't lit as the spell of warm weather continued, and the green leather bench seating was generally in good condition, although it was torn in parts.
The Proclamation hangs proudly inside the front door as well as a photo of Michael Collins, and the Tricolour is draped from the ceiling.
Some of the great Galway teams in both football and hurling are also proudly displayed – such as the 2017 senior hurlers, the 2001 senior footballers and the great teams of the 1980s.
Having survived in New York last weekend, perhaps the four-in-a-row chasing Connacht champions might have a new photo to hang at the end of 2025.
Before we departed, we dispatched the Young Commando to inspect the toilets and he reported back to us that they were fresh and clean and contained two cubicles and a ceramic urinal.
We enjoyed our grub and the few pints in The Trapper's Inn before our designated driver took us into town to finish off the night.
Rating: Three pints out of Five
One for the road:
The Dew Drop Inn – Galway
As the Young Commando pointed out, it probably wouldn't matter if you called to this pub on a Wednesday night or a Saturday night — it would still be busy.
Our love for Galway continues to grow and it took us to The Drew Drop Inn recently where we enjoyed a fill of pints — too many, if the truth be known.
There was a mixed clientele of all ages in the front bar where we sat, but the higher you went up in the building the younger the crowd.
There is one TV in the front bar and a votive candle on each table with a nice open fire in the cosy snug section at the rear.
The purple bench seating was fine and the timber flooring was clean.
There was a brilliant atmosphere throughout the bar and the staff were friendly and offered efficient service.
The toilets are located upstairs and contained two urinals and one cubicle.
Rating: Three pints out of Five