Hole in the Wall Pubs: Dublin, Galway Guide & Idiom Meaning

Few Irish pub names carry more double-takes than “Hole in the Wall” — yet two very different establishments answer to it. One is a 1610 coach house near Phoenix Park that stretches 153 meters along its bar and once served British soldiers through a literal hole in the park wall. The other is a thatched-roof student institution in Galway, alive with low beams and race-week crowds. This guide sorts the historic venues from the slang idiom they share.

Dublin Pub Established: 1610 · Claimed Length: Europe’s Longest Pub · Dublin Tripadvisor Rating: 3.5/5 (678 reviews) · Primary Locations: Dublin & Galway · Galway Vibe: Old World Charm

Five verified attributes separate these two pubs despite their shared name and Irish location.

What does the saying “hole in the wall” mean?

Etymology and origin

In its most widely understood sense, “hole in the wall” refers to a small, unpretentious venue — typically one that rewards the determined visitor over the casual passerby. The phrase has carried positive connotations for centuries when applied to eateries and pubs, signaling authenticity rather than polish. According to Visit Dublin, Dublin’s pub earned its name from British soldiers bypassing a park wall to fetch beer — the original hole-in-the-wall transaction.

Common usage in slang

The idiom persists in contemporary Irish English as a descriptor for hidden gems: places with character that chain restaurants cannot replicate. Galway’s thatched establishment fits this definition precisely — a pub that rewards those who navigate Woodquay’s side streets rather than sticking to Eyre Street’s main drag.

Who owns Hole in the Wall Galway?

Ownership details

The Galway pub has operated under the Fahy family since the 1970s, according to Galway City Pub Guide. The establishment is officially listed as P. Fahy’s Hole in the Wall at 17 Eyre Street. The owner is reportedly a devoted horse racing fan, which helps explain the interior decoration and the venue’s reputation during Galway Races week.

Luke Comer connection

No verified evidence links property developer Luke Comer to the Galway pub. The Fahy family has maintained continuous ownership for decades, making any recent acquisition claims unlikely without supporting documentation. The pub has traded as P. Fahy’s Hole in the Wall throughout the Fahy family’s tenure.

Which pub does Guy Ritchie own?

Guy Ritchie pub investments

Guy Ritchie, the British filmmaker known for works including Snatch and The Gentlemen, has invested in UK gastropubs including the Lore of the Land chain. However, no credible source connects Ritchie to either the Dublin or Galway Hole in the Wall establishments. His known pub ventures remain confined to the UK market, according to coverage from UK entertainment publications.

Lore of the Land gastropub

The Lore of the Land gastropubs have appeared on Top 50 UK gastropub lists, but these venues bear no relationship to their Irish namesakes. The confusion likely arises from shared vocabulary around British pub culture rather than common ownership.

What is Hole in the Wall Pub Dublin?

Location and history

The Dublin Hole in the Wall occupies Blackhorse Avenue beside Phoenix Park’s gates, placing it adjacent to Dublin Zoo and within 1700 acres of parkland. According to Visit Dublin, the venue began as a coach house dating to 1610 — predating the formal establishment of Phoenix Park itself. The establishment was an inn by the mid-1600s, operating under the name Ye Signe of Ye Blackhorse according to historical records.

In the 1840s, the venue transitioned to a tavern serving food, gaining popularity during events associated with Daniel O’Connell. British Army soldiers stationed at McKee Barracks between 1891 and 1922 reportedly accessed the pub through a hole in the Phoenix Park wall — the origin of the venue’s enduring name. In the 1950s, Irish President Sean T. O’Kelly reportedly visited for quiet drinks, cementing the establishment’s credentials as a discreet gathering place for notable figures.

Menu and prices

The Dublin pub offers food and drinks service across its lengthy interior. Full menus with current prices are available through the Hole in the Wall Official Dublin website. The venue accommodates events including weddings, birthday celebrations, and corporate gatherings.

Phoenix Park setting

Phoenix Park spans approximately 1700 acres, making it one of Europe’s largest enclosed parks. The Hole in the Wall sits at the park’s boundary, offering what Visit Dublin describes as “as close as you’ll get to finding a pub within the park.” The Dublin venue holds presidential memorabilia and claims Ireland’s longest bar at approximately 153 meters.

Hole in the Wall Pub menus and events

Dublin menu

The Dublin venue maintains a full bar and kitchen, according to the Hole in the Wall Official Dublin website. Current menus and pricing require direct consultation with the venue, as verified price listings were not available across the sources reviewed.

Galway menu

The Galway pub at 17 Eyre Street offers bar service and pub cuisine for lunch and dinner, with prices listed in the $$ to $$$ range on Tripadvisor. The establishment is described by Galway City Pub Guide as serving drinks, eats, and treats in a rustic setting featuring flagstone floors, sturdy furniture, and horse racing decor. Visitors can reach the venue by calling +353 91 722 064 or +353 91 565593.

Christmas specials

The Dublin venue promotes Christmas events and seasonal bookings through its official website. Specific holiday menus and pricing were not available in the reviewed sources, and visitors should consult the venue directly for seasonal offerings.

The Hole in the Wall is as close as you’ll get to finding a pub within the 1700 acres of the Phoenix Park.

— Visit Dublin

During race week it’s one big party here, both inside and out.

— Galway City Pub Guide

The Dublin Hole in the Wall has traded under its current name since at least the early 1900s, a designation tied to British soldiers who found a workaround to their barracks confinement. The Galway venue, operated by the Fahy family since the 1970s, carries an entirely separate naming origin — reputedly a hole in a back garden wall adjoining a Garda station. Despite sharing a name and Irish country, the two establishments share little beyond the terminology that brought searchers here in the first place.

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In Galway, Hole in the Wall shines among the best pubs in Galway famed for live music and storied atmospheres that define the city’s nightlife.

Frequently asked questions