Alexa, play ‘Galway Girl’ (the Steve Earle one, obvs)
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for an adventure up north, autism-friendly hotels so your neurodivergent kid can be themselves, or how to make the best of the Kingdom, we’ve got you covered.
Next up in our staycation series: the City of the Tribes and surrounding areas. Here’s our guide on things to do in Galway with kids.
Things to do in Galway City
Galway Market
If you’re there on a weekend, stop by the famous Saturday street market that’s been trading in Church Lane by St Nicholas’ Church for centuries to shop gorgeous food and unique artisan makes.
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Kirwan’s Lane
A stroll down this lane is like a trip back to medieval times. Named after the Kirwans, one of Galways fourteen “tribes,” the lane displays many relics of 16th and 17th century architecture.
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Eyre Square
Galway City’s rectangular public park is a nice place to chill in the sun if you’re all shopped out from the nearby William Street and Shop Street.
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Spanish Arch and Galway City Museum
After visiting the pre-medieval Spanish Arch, head next door to the Galway City Museum for a look at local culture and temporary exhibitions.
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Things to do in Salthill
Salthill Promenade
On a sunny day, why not head for a stroll along the near 3km promenade (or ‘the Prom,’ as it’s known locally)? The coastal stretch overlooks Galway Bay and offers views of the hills of Co. Clare.
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Curry’s Fun Park
What says “family day out” better than chasing each other in bumper cars or someone bawling to get off the waltzers? This amusement park also has a Ferris wheel, so you can take in the bay from a height.
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Galway Atlantaquaria, National Aquarium of Ireland
This is Ireland’s largest native species aquarium, promoting education, awareness and conservation of ocean life.
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Things to do in Connemara
Connemara National Park is a stunning region and a must-visit while in the county of Galway. Take a drive through for stunning bogland, mountains, hills, lakes, rivers, meadows, woodlands, coastline and more. Worth a stop along the drive include:
Clifden Castle
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Inagh Valley
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Diamond Hill
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Dog’s Bay
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Things to do elsewhere
Loughwell Farm Park, Moycullen
The kids will absolutely love this one as there’s plenty for them to get up to. Pet a range of animals, feed the alpacas, play mini golf, go go karting, play in the outdoor playground and go for a spin around the farm on the barrel train. There’s also a bunch of indoor activities if you get caught in the rain, like the soft play structure, a miniature play village, skittle lanes, a construction area and a didi car track.
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Barna Woods, Barna
A stroll through these idyllic woodlands brings plenty of family photo ops.
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Rinville Park, Oranmore
Perfect for family walks, Rinville Park is home to an ancient castle, picnic areas and a kids’ playground. There’s also views of Galway Bay and even the Burren available from Rinville Point and Saleen Point.
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