Visiting Galway with children

If you are visiting Galway with children, you might find the following selection of activities near the conference venue useful. Check out Galway Tourism for more ideas and information.

Galway is a compact and walkable city with a wide range of family-friendly activities that can be reached on foot or by public transport from the city centre and University of Galway. Many attractions are free or low-cost, and several are suitable for rainy days.

On and near campus   

Museums and Cultural Attractions

• James Michell Geology Museum at University of Galway. For children interested in science and nature, the small but engaging James Mitchell Geology Museum and Zoology & Marine Biology Museum at University of Galway can provide a quieter alternative to larger attractions.
• The Zoology and Marine Biology Museum, located in the Martin Ryan Building, is open from 10am to 4pm daily.

Sightseeing and informal family activities

• The University Trail is designed to showcase some of the main features of the campus. Printed copies of the trail are available from the Main Reception underneath the Archway entrance to the Quadrangle building.
• The University’s River Route marked walking trail is accessible and extends from near the university’s Orbsen Building, north along the river to the campus sports fields.
• The campus biodiversity trail – overlapping with the riverside walk – highlights a range of habitats on campus. See a map here or pick up a copy at reception.
• Millennium Children’s Park near University of Galway includes extensive play equipment and is situated close to the city’s canals. Galway City Council maintains 30 playgrounds across the city.

City Centre and Claddagh

Museums and Cultural Attractions

• Galway City Museum has free entry and hands-on activities.

Sightseeing and informal family activities

• Galway’s compact medieval centre makes it easy for families to explore on foot. The pedestrian-friendly streets around Shop Street, Quay Street, Eyre Square, and the Spanish Arch are often animated by musicians and street performers.
• Street markets are colourful and lively. The Galway Market opens weekdays from 12-6 in July.
• The informal self-guided waterways trails, following the river, canals and coastline of Galway, offer much to explore. Children will particularly enjoy watching the swans by The Claddagh.
• The Saturday morning children’s storytelling in Charlie Byrne’s bookstore is very popular. The shop has a large children’s section, and plenty of browsing for other family members too throughout the week.
• There are several playgrounds in the city centre, including at South Park in The Claddagh, and in Eyre Square.

Entertainment and games

• For older children and teenagers, Great Escape Rooms Galway offers collaborative puzzle-solving games in the city centre.
• Planet Entertainment Centre Galway includes bowling, arcade games, and indoor entertainment options, a short walk from campus, or accessible by city bus 407 from Eyre Square.

Salthill

The Salthill area, with its beaches, can be a great place to bring children, particularly in good weather. However, there are also various indoor activities. Take city bus 401 from Eyre Square or city bus 410 from campus.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

• Galway Atlantaquaria, Ireland’s largest native species aquarium.

Sightseeing and informal family activities

• The Salthill Promenade is especially suitable for family walks and cycling. In good weather enjoy the beaches and diving areas.
• The playground at Claude Toft Park near the Atlantaquaria is popular with younger children (up to 12 years old).

Entertainment and games

• Curry's Fun Park in Salthill provides seasonal amusements and rides near the seafront.
• Seapoint Amusement Centre can be entertaining, particularly in poor weather.

Tours and rides

There are several tours that might be of interest to children and families:

• Several operators provide guided walking tours of Galway. See a list of providers at the end of this linked page.
• Open-top bus tour of Galway. 24-hour and 48-hour tickets available.

• The Corrib Princess boat ride: A 90-minute scenic afternoon cruise of the River Corrib.
• Galway Tourist Train Hop on-off tours. This 45-minute tour leaves hourly (11am-4pm) from outside The Skeff in Eyre Square. Tickets are €14 for adults, €7 for children, or €38 for a family of four.