THE Hole in the Wall pub on Eyre Street in Galway remains one of the most popular spots with the racing community during raceweek.

It’s owned by Stephen Fahy who tells us he has been advertising in The Irish Field for 40 years.

The Hole in the Wall is a very distinctive pub due to its thatch roof.

The hostelry can trace its history back a few hundred years.

The name of the pub itself is an interesting story. Reputedly there was a hole in the back garden of the pub which adjoined to the back of the garda station on Eglington Street.

Members of the force were known to slip in through the hole to avail of a quick pint without scandalising the public by being seen drinking in their uniforms.

The hole and the Garda station are now both gone but the name remains.

There is an even older story that says the nane came from a hole in the Medieval City wall which was used for smuggling but again this may be pure legend.

Owned and run by the Fahy family since the 1970s, the pub quickly became a popular student venue in part due to its good value beer.

It’s very likely that Glorious Goodwood will be shown on televisions in the pub during the afternoons next week and there are plenty of betting shops in the vicinity.

Stephen is a devoted racing fan and pictures of present and past greats line the walls.

Racing fans are drawn to the pub and it’s a great place to pick up some tips for the following day’s racing or to share stories of bets won and lost earlier in the week.

There is live music there every night next week.