Planning a family holiday in Galway? Make sure Salthill is at the top of your list! This vibrant seaside village is packed with fun, family-friendly activities and attractions that will keep kids (and grown-ups!) entertained all day long. To help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Salthill with children. From beach days and aquariums to funpark rides and indoor fun. Read on to discover how to make the most of your family break in Salthill!
Have a Beach Day and Walk Salthill Promenade
No visit to Salthill is complete without a stroll along the famous Salthill Promenade. This scenic 2km seaside path is perfect for families, with space for buggies, bikes, and even the four-legged family members. Soak up the stunning views across Galway Bay and enjoy the fresh Atlantic air as you wander and be sure to visit the iconic Blackrock Diving Tower. Don’t forget to kick the wall at the end of the Prom (by Blackrock Diving Tower) for good luck too!
If you are travelling with older children who are confident swimmers, something that is considered a bucket list item when it comes to holidaying in Galway is taking a dive off the yellow Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill. If you’re not feeling comfortable with this challenge, no worries, because Salthill’s other beaches are super beautiful and are all safe for swimming with lifeguard stations nearby. These sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathing, sandcastle building, picnicking and more so weather permitting be sure to spend a day enjoying them.
above: photo by Peter Steele
Go on rides at Curry’s Funpark
If your kids love thrills, head to Curry's Funpark, one of the top family attractions in Salthill. From gentle rides for little ones to adrenaline-pumping fun for older children, there's something here for everyone's adventurous soul. Popular rides include the carousel, sky wheel, wacky worm roller coaster, waltzer, and flying swinger, as well as the fun factory, tea cups, and more. Curry’s is open daily (weather permitting) from 12pm until late, making it perfect for an afternoon of fun.
above: photo by Bernice Naughton via Ireland's Content Pool
Enjoy a Family Picnic in Galway's Great Outdoors
On sunny days, nothing beats a family picnic in Salthill. Choose from one of Salthill's lovely parks or head to the beach for seaside snacking. Putting together a picnic is easy thanks to local eateries such as Galway Bay Hotel whose brunch boxes are packed with tons of delicious snacks and treats that everyone can enjoy tucking into. You can also opt to take away some treats from cafés in the area such as Gourmet Food Parlour, Gourmet Tart and Ground & Co, however you decide to prepare for the occasion rest assured there are loads of great options for food in Salthill. Discover more about those here. Pre-picnic we also suggest checking out Salthill’s playground which can help your kids burn off some energy before sitting down and feasting on delicious picnic snacks.
Explore the exhibitions at Galway Atlantaquaria
Looking for an educational and fun experience? Visit Galway Atlantaquaria which is Ireland’s largest native species aquarium and a day spent here is one well spent! A brilliant activity for all ages, especially, if you have kids because this is a great way to keep them 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. Here you and your children can visit the ocean zone and the waterfall and meet an octopus, clownfish, piranhas and so many more species of sea life. Afterwards, we highly recommend treating your whole family to some delicious ice creams from The Creamery Café & Bistro.
above: photo courtesy of Galway Atlantaquaria
Catch a Movie at the Cinema
Rainy day? No problem! Head to the Omniplex Cinema in Salthill, a modern 10-screen complex showing the latest family films and popular re-releases. It is the perfect place for lovers of the big screen and if it's raining, it is the ideal solution to keep the children entertained. This cinema also features recline seats, 3D performances, assigned seating and wheelchair-accessibility. Before heading into the screen, stock up on fresh popcorn made on-site, as well as nachos, hotdogs, sweets and soft drinks. To check what’s screening ahead of your visit please tap here.
Discover all the kid-friendly activities at Leisureland
If the weather isn’t suitable for a day at the beach no worries because there is always something to do at Salthill’s family-friendly activity and events centre - Leisureland. Open all year round, it has a large public swimming pool with a slide and kids pool as well as a steam room and sauna. Outdoors, you’ll find a golf adventure course that consists of 9-holes and is an ideal sunny day activity in Galway. As we mentioned earlier, Leisureland also hosts events throughout the year and if you are interested in checking out who is performing during your time in Salthill please hit the link here to check out their entertainment programme.
above: photo courtesy of Leisureland
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang
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