Fun Things to Do in Galway Ireland
Count yourself lucky if you happen to arrive in Galway. Perhaps you are passing through while travelling the Wild Atlantic Way or maybe Galway City is your dream holiday destination, and you’ve finally made it. So next, you will need to find fun things to do in Galway Ireland, to be precise. The good news is that you could spend weeks in Galway and still not run out. The city itself charms everyone. A trip to the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara is a must, and the Aran Islands beckon thousands of tourists every year.
But let’s look at some more unusual activities and adventures you can choose while visiting the City of Tribes. In this post, we endeavour to mention places you may not find in every Galway tourist guide. Regardless of whether you are a student studying English in Galway, a weekend visitor, or a parent with kids to keep happy, this guide has something for you. Any time of the year.
Buckets of Fun to Be Had
The jewel along the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway continues to draw large crowds from all over the world. Its cosy city centre packed with buskers and street artists, pubs, shops, and restaurants offers something to everyone. A couple of miles out the road in Salthill, you can have a dip in pristine waters or join everyone else walking the Salthill prom.
Alternatively, you can hop on a small cruiser in the city centre and revel in the stunning beauty of Lough Corrib. If traditional Irish music is your thing, seek out the Crane in the West End. And if you are a theatre buff, check out the drama lineup at the Town Hall Theatre. Then again, you may just want to indulge in a little 5-star luxury by having afternoon tea at the G Hotel.
Beyond Galway City, every guide tells you to travel to County Clare to see the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Thousands head west along the coastal road to delve deep into the wild on the Aran Islands or in Connemara. But what other fun things to do in Galway Ireland are there?
Fun Things to Do in Galway with Kids
City holidays with kids can cause ructions. They find shopping as dull as visiting museums or listening to Irish music. Thankfully, you’ve got plenty of options. If travelling with smaller kids, check out Loughwell Farm Park a few miles outside Galway on the Clifden Road (N59). Set in stunning Galway countryside, the pet farm offers access to lots of small animals, a huge indoor play area, and many more things for your kids to do. Meanwhile, you can have coffee and lunch at the restaurant.
Bigger kids will love the tree walks and zip lines at Wildlands, also on the N59 but closer to Galway. From lofty heights and delicious food, Wildlands won’t disappoint as long as you book the activities in advance.
Wild Atlantic Way Sports
If you fancy taking to the water, you’ve got plenty of options. Swim in Salthill and jump off Blackrock Tower. Salthill has been awarded Blue-Flag status for many years, a rarity among European cities. You can also travel out to Carraroe for a scuba diving lesson or, indeed, to Clifden for a spot of sailing. If rivers are more your thing, why not spend a week cruising the Shannon on a chartered cruiser?
Closer to the city, you have Rusheen Bay Surfing, and in the heart of the town, Bow Waves Powerboat and Sailing School. Alternatively, you can go kayaking or fishing on Lough Corrib, you don’t even need to worry about a licence.
The Thrills and Spills of an Ice Bath
More and more people swear by the benefits of ice baths. If you think Ireland’s Atlantic is too tepid check out the ice bath on the Tuam Road.
Karting Exhilaration & Paintball Warfare
County Galway is home to Europe’s longest outdoor karting track. Drive an 85kph Thunderkat down a 1500-metre track, wheel-to-wheel with fellow racers at Pallas Karting, in East County Galway. Less experienced drivers can meander along a 500-metre beginner track.
Pallas Karting caters to individuals and groups. Booking is advisable. If you and your friends and colleagues are looking for other fun activities, you can try out paintballing too.
Grasping the Poetry of W.B. Yeats at Thoor Ballylee, Gort, County Galway
Nobel Prize-winner Seamus Heaney described Thoor Ballylee as “the most important building in Ireland.” A Nobel laureate for Literature recipient himself, Yeats spent many summers at Thoor Ballylee penning some of his best work. After its closure due to flood damage during the winter of 2009/2010, locals formed the Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society to restore and reopen the historical site. Fittingly, the Tower was reopened on Yeats’ 150th birthday in 2015. Since then the building has been open to visitors all year round.
At the heart of a visit now lies the Yeats Thoor Ballylee exhibition displaying Galway’s culture and arts. Curated by Dr Adrian Paterson of NUI Galway, the exhibition explores Yeats’ life and work, the role of women in his life, and his close ties to the local landscape and people.
Michelin-Star Dining in Galway
Although you may not expect it, Galway City and County also rank among the top food destinations. With no less than six Michelin Star winners, Galway offers exceptional fine dining in the city and beyond.
When in Connemara, check out Owenmore Restaurant in Ballynahinch or George V across Lough Corrib in Cong. In the City, you have a choice between Kai, Aniar, daróg, and Éan, all serving award-winning modern Irish cuisine. And in East Galway, you can indulge at LIGИUM in Bullaun.
So, So Many More Fun Things to Do in Galway
We have only scratched the surface with the activities above. The best thing to do is to come to Galway and talk to people. No matter who you ask, they will have plenty of great suggestions for you.