Gallagher was always associated with his well-worn sunburst 1961 Stratocaster (Serial Number 64351), which his brother Donal has officially retired. It was reputedly the first in Ireland, and was ordered from Fender by Jim Connolly, a showband member performing with The Irish Showband.
A life-size bronze sculpture in the shape of Gallagher's Stratocaster is located on at Rory Gallagher Corner in Dublin's Temple Bar.