Whether you’re being inked to commemorate a milestone in your life or just want to do it for fun, only go to reputable tattoo studios if you want top-notch work.
To help you out, we reviewed and compiled a list of the best tattoo studios here in Galway!
How much do tattoos in Galway cost?
The price of a tattoo will depend on a variety of factors, such as the materials utilised, the tattoo size, location, and degree of design complexity, and the expertise of the artist.
The tattoo studios that are featured on this list have their anticipated starting prices shown in the table below.
Top Tattoo Studios in Galway
These are the areas we looked at while comparing tattoo studios in Galway.
1. AWOL Tattoos and Piercing
| REPUTATION | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CLEANLINESS | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| PRICING | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Angus Wall established the first AWOL Tattoos in Ennis, County Clare in the 1990s. Fast forward to 2011, Angus and his sister Aine, a professional body piercer, opened AWOL Tattoos and Piercing.
Conveniently situated in the centre of Galway right off the busy Shop Street, you’ll find the famed family-run studio in Newtownsmith between Born and Sally Longs.
From old school to fine lines, AWOL Tattoos and Piercing delivers expert tattooing services in all styles. Their work with neotraditional, cartoon, and other coloured tattoos is what’s most impressive for us.
We are also amazed that they have artists who sell original artworks like framed prints and watercolour pieces. You might be tempted to buy one because of how stunning they are!
The multi-skilled accommodating artists, ultraclean space, and reasonably priced services at AWOL Tattoos and Piercing would have you coming back over and over again.
However, we wished they could have a more consolidated booking system. They have a collective email, but they prefer that you message the artist of your choice directly first and send in relative information about your tattoo to settle the time and price quote.
AWOL Tattoos and Piercing welcomes walk-ins every now and then, but it’s best to set a reservation so you’d avoid being squeezed in their schedule.
Pros
- Diverse tattoo styles
- Clean environment
- Fair rates
- Art prints are available
Cons
- Pricey
- No integrated booking system
- Outdated website
Customer Reviews
Brilliant atmosphere and just lovely, lovely staff
“Had the most amazing experience at AWOL tattoos last Sunday. Turned up out of the blue and they squeezed us in, brilliant atmosphere and just lovely, lovely staff to be around, like I genuinely didn’t want to leave 😅. Steve did a BEAUTIFUL job on my tattoo, I am so happy with it (my cat is happy, too) and the place was so, so clean. Definitely will be making the trip back to Galway in future when I want another tattoo done, thank you so much guys! ❤️ —Niamh Bolton, Google Reviews
Very reasonable price considering the amount of time and effort
“I got my first tattoo here a few weeks back. Angus, the tattoo artist was thorough with planning the tattoo and suggested a more suitable placement for the tattoo to assure that it would look good from every angle. Had a great conversation with Angus, who was friendly and had many interesting things to say. Once the tattoo was done, Angus went through the aftercare process with me multiple times despite the fact that it was 6 PM (closing time). Very reasonable price considering the amount of time and effort poured into this tattoo. I couldn’t have had a better experience and would definitely recommend AWOL Tattoos. Altogether, a lovely place with even more lovely staff 😊” —Chloe BK, Google Reviews
2. Art Tattoo Galway
| REPUTATION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| CLEANLINESS | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| PRICING | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Founded in 2012, Art Tattoo Galway quickly became one of the city’s most popular tattoo studios, delivering top-notch tattooing and cutting-edge laser tattoo removal services. They specialise in realism, Japanese, blackwork, and abstract tattoo styles.
What’s commendable about them, in our view, is the skill with which they do tattoo cover-ups and enhancements. If your old tattoos need a makeover, Art Tattoo Galway’s your saving grace!
Although it’s usual for tattoo studios, in general, to also provide piercing services, they are not one of these studios.
Nevertheless, you’d be happy with their services as they are affordably priced. They offer promos and discounts regularly as well.
Art Tattoo Galway adheres to a high level of cleanliness and sanitation. We also like that they cater to customers from Mondays to Sundays, and their opening hours are longer compared to other tattoo studios.
Their website doesn’t have a messaging feature, so you’d have to contact them through their Facebook page for bookings.
Art Tattoo Galway has a responsive team. However, this is an area where they could do better: an online form complete with contact details, tattoo description, and other relevant information may benefit them and their customers in the long run.
Art Tattoo Galway accepts walk-ins every day, so you may simply go to their studio if you want to get a tattoo.
Pros
- Great option for tattoo cover-ups and enhancements
- Clean and professional studio
- Budget-friendly fees
- Discounts are available
- Open 7 days a week
- Accepts walk-ins
Cons
- No online form for bookings
- Purely tattoo-related services
Customer Reviews
Great atmosphere in the shop
“Fantastic place. My friends and I dropped in for a walk in recently and they were more than happy to accommodate us all. Very professional and clean. We were all delighted with our tattoos. The guys were all really friendly, great atmosphere in the shop. Would definitely recommend!” —Sarah Burke, Google Reviews
Booking an appointment was a breeze
“Got my first tattoo here. Booking an appointment was a breeze. The guys were incredibly sound and my tattoo turned out amazing. Very reasonable and very clean. Will definitely be going back for more.” —Oisin Nielsen, Google Reviews
3. Galway Bay Tattoo
| REPUTATION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| CLEANLINESS | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| PRICING | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
At Galway Bay Tattoo, their team of tattooists have more than 60 years of combined expertise, proving their competence in the tattoo scene. They are most known for their use of realistic designs, detailed portraits, and watercolour style tattoos.
The prices for their tattoo services are a little bit pricey, though with their experienced and accommodating artists, you know you’d get your money’s worth. On top of that, they offer gift vouchers and discounts from time to time.
When you enter Galway Bay Tattoo, you’d be blown away by their immaculate interiors. It’s as if you’ve been whisked away to an exquisite forest!
This is because they house Galway Bay Galleries, a collection of different art projects by local and international talents.
The art pieces are also available for purchase, so if you’re into tattoos, plus botanical paintings, garden crafts, or animal sculptures, their studio is the perfect place for you.
Even though they lack a website and a structured booking system, they are responsive to enquiries through email or social media, such as their Facebook page. It’s best to schedule an appointment as it seems that walk-in customers aren’t usually accommodated at their studio.
Galway Bay Tattoo also only offers tattoo-related services.
Pros
- Offers discounts and gift vouchers
- Neat and stunning interiors
- Art pieces are available for sale
- Excellent customer service
- Minimum of €70 since 2021
Cons
- No website; lacks online presence
- Walk-ins are only done on Sundays
Customer Reviews
The owners were quick to respond
“Fantastic experience! We were traveling in Galway and took a chance on getting a tattoo while it was a busy holiday weekend. The owners were quick to respond and were available to fit us in on short notice. The shop is super clean and we loved the decor. Highly recommend!” —Melissa Wilson, Google Reviews
Responsive to design ideas and changes
“I’ve had all of my tattoos here, wonderful place—very clean, professional (but also a lovely relaxed atmosphere, too) and creative, talented artists. My latest tattoo was especially meaningful, because it was in memory of my beloved Mum who died in February. Caz did an amazing job and was really responsive to design ideas and changes. Shout out to Molly at the front desk, brilliant to deal with. Already planning my next one at GBT… highly recommended.” —Sinéad Conneely, Google Reviews
4. Galway Tattoos
| REPUTATION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| CLEANLINESS | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| PRICING | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Want those classic sailor tattoos? Galway Tattoos is here for you!
In addition to their well-known old school designs, Galway Tattoos is capable of doing neotraditional, realism, and fine line tattoo styles or just about whatever you ask of them!
The studio only opened its doors last 2016. With Jeff Linares, a highly-skilled, self-taught artist who has been tattooing since 18 years old, as their founder, it’s no surprise that he has strongly and swiftly established Galway Tattoos in the tattoo industry.
Galway Tattoos caught our eye with their ability to seamlessly incorporate new tattoos into your existing ones. Their artists are clearly experts in both the conception and placement of tattoo designs.
The thing we like most about Galway Tattoos is that you won’t hurt your wallet with their top-class tattoo or piercing services. Here’s a sweetener to the deal: they provide discounts, particularly on holidays!
Moreover, we feel that you’d be comfortable with the atmosphere at their studio. They have a bright, clean space and they play good music to help you feel relaxed, too.
They also have a website where you can efficiently book an appointment or buy some of their merchandise.
Their website is not equipped with their tattoo designs and samples, so you’d want to take a look at their social media pages, right? However, they’re not quite winning in this area.
They haven’t posted on their Facebook page since last year. As for their Instagram page, it’s set to private, and thus you wouldn’t immediately see their posts.
Pros
- Wide range of tattoo styles
- Clean environment
- Affordable rates
- Provides discounts
- Excellent customer service
- Walk-ins are welcome
Cons
- Outdated Facebook page
- Private Instagram page
Customer Reviews
You feel at ease as soon as you open the door
“This is by far the best tattoo parlour in Galway and I would go as far to say Ireland. I’m so delighted with mine. Jeff is an expert at fine lines and his detail is exquisite. I would highly recommend any of the artists. They are hygienic and so professional and you feel at ease as soon as you open the door. Thanks lads.” —Audrey, Google Reviews
I couldn’t be happier about the experience
“Got my first tattoo done here, and while I was a bit nervous, Ciaran made the whole experience a great one. The place was clean, there was sick music, the staff were friendly, and Ciaran talked me through the entire process and I couldn’t be happier about the experience. I highly recommend the place! And if I decide to get another tattoo, I know where I’m going! 😊” —Rohan Karnad, Google Reviews
5. Victor Tattoo & Body Piercing
| REPUTATION | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CLEANLINESS | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| PRICING | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Our experience with Victor Tattoo & Body Piercing was exceptional. The studio offers a wide range of services, from custom tattoos to body piercings, all executed with precision and expertise. We felt comfortable and confident in the hands of their skilled artists.
The efficiency of Victor Tattoo & Body Piercing was impressive. They worked diligently to accommodate our preferences and schedule, ensuring a smooth and timely experience. We appreciated their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction.
The quality of work at Victor Tattoo & Body Piercing was outstanding. Their artists demonstrated creativity and artistry, bringing our ideas to life with stunning results. The cleanliness and professionalism of the studio further enhanced our overall experience.
In terms of cost, Victor Tattoo & Body Piercing offers competitive pricing for their services. We found their rates to be reasonable given the level of expertise and quality of work provided. They were transparent about pricing upfront, eliminating any surprises.
Communication with Victor Tattoo & Body Piercing was clear and friendly. They took the time to understand our vision and provided helpful guidance throughout the tattooing process. We felt valued as clients and appreciated their dedication to customer service.
Scheduling with Victor Tattoo & Body Piercing was convenient and flexible. They accommodated our busy schedule and ensured that our appointments were tailored to our needs. We were impressed by their professionalism and commitment to providing a positive experience.
Overall, we highly recommend Victor Tattoo & Body Piercing for anyone seeking high-quality tattoos or body piercings. Their services are efficient, top-notch, and reasonably priced. We are thrilled with our experience and the beautiful artwork they created for us.
Pros
- Wide range of tattoo styles
- Clean environment
- Affordable rates
- Provides discounts
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Busy during peak days
6. Inkfingers Custom Tattoo Studio
| REPUTATION | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| CLEANLINESS | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| PRICING | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| CUSTOMER SERVICE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Inkfingers Custom Tattoo Studio offers a wide range of tattoo styles, but their pointillism and realism techniques, geometric designs, and traditional methods set them apart from the competition.
They are also incredible at covering up tattoos. In addition, they are an excellent studio for complex tattoo placements like as those on the chest, neck, and throat.
What’s even more incredible is the prices they charge for their tattoos. A simple, minimalist tattoo may be yours for as low as €50!
In terms of cleanliness and hygiene, Inkfingers Custom Tattoo Studio also does an amazing job of maintaining their studio. Their talented and professional artists will see to it that you feel comfortable and safe.
While they are Galway’s longest established tattoo studio, they should definitely give their website a new look. The last blog update was in 2013, and overall, the website’s design is not easy on the eyes.
If they do revamp their website and equip it with an online form, they would have a better booking system.
For reservations and other enquiries, you may email them or contact their phone number. In spite of that, they accept walk-ins every now and then.
The only services offered by Inkfingers Custom Tattoo Studio are those linked to tattoos as well.
Pros
- Solid choice for cover-ups and complex tattoo placement
- Neat and tidy studio
- Affordable rates
- Excellent customer service
- Walk-ins are welcome occasionally
Cons
- Outdated website
- No online form for bookings
- Purely tattoo-related services
Customer Reviews
They will help in anything you need about your tattoo
“[I had] Done this masterpiece lately by Sean, the will and time he put into this tattoo was unbelievable, he worked hardly to get every little details up to perfection! Ollie [had] done a tattoo for my gf and she was amazed by how good it is. About Sean and Ollie, [they’re] only the best! Guys are awesome, top-class people, helpful and friendly. They will explain [to] you everything and help in anything you need about your tattoo. Not only I will recommended to every possible friend, yet I will spend a lot of time there for next masterpieces from them!! Well done guys, definitely the best studio far!!” —Mat, Google Reviews
Their level of hygiene was always top-notch
“I’ve had 3 tattoos done now in Inkfingers over the years and every single time I’ve been nothing but impressed with the professionalism and the talent of the artists who work there! My most recent tattoo was done by Junior, who is just unbelievably talented, I gave him a few pics and outline of what I wanted and he designed exactly what I had in mind, I’m so delighted with it! Also worth noting that their level of hygiene was always top-notch anyway but they’ve put in every necessary precaution for Covid too! Best tattoo studio in Galway 😊” —Jacqueline Howard, Google Reviews
FAQs About Tattoo Studios in Galway
If you know of any more top tattoo studios in Galway, please share them with us and we’ll include them in our list!
Check out some of the finest tattoo studios in Ireland below:
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- 5 Best Tattoo Studios in Limerick
- 5 Best Tattoo Studios in Waterford