Galway Hooker - Dublin

Large bar plenty of comfortable seating, drinks served speedily and efficiently and ideally situated for trains

On 18/8/23 we went to Heuston Railway Station en route to Tramore Races. Looking for a cup of tea we went to the Galway Hooker. The place was very busy with diners. The food looked very good but we had eaten previously but decided to visit on our return journey. The staff at the drinks area were very friendly and helpful. We had a chuckle with them. There were plenty of staff working hard clearing crockery etc and cleaning down tables. On the afternoon of 21/8/23 we returned and again found lots of staff working hard clearing down and cleaning. We ordered carveries which was very easy to do. Liam served the meals and we engaged in a brief conversation as he knew Tramore well. He was most interesting and welcoming. This meeting was an entertaining highlight. He is a credit to the company. That’s not to say the other staff were any less impressive. The food was excellent particularly the beef. This was not fine dining but good wholesome food served in pleasant conditions by capable and friendly people to weary travellers.

Had a hospital appointment with our son in Dublin yesterday, we travelled by train out hospital visit finished soon that expected. Got to Heuston Station about 12:30 and our train wasn't until 2 p.m. so we decided to have a treat and have Lunch in the Galway Hooker Pub in the Station. Normally we would just have fast food at the station but my special needs son was so good, we said we'll have a treat today, it's been year's since I was in the bar but never had food at the premises. We decided to eat from the carvery menu, I had a half plate of turkey and veg, my husband and son had the lasagne, my lunch was served like slop on a plate and it was nasty I couldn't eat it, turkey was like a piece of leather, veg was over cooked and mash as like gruel. The lasagne was made with sauces that came from jar off the shelf of a supermarket, runny and the cheese was the plastic wrapped cheese melted in the microwave, the lasagne was heated in the microwave and it was served in a little oval shape bowl, there was about enough lasagne in the bowl to feed a child from the kids menu with one piece of pasta in the bowl. the place itself was very grubby and unhygienic it has seen better days and is in serious need of an upgrade. Staff training wouldn't go amiss here.

Bar flies everywhere, glasses dirty, cutlery not washed properly, food was SO expensive and bad quality. €8 for a pint of cider (dirty pint glass of cider) is insane, I know it's dublin but lads it's a train station it's not temple bar, yere gonna get loads of business, the prices don't have to be so overpriced, atleast use the money to train staff how to clean properly and do up the place.

As a regular rail traveller I have frequented here numerous times. Always been a good experience. Staff are nice and well trained. Watching the barman at the front bar cleaning wine glasses, ensuring any lipstick marks were removed prior to washing, engaging with customers during the process really showed a level of detail. Have never had food here however carvery always looks well presented and busy. The Galway Hooker makes for a great stopover when traveling. See ye next time guy.