We have created the perfect list of local Galway clubs for those of you who are looking for a place to enhance your skills, try a new hobby, a change of scenery or a way to meet new people. From creative clubs to activity clubs we have it all lined out below so you can start a new journey doing something you love.
Sailing Clubs
Galway Bay Sailing Club and Galway Hooker Sailing Club are for those who have an interest in sailing, boat building or just being part of a club. Galway Bay Sailing Club is based in Oranmore and renowned for its warm welcome to members and visitors. They organise and facilitate the racing or sailing of dinghies, cruisers, and multihulls for adults and junior members. They also offer training and instructions to anyone who is interested in learning to sail. Galway Hooker Club welcomes anyone and everyone to join their club. They have sailing sessions, boat restoration classes, and weekly events. If you’d rather stay on dry land, they have a membership option which includes all the activities happening off the waters.
Photo courtesy of Galway Bay Sailing Club
Running Clubs
If you’ve heard about the benefits of running but don’t know where to start then the two clubs for you are Craughwell Athletic Club and Corrib Athletic Club. Both clubs have sessions for juniors and seniors who are interested in training, getting active and running. Even if you’re a beginner there’s no need to worry! Craughwell AC have their bi-weekly Fit4Life classes where no previous experience is needed. Get healthy and make friends with their sociable group sessions which are friendly and welcoming to all. Corrib AC is located in the Oughterard/Killannin area and has training several times a week. They cater for all types of athletes, recreational to national level, across running, throwing and jumping events.
Book Club
A sporty alternative that still exercises the mind comes in the form of Charlie Byrne’s Book Club. At each meeting the book clubs have a friendly and relaxed chat about the chosen book for that month. The members are mixed and they are always encouraging new people of all ages, genders and reading tastes to join. Even if you’d rather not attend the monthly meetings there’s always the option to read the book of the month at your own time and pace, with the chosen book being at a 10% discount for that month. You can keep up to date with the book club by following their Facebook page here.
Kayaking Club
Galway Kayak Club is a local club run by voluntary members who share a wide variety of skills in paddle-sports disciplines including, sea kayaking, marathon, playboating, canoeing, white-water and canoe polo. There is some type of paddling for everyone, from those who are really competitive to those who just want to have some fun. In order to join Galway Kayak Club you must hold a Canoeing Ireland Level 2 Kayak Skills Award or higher. This is to ensure that all members are at a basic proficiency level to participate in the group activities safely. Head over to their website here to find out more about the award.
Photo courtesy of Galway Kayak Club
Walking Clubs
Oyster Walking Club and Galway Walking Club welcome all those interested in walking and hiking. The Oyster Walking Club meets every second Sunday for walks around the Burren, Connemara, Mayo and further afield. Stay after the walk for their sometimes scheduled cafe visits. Galway Walking Club organises weekly walks, hikes and rambles throughout Ireland, along with regular trips abroad and weekends away. Take a packed lunch and a flask of tea, put on your hiking boots and explore the great Galway outdoors. Keep up to date for their upcoming walks here and here.
Photo courtesy of Oyster Walking Club
Tennis Club
Beginners, intermediate and advanced players are welcome to Galway Lawn Tennis Club for courses and events. ‘Tennis Xpress’ introduces beginner adult players to tennis using the slower balls, aiming to help starters to serve, rally and score.‘Rusty Rackets’ is ideal for those returning to play after a break. Game-placed learning is used to emphasise basic stroke production. Meet new people and join the Galway Lawn Tennis Club and one day you might even enter into a tournament.
Choir Club
Galway Choral Association is a community-based choir for men and women aged 18 years or older. There is a spirit of enjoyment and camaraderie among the members that you would be perfect for those with the ability to sing. They will provide a high quality musical education for its members to help achieve their standard of excellence in choral singing. They are a choir passionate about performing fabulous music and if that calls out to you make sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page here to find out about their auditions.
Golf Club
There are many golf clubs around Galway that are perfect for first time golfers looking to have a go, or professionals who are looking to get back into the swing of things. Galway Bay Golf Resort in Oranmore is a 18-hole course overlooking Galway Bay and is a relaxing environment to try or polish a new hobby. Take a lesson in their trackman room before heading out onto the green. From beginners to seasoned experts the Galway Bay Golf Resort welcomes all abilities and upcoming members.
Photo courtesy of Galway Bay Golf Resort
Fauna Club
Irish Wildlife Trust’s Galway Branch is dedicated to conserving and educating the public about Galway’s wildlife. If you also have this intention, join the like minded members who have a passion for nature. Their mission is to spread the word about the amazing resources available under our noses. Irish Wildlife Trust has events such as projects, lectures, walks, and briefings for its nature loving members.
Photo courtesy of Hannah Martin
Rock Climbing Club
Galway Climbing Co-Op is a Mountaineering Ireland club open to all bouldering enthusiasts to join no matter your climbing level. With their indoor wall it is possible to improve your bouldering skills year round no matter the weather. Enjoy the social, non-competitive activity and meet new people. Male, female, young and old can all boulder together happily at Galway Climbing Co-Op.
Photo courtesy of Galway Climbing Co-Op
Dodgeball Club
Galway Dodgeball Club welcomes all to come play and throw some balls. No previous experience is needed to join the club. With a weekly training session on Tuesdays and an occasional trip to the pub after the session, it is the perfect club with a mix of activity and socialising. If you are over the age of 18 and looking for an activity club that is competitive, sociable and has tournaments then the Galway Dodgeball Club is the place you should go.
Photo courtesy of Galway Dodgeball Club
Softball Club
Whether you’ve played for years or have never picked up a glove, there’s room for you in the Galway Softball Club. The club is available to people of all skill levels and abilities, with their over 18s mens and womens teams. With competitions and special events for the club members, Galway’s only softball club is a sociable place for anyone with an interest in joining.
Photo courtesy of Galway Softball
Music Club
Be a part of musical productions by becoming a member with the Galway Musical Society (GMS). With ongoing musicals such as Oliver and RENT, and their West End Workshops there’s plenty of opportunities for members to express their musical ways with like minded people. Get to meet other members all while being part of an award-winning musical club.
Photo of 'RENT' courtesy of Ian Walsh - Brenóg
Art Club
Adult art classes with the Just Art It Creative Studio could give you a creative outlet and a place to socialise with people who also enjoy art. Drawing and sketching classes, introduction to still life drawing classes and Let’s Paint classes are all available to join throughout the year. Explore still life, portraits and live drawing while experimenting with different drawing mediums, from pencils, to inks without the need for any previous experience.
Photo courtesy of Just Art It
Wine Club
The Grape Vine Wine Club is for both the wine connoisseurs and those who simply enjoy a glass now and then. The event is held at Tom Sherian’s Bar and Restaurant and is the perfect club for wine enthusiasts. Enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant while you indulge your taste buds as the wine experts at the club take you on a journey through six exquisite wines. The three reds and three whites will be served alongside a selection of finger food provided by the culinary team at Sheridans. Keep an eye out for the events on the Tom Sheridan social pages to make sure you don’t miss out on an opportunity to join the Grape Vine Wine Club.
Photo courtesy of Tom Sheridan's Bar
Dog Club
If you need a little bit of support when you’re joining a new club then the Galway Dog Club is the place for you and your pet. Bring along your furry friend to the weekly training classes, seminars, competitions, social events, information days and dog shows. With specialised classes for certain dog breeds, there’s a class no matter the category your dog falls into. Meet new people, and new dogs, as you socialise in a club made for animal lovers.
Photo courtesy of Galway Dog Club
Martial Arts Club
The Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) Club, The Exiles, in Salthill are open to all those over 18 interested in learning how to sword fight. They are a group who are a part of an international network of Mediaeval martial artists studying the work of Master Fiore dei Liberi and the classes take place every Wednesday. The Exiles in Galway will teach you the skills involved in life or death combat, just as those who were originally trained, such as unarmed striking and grappling, dagger attack and defence, longsword in one and two hands and working with poleaxe and spear weapons. If you are interested in leaning about this 600 year old art, The Exiles in Galway always welcome new members.
Photo courtesy of The Exiles Galway
Feature photo courtesy of Galway Walking Club
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