When the good weather arrives there's no place we would rather be in Galway than at the gorgeous seaside village- Salthill. This is your ‘A Weekend in Salthill’ guide so get ready to dive off Blackrock Tower because here we go!!
Things to tick off your Salthill Bucket List
photo by @neha_artsylens
1. Dive off Blackrock Diving Tower
Easily one of the most photographed landmarks in all of Galway, Blackrock Diving Tower has been immortalised in the minds of many through paintings, poetry and cherished memories. This summer jump in at the deep end and be a part of this iconic Galway tradition - Just don’t forget to kick the wall across from the Diving Tower for luck!
2. Visit Tribe Irish Gin School
Located in the seaside Salthill, aside from enjoying the refreshing taste of their gin, at the award-winning Tribe Gin School you opt to join their tasting tours or masterclasses. Their Gin School Masterclass will give you the chance to learn about the Gin distilling process and how different botanicals, citrus fruits, florals and spices can influence the flavour of gin and from there you can create, distil and bottle your own unique gin recipe to bring home with you. Book these experiences here.
3. Hit the Beach
What kind of weekend in Salthill guide would this be if we didn’t mention the beaches?! Salthill is made up of several little beaches separated by outcrops, some sandy and some pebbled and each as beautiful as the last. Going for a swim, soaking up the sunshine or enjoying a picnic here are all good ways to pass the day.
4. Buy a 99 from The Creamery
Serving the best ice cream in town, The Creamery is your one stop shop for all refreshments. Their ice creams are exactly what you need to cool down on a summer’s day and if ice cream isn’t your buzz, they offer smoothies, milk shakes, iced coffees and so much more!
5. Visit Galway Atlantaquaria
Did you know that Salthill is home to Ireland’s largest native species aquarium? A day out at Galway Atlantaquaria, is a great way to keep the kids entertained while also teaching them about Ireland native sea life through clear and interesting displays, informed helpful staff and exciting live presentations and animal interaction sessions.
6. Walk the Prom
Whether you want to stroll, walk, run or cycle it, Salthill’s 2km Promenade is well worth a wander down. You don’t have to do it all and the spectacular views speak for themselves so be sure you check it out for yourself. You’ll encounter people of all ages and their doggies enjoying the seaside walkway, we recommend walking it when the sun is rising or setting as the skies over the bay are really magical at those times.
7. Go on rides at the Funfair
Add a bit more excitement to your day by calling into the Funpark and spending the afternoon trying out the different rides. Open daily, there is loads of heart-racing fun to experience here. From crazy golf to the crazy caterpillar, this spot is sure to put a smile on the whole family’s face.
What’s on in Salthill this weekend?
If you want to discover what's going on in Salthill, stay up to date on the latest events on our events page here to find all the need to know information of all the latest gigs and events in Salthill. Recurring Salthill events to look out for include; Jazz on the Prom at Salthill Hotel, Tours of Micil Distillery, and all the latest film releases at The Omniplex.
For a bit of Fine Dining
above: Blackrock Cottage
Take this as your sign to take yourself out for the evening to Salthill’s newest hotspot, Blackrock Cottage. While they are open from the early hours, serving up a pretty impressive menu of baked goods and lunchtime delights, for this guide we want to focus on their fabulous dinner menu. Available from Thursday to Monday from 6pm, Chef Martin O’Donnell has created a sensational evening dining experience complete with delicious wines, irreplicable views and a wholesome ambiance. If Spanish tapas sounds like your kind of thing, look no further than Black Cat. In addition to meat & cheese platters and a diverse wine menu, they’ve got Mediterranean classics such as garbanzo (chickpea) soup, patatas bravas, and sautéed chorizo. They are also famous for their seafood dishes so be sure to give them a try.
Open daily from 9am, The Pear Tree Café & Bistro welcomes everyone from sea swimmers and prom walkers to holidaymakers, and employees on their lunch break. Alongside tasty offerings of homemade pastries and speciality SOMA coffee, visitors can also enjoy artisan sourdough loaded toasties, and fresh fruit juices. After a day at the beach, you’re going to want to spoil yourself with a delicious meal at Gourmet Food Parlour. With a kids menu that is on par with the adults, there's something everyone will love at GFP. They also have a selection of cocktails, mocktails, bubbly and more, which are always a good addition to a summer’s evening.
Sample flavours from around the world
above: Chef Laura Rosso
If you would fancy some authentic Brazilian foods while you’re enjoying the sunshine, sit out in the gorgeous outdoor area at Chef Laura Rosso. With plant based and vegetarian options that are worth the trip to Salthill alone, calling into Chef Laura Rosso is a must for those visiting Galway. Another new addition to Salthill, Osaka offers visitors a dining experience of the finest Japanese and Asian cuisine. Serving Hot Pot, Donburis, Currys, Sushis, Noodles and Wok Stars, there is no end of amazing new flavours to discover at Osaka.
There’s nothing quite like the taste of deliciously filling Asian street food on a summer’s day so add Lana to your weekend itinerary asap. From spicy dishes such as Sweet Chilli Chicken to creamy, slow-cooked curries and noodles packed with flavour, you’ll want to try it all. For a taste of Italian excellence, treat yourself to beautiful Italian food at any time of the day at Magnetti’s on the Waterfront. With focaccia bread, authentic pizza, fresh salads with the finest quality dressings, if dining with a sea view is what you are after this is the place for you.
Light Lunch Bites
Whatever your plan for the day entails, don’t forget to have lunch! Keep yourself fueled throughout the day with some yummy treats at Ground & Co. Their brunch menu features loads of pick me snacks including Leroy’s sausage rolls, French toast, fries and granola - perfect for a pre-beach day or post-morning swim. Pair your day by the seaside with platters of delicious seafood at Barnacles Bar & Kitchen. Their beer battered fish & chips is divine especially when enjoyed with the crisp Connemara lager. Alternatively, we recommend the marinated lobster and chorizo paella which offers a true taste of Spain in Costa del Salthill.
Stay Caffeinated & Cool
above: Kali Coffee Bar
At the garden oasis at Kali Coffee Bar we highly recommend relaxing on bean bags under their big sycamore tree as you tuck into delicious treats and an iced coffee with a good book in hand. Kali is also dog-friendly so feel free to bring along your canine pooch to unwind in the sunshine with you. For a takeaway cold brew, Ré merges speciality coffee and design in one space. You are guaranteed to find some bit of artwork or perhaps a bottle of natural wine here to bring home as well to commemorate your weekend in Salthill. If you’ve started your day with a walk along the Prom with your pup, the lovely coffee dock at Beachfront Barista outside Galway Bay Hotel has all the refreshments you and your doggo will need. With giant deck chairs out front you and your pooch can enjoy the mid morning sunshine and chill, with coffee and pastries for the humans and water for the pups.
Pints, anyone?
above: PJ Flathery's Pub
For some live music to accompany the pints, you'll want to head to a bar that's been made famous by its hospitality and live music. O'Connors is Ireland's original singing pub and is everything you need to know about Irish culture in one place. Known for its buzzing atmosphere, top notch pints of Guinness and sound staff, PJ Flathery’s Pub is perfect for any lazy day meanderings. Not to mention their cosy beer garden that is decked out in pink cherry blossoms which make for a beautiful backdrop for a holiday themed Instagram post. In the summertime very little can beat sipping away on delicious cocktails at the rooftop bar of O’Reillys Bar & Kitchen. With stunning views of Salthill beach and the prom you can try out new drinks off their cocktail menu while enjoying a refreshing lunch as you soak in Salthill’s electric atmosphere. For a pint of plain, Wards offers one of the best in Galway. This bar is an ideal spot to finish your day in Salthill, chatting with the locals and catching the sunset over the Bay.
Feature photo by Ado Lyons
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