The Scratch at Monroe's Live

What to Expect

The Scratch are a four piece from Dublin, formed in 2016 by three former members of the heavy metal band Red Enemy alongside a fourth musician, built around an unusual approach of playing acoustic guitars with the rhythmic force and aggression of a metal band rather than the gentler picking most acoustic acts favour. The result has been described as rapid fire, percussive acoustic guitar work that merges triumphant, almost anthemic melodies with the groove and intensity of metal, pulling in strands of Irish traditional music along the way despite having no fiddle, whistle or box in sight. It is a genuinely distinctive live proposition, loud and physical despite the lack of electric instruments, and the band has built a strong live reputation on exactly that contrast. Demand for this booking has been strong enough that Monroe’s Live has added a second night on 25 September 2026 in addition to this date.

Good to Know

• Date and time: Thursday 24 September 2026, doors 8pm, with a second show on Friday 25 September 2026, also 8pm
• Venue: Monroe’s Live, Dominick Street Upper, Galway City
• Price: see monroes.ie for ticket price and availability
• Two separate dates, check which one you are booking when buying tickets
• Standing show, expect a physical, high energy room

Getting There

Galway city is well connected from around the country, with Irish Rail running direct services from Dublin Heuston in around two hours fifteen minutes and Bus Eireann and Citylink both running frequent coaches from Dublin, Limerick and Cork. Monroe’s is on Dominick Street Upper in Galway’s West End, across the bridge from the Claddagh and about a 10 to 15 minute walk from Eyre Square and the train and bus station, with plenty of pubs nearby either side of the venue.