In terms of entertainment, visitors to Ireland will almost always focus on Dublin. It’s the country’s capital, and the highest density of bars, clubs, theatres and casinos is here, so it’s logical that this should be the case.
Anyone taking a trip to Ireland should seriously consider Galway as an alternative. It may be more peaceful than its rival, but this West Coast city can match Dublin for most forms of entertainment.
Taking a Spin
For those who have an interest in casino tourism, Galway is definitely worth considering. Offline play has been popular in Ireland for decades, while the country also has a thriving digital casino scene.
Online casinos have been available across Ireland for some time, and the industry is currently undergoing something of a shakeup. A new regulator is in place, overseeing the sector, and there will likely be stricter guidelines on licensing and regulation. Players here will still be able to access a host of platforms, and a list of these will be available on sites such as Casino.org, with all of the bonuses and sign-up schemes listed. Many of those based in Ireland like to mix their online play with gaming in the physical casino halls of the big cities.
Tourists join the locals, with Galway firmly on the destination hitlist. There are a number of different casinos to choose from here, but which are the best?
Caesars Palace
Taking advantage of an iconic name, Caesars Palace on Upper Salthill Road is the first choice for many. It’s a brand that resonates with players, but a casino can’t simply trade on its reputation.
Caesars backs up its promises with a great choice of games across all categories. Slots are a big focus, and it’s generally acknowledged that this is the best option for slot players in Galway. There are plenty of other gaming options here, including poker, roulette, bingo, plus other card and table titles.
Independent reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with customers praising the choice of games, along with the friendly staff. It’s the perfect place to start your Galway casino journey, but there are other options to try.
The Eglinton
Also known as the Eglinton Casino and Card Club, this is another popular option for visitors and Galway locals. There is something of a focus on poker, so if you prefer this, or you’re a lover of card games in general, The Eglinton is the place to play.
It’s recognised as one of the top poker locations in the whole of Ireland, and the Eglinton has previously hosted some major tournaments. The Galway Poker Festival and the Irish Poker Tour are regular visitors here. Because of its standing, The Eglington is a members only club with an annual fee, but for those who are happy to cover the charge, it’s one of the best places to play.
Seapoint Leisure
A short walk from Caesars, Seapoint Leisure is also situated in Salthill, which is a popular area for Galway tourism. At first glance, Seapoint could be viewed as an amusement arcade, and it’s true that there are many fruit machines and other games that are more regularly associated with seaside resorts.
There’s also a bingo hall, but the location’s frontage masks the fact that there is a serious casino waiting behind its doors. All of the favourite games are here with slots, roulette, blackjack, poker and much more. The set up may hint at a fun environment, but there is a great choice of serious gaming options at Seapoint Leisure, making this the most accommodating casino in Galway.
4 Aces Casino
This is another private members’ club, but the 4 Aces is more accessible. You can join on a temporary basis for free, as long as you carry ID with you when you arrive. It’s well worth the extra effort as the 4 Aces is arguably the most extensive casino in the whole of the Galway area.
As the name tells you, there is an emphasis on card games and on poker in particular. The choice is exceptional, with stakes and buy-in levels to suit all players. While there is that emphasis on card play, there is much more to enjoy at 4 Aces. That temporary license will grant access to a host of slot machines, together with roulette and other table games.
Recommendations suggest that these are the best casinos in Galway, and while there may be other options, it’s worth trying these first.
The Irish casino industry is developing at a significant pace, and we can expect to see more establishments built around the country in the mid-term future. Over in Wexford, a new casino known as the Olde Bank opened its doors earlier in 2025.
While online play continues to dominate the sector, there is clearly a demand for physical gaming halls. Galway may welcome new offline operators moving forward but for now, there is a good choice of existing casinos in and around the city.
