Things to Do in Galway for Families

1. 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. If you’re looking to try more local flavours then check out our favourite dining options in Galway.

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2. 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 is 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 Trek experience. There are 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.

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3. 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.

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4. Galway Walking Tour

​Salthill Promenade, Co. Galway

Enjoy a leisurely stroll with the family through the charming medieval streets of Galway. Join Brian, your knowledgeable and charismatic guide, as he brings the city's rich history to life with captivating stories and fascinating tales of moments that shaped this vibrant city. Prepare to be entertained by Brian's perfect blend of wit and wisdom, all while soaking in the stunning views along the scenic Salthill promenade.

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Beyond the walk, Galway boasts iconic attractions such as the majestic Galway Cathedral and the interactive Galway City Museum, offering enriching experiences that will captivate the whole family and create lasting memories.

5. Leisureland

Salthill, Galway City

If you’re looking for a spot where the whole family can have a blast, Leisureland in Salthill is the place to be! It’s got three pools, including a 65-meter water slide that the kids will love. On top of that, you can try your hand at crazy golf or just splash around to your heart’s content. Rain or shine, Leisureland is a great spot for family fun.

6. 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.

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7. 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, which includes ponies, donkeys, goats, pigs, and plenty more farmland favourites. You even get the opportunity to feed some of the animals yourself, making for a memorable experience with the kids and a sustainable family activity in Galway.  Other activities at the farm include:

• Jungle Town activity centre
• Inflatable City with an 8,000 square foot bouncing castle

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8. Brigit’s Garden & Café

Pollagh, Rosscahill, Co. Galway

Brigit’s Garden & Café is best described as an 11-acre magical ‘sanctuary in the West of Ireland’. A visit to the garden will take you on a 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 featuring 12 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, so keep yourself updated by checking the website for opening times and prices.

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9. 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.

If you’re planning to explore beyond Galway, a family day trip to neighbouring Sligo is well worth it — with safe beaches, outdoor adventures, and historic sites, there are plenty of fun things to do in Sligo with kids too.

10. 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.

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11. 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.

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12. 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.

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13. 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.

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14. The Aran Islands

Take a ferry from Rossaveal to the Aran Islands, a group of three stunning islands rich in Irish culture and history. Explore ancient forts, rugged cliffs, and beautiful beaches while the kids enjoy fossil hunting and spotting wildlife. It’s one of the best things to do in Galway for families to experience traditional Irish life and breathtaking scenery.

15. Clifden and Sky Road

Drive out to Clifden, the heart of Connemara, and take the scenic Sky Road loop. This breathtaking coastal drive offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, islands, and mountains. Stop in Clifden town for family-friendly cafes and shops, or explore nearby beaches and playgrounds for some outdoor fun. After exploring Clifden, why not make your journey back to Galway even more special by stopping at Kylemore Abbey? This iconic landmark, nestled just a short drive away, offers the whole family a chance to step into a world of Gothic grandeur and Victorian charm.