Things to do in Galway with kids
The weather isn’t something you can bet on in Ireland, we can often experience four seasons worth of weather in one day! What you can bet on is there’s lots of things to do in Galway with kids, no matter the weather is. Start your family break with plenty of parks, farms, and adventure centres for the perfect family break in Galway. Here’s a list of our favourite tried and tested fun things to do in Galway with kids.
Slieve Aughty Centre
Kylebrack, Loughrea, Co. Galway
Experience something new, with horse riding lessons at the family run Slieve Aughty Centre. Take part in family friendly lessons or ride trails through the west of Ireland’s stunning scenic forestry. You’re in safe hands with the team at Slieve Aughtys riding centre. They are the best in the business and many have been teaching for more than 20 years. The experienced team have over 30 horses and ponies available for all ages and riding levels. For the little ones, experience some magic with a walk through their very own enchanted forest. Only a short 10 minute walk from the centre. Finish your family day out with a bite to eat at their very own organic café on site.
Discover The Slieve Aughty Centre
Wildlands
Ballyquirke Moycullen, Co. Galway
Wildlands has over 20 acres of woodlands just off the Wild Atlantic way. This activity is for thrill seekers. Great news is, there are a whole host of indoor and outdoor activities so there’ll be lots to do, no matter the weather. Take on an adventure with their Zip and treck experience. No one is left out, there’s Junior treks offered for the little ones. Climb to the top of the circuit and stroll across tree tops before taking a zipline across the woods. A thrilling experience with a stunning bird’s eye view of the lake. If you’re looking for something relaxing to do with the kids. Then a forest walk or kayak trip along the lake is the perfect activity in the wildlands for you.
National Aquarium
Seapoint Promenade, Co. Galway
On a day for the ducks, a visit to The National Aquarium is the perfect thing to do with the kids in Galway. Home to common Irish species and some exotic sea creatures. Immerse yourself in the deep water exhibit, a floor to ceiling viewing point of the Aquarium’s largest predators. It features some of the most common species of sharks in Irish waters. Joining a guided experience to discover more about our own native sea creatures including jellyfish, whales, and dolphins.
Discover The National Aquarium
Galway Walking Tour
Salthill Promenade, Co. Galway
Enjoy a leisurely stroll with the family along the medieval streets of Galway. Brian your knowledgeable walking tour brings the city’s history to life. Sharing tales of historical moments that shaped the city. You are in for a treat with Brian’s charming mix of wit and wisdom. All while taking in the scenic landscape of the Salthill promenade.
Linnala Ice Cream
New Quay, The Burren, Co. Clare
Linnalla is a family run ice cream farm, with its very own Café packed to the brim with delicious ice cream. Enjoy your homemade Irish ice cream overlooking the world famous Galway bay. A visit to Linnala is not complete without a tour of the farm with owners Brid and Roger. You and the little ones can look forward to seeing the farmyard animals. While learning some of the unique history of the farm, the local area and the Burren. After your tour head back to their café for a fresh scoop and cold glass of milk.
Discover The Linnala Ice Cream Farm
Burren Nature Sanctuary
Cloonasee, Kinvara, Co. Galway
This heritage site is the perfect place to discover the wonders of the Burren landscape. Visitors can embark on the Burren walk while listening to an audio tour to learn more about the site and its flora. There are lots of kids’ activities at the Galway sanctuary too. There is a family farm and an outdoor activity centre with a zip wire, climbing frame and sand pits with diggers. If the weather turns take shelter in the soft play area with an indoor giant slide, and a baby/toddler zone. For a really magical experience book in for your very own fairy pig walk, to enjoy a guided walk with Emilia the pig around the fairy woodlands.
Discover The Burren Nature Sanctuary
Turoe Pet Farm
Turoe House, Turoe, Loughrea, Co. Galway
Turoe Pet Farm is the perfect place to visit come rain or shine. They have both indoor and outdoor attractions. A popular experience for all ages is a visit to the pet farm. Get up close to pigs, ponies donkey’s goats, and plenty more farmland favourites. You even get the opportunity to feed some of the animals yourself. Making for a very memorable experience with the kids. Other activities at the farm include:
- Jungle Town activity centre
- Inflatable City with an 8,000 square foot bouncing castle
Brigit’s Garden & Café
Pollagh, Rosscahill, Co. Galway
Brigit’s Garden & Café is best described as an eleven acre magical ‘sanctuary in the West of Ireland’. A visit to the garden will take you on magical journey into the heart of Celtic heritage and mythology. There are four Celtic gardens to see:
- Samhain Winter Garden
- Imbolc Spring Garden
- Bealtaine Summer Garden
- Lughnasa Autumn Garden
For children, there’s an Earth Quest trail which features twelve science based challenges to solve, a natural playground and a fairy fort. There’s a lovely café at Brigit’s Garden for the kids when they get hungry from all their gallivanting. Produce is collected from the gardens for their dishes. Entry to the gardens is seasonal, keep updated by the website on opening times and prices.
Rinville Park
Oranmore, Co. Galway
Rinville Park, is nestled in a gently undulating landscape on the shore of Galway Bay, south of Galway City and Oranmore Town. The Park includes a Slí na Sláinte walking route, trails through woodland and a public playground within old garden walls, BBQ and picnic areas and an outdoor gym. The Park also includes the built heritage of Rinville Castle and Rinville Hall which are over four hundred years old. There is access to Rinville Point and Saleen Point, where views of Galway Bay, Galway City and the Burren of County Clare can be enjoyed.
Corrib Princess
Waterside,Woodquay, Co. Galway
Departing from Woodquay in the heart of Galway city, the Corrib Princess brings you on a guided sightseeing tour along the River Corrib before entering Ireland’s second largest lake, the spectacular Lough Corrib which is home to courting swans, hunting herons and jumping salmon.
Suitable for all ages, relax and unwind on a 90 minute cruise as you learn about the history of Galway city, passing Menlo Castle before turning back at Annaghdown Pier. Cruises run seasonally so check on the website for updates.
Pallas Karting, Paintball and Splatball
Tynagh, Co. Galway
Pallas Karting is Europe’s largest karting centre with a 500m beginner track and a 1,500m advanced GP F1 track. Drivers at Pallas Karting can enjoy long tracks and great quality karts while hitting speeds of up to 55km per hour for beginners and 85km per hour for those who are more advanced. The beginner track is suitable for children aged 10 and over that are at least 4ft 6″ tall. Paintball and splatball is also available at Pallas Karting. Splatball is certainly more family friendly as if offers all the fun of paintball without the impact and bruises. These activities are played outside on the centre’s four skill zones and all participants will be provided with body armour, a full face mask and ammo. Advanced booking is required for Pallas Karting and you can do so on their website.
Discover Pallas Karting, Paintball and Splatball
Connemara National Park
Connemara, Co. Galway
Connemara National Park features 2,000 hectares of mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands and forests, all open for exploration! You’ll also find exhibitions, Connemara ponies, indoor and outdoor picnic areas, nature trails, hill walks, tea rooms and a children’s playground. The views from the park are spectacular so bring your camera. Special events are hosted in the park throughout the year so make sure to check their website to see what’s on before you visit.
Discover Connemara National Park
Kayakmór
Galway Kayak Tours
Menlo Pier, Co. Galway
Discover the waterways of Galway from a different perspective! Learn to kayak on a half-day tour, which is ideal for beginners as the group are taught the basic strokes and safety skills before taking off on a picturesque tour tailored to the ability of your group. Aimed at children eight years and over, Kayakmór’s goal is to provide an enjoyable, safe, and informative introduction to kayaking, and to build confidence afloat. Tours run daily during the summer months with prices varying depending on the size of the group.
Four-Star Hotel in Galway
Chose a Clayton Hotel for your family break away in Galway. Our spacious rooms are ideal for all the family, with interconnecting rooms too for even more space and comfort.
