Looking to pick up a new hobby, meet some awesome people, or just find a fun way to spend your evenings? Well, we’ve got you covered! Galway is buzzing with clubs for every interest and hobby. These clubs offer the perfect setting for you to try something new and make friends. From creative groups to activity clubs, we have it all laid out below so you can start a new journey doing something you love. Check out our list below and find the perfect club to dive into!
Galway Clubs to get you Creative & ones that’ll appeal to your Interests;
Crafting Clubs - Stitch and Bitch Galway
Every Monday night, come along and join a group of creative crafters as they work on their own projects and offer advice to their fellow creators. If you’re working on knitting, needle work, crochet or anything in between, this craft club night is just for you! Stories, gossip and friendships fostered, Stitch and Bitch will give you a reason to get out of the house while also hone your crafting skills and make some new friends at the time.
above: photo from Stitch & Bitch Galway
Music & Choir Clubs - Galway Musical Society / Galway Choral Association
Looking to join a music club? Look no further than Galway Musical Society (GMS). There is always something to look forward to with musicals and workshops galore. It’s safe to say there’s endless opportunities for new and existing members to express their musicality with like minded people. Get to meet other members all while being part of an award-winning musical club. If singing in a group is more your scene, Galway Choral Association is a vibrant, community-based choir dedicated to the joy of singing. With a welcoming atmosphere full of camaraderie, it's the perfect place for those with a passion for music to thrive. Offering high-quality musical education, the choir helps members elevate their skills while working towards a standard of choral excellence. If you're passionate about performing fabulous music and want to be part of a spirited group, check out their website for upcoming audition details and join the harmony!
Book Clubs - Charlie Byrne’s Book Clubs / Galway City Library Book Club / Silent Book Club / Galway Girls Book Club / The Little Book Club Galway / Read & Run Galway / University of Galway Book Club Society
If you want some motivation to read more books, expand your reading list or simply want to hear other people’s opinions on books you feel strongly about, joining a book club in Galway is a great way to do so. At each meeting the clubs have a friendly and relaxed chat about the chosen book for that session. People of all ages, genders and reading tastes are invited to join, and 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. You can also show up to meetings and not participate in the discussion, there’s never any pressure so feel free to come and go to the meetings as you please.
Fauna Club - Irish Wildlife Trust’s Galway Branch
If you like the sound of a club that focuses on protecting Galway’s wildlife, look no further than Irish Wildlife Trust’s Galway Branch. Dedicated to conserving and educating the public about Galway’s wildlife, 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. If you sign up today, included in the membership is copies of their award-winning magazine ‘Irish Wildlife’, a welcome pack which includes other current IWT publications, access to members only events and wildlife information such as IWT events and staff expertise/support. By signing up you will be supporting and participating in a charitable organisation that is working to improve the future for Ireland’s wildlife.
Dog Club - Galway Dog Club
If you need a little bit of extra support and a community for your new dog 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, dog shows and competitive trails. With specialised classes, such as Responsible Ownership, Puppy Classes and Socialisation Classes, for certain dog breeds, there’s a class to suit your needs no matter the category your dog falls into. Meet new people and new dogs, as you socialise in a club made for animal lovers.
Galway Clubs to get you Active;
Sailing Clubs - Galway Bay Sailing Club / Galway Hooker Sailing Club
For those who have an interest in sailing, boat building or just simply want to try out something completely new. Galway’s sailing clubs offer a new perspective on ways to stay busy in Galway while having fun and making new friends at the same time. Based in Oranmore, Galway Bay Sailing Club organise and facilitate the racing or sailing of dinghies, cruisers, and multihulls for both adults and junior members. They also offer training and instructions to anyone who is interested in learning to sail. Meanwhile, Galway Hooker Club offers sailing sessions, boat restoration classes, and weekly events for members. If you love boats but are more comfortable staying on dry land, this sailing club also has a membership option which allows you participation in all the activities happening off the water.
Kayaking Clubs - Galway Kayak Club
Want to explore Galway’s waterways and have fun on the water? Galway Kayak Club runs both an Adult Beginner Kayaking Course andJunior Kayak Camps, where you’ll learn essential skills in a safe and friendly environment!
No kayaking experience needed – all gear provided!
For the adult course you just need to be able to swim 25m, and once the course is completed you will also gain a Canoeing Ireland Level 2 River Kayak Skills qualification. That qualification is required for signing up to the Galway Kayak Club in order to ensure that all members are at a basic proficiency level to participate in the group activities safely. When you’re a member you can join your fellow kayakers on the water and take part in a variety of fun paddle-sports disciplines including, sea kayaking, marathon, playboating, canoeing, white-water and canoe polo.
Running Clubs - Connexions Run Club / Galway Bay Brewery Running Club / Top Shelf Coffee Bar Running Club / Galway Sanctuary Runners / Read & Run Galway
Joining a running club is a fantastic way to stay fit, meet new people, and get out of the house. It’s a fun and free community based activity that brings friendly, like-minded people together to motivate and inspire one another. The social run clubs in Galway are always happy to welcome new members of all fitness levels. No matter if you are new to Galway, want to spend some time with friends that doesn’t involve a night out, or simply want to meet new people - these run clubs will help you find your tribe, stay active and have some craic along the way.
Walking Clubs - Galway Walking Club / Grey Lake Ramblers / Maumturks Walking Club
Maybe running isn’t your thing and that’s ok! Didn’t you know walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise? In Galway, walkers of all levels are welcome to explore its many trails, walkways and greenways and if you don’t want to keep doing you walk solo there are a number of fantastic walking clubs for you to join. After their scheduled walks café visits are often on the cards giving members a chance to socialise and get to know each other. Don’t forget your packed lunch and a flask of tea! Ready to go? Put on your hiking boots and get ready to explore the great Galway outdoors.
Golf Club - Golf at The Hawthorn / Portumna Golf Club / Galway Golf Club / Connemara Championship Golf Links / Athenry Golf Club
Looking for somewhere beautiful to tee off and work on your golf skills? Galway has no shortage of golf memberships for you to choose from. Whether you're a golf novice or a seasoned pro, you are bound to find the golf club best for you. As we’re sure you already know there is no better time like the present to start playing golf! With equipment hire, caddies and championship level courses, Galway’s golf courses offer a rewarding experience for all levels.
Rock Climbing Club - Galway Climbing Co-Op
Open to all bouldering enthusiasts, Galway Climbing Co-Op is a non-profit Mountaineering Ireland club for all climbing levels. As the unpredictable Galway weather can sometimes limit outdoor climbs, this is where Co-Op steps in to provide a vital space to strengthen your skills all-year-round with their indoor bouldering wall. Indoor bouldering is done without ropes and harnesses performed above a safety mat on the floor. Male and female, young and old and people of differing abilities can all boulder together happily. Bouldering is a very social activity and is non-competitive in nature and this club creates a fun, social, and inclusive activity space for everyone.
Tennis/Squash/Badminton Club - Galway Lawn Tennis Club
New to tennis, squash or badminton? Get into the swing of things at the Galway Lawn Tennis Club! They welcome players of all levels with a variety of courses and events designed to fit your needs. A great way to see if this club is the right fit, try out their Social Tennis event (last Wednesday of the month), and their Social Squash event which consists of friendly doubles, providing each player with a variety of games. It is intended to be fun and gives you an opportunity to meet and socialise with members. For those interested in Badminton, every Monday night is Badminton Club Night where there are friendly double matches and coaching is also provided on the night so even if you have never played before, you should come along anyway. You don’t need a partner to participate, not even a racket! The Club welcomes non-members who can trial any of their club nights up to three times. With both adults and junior membership available, join Galway Lawn Tennis Club to meet fellow tennis enthusiasts and who knows, you might find yourself ready for a tournament in no time!
Softball Club - Galway Softball Club
Are you ready to try something new, or come back to a much beloved sport? Meet the wonderful softball enthusiasts at Galway Softball Club - and maybe do a bit of throwing and catching while you're at it! If light exercise, craic and pints sounds appealing, come on down and give softball a try. Whether you’ve played for years or have never picked up a glove, there’s room for you with this club. Available to people of all skill levels and abilities, they have both over 18s mens and womens teams. Once you feel like you’re skilled enough, why not take part in some of the competitions/special events they host for their club members? This is Galway’s only softball club and they’d love to have you join them.
Dodgeball Club - Galway Dodgeball Club
When was the last time you played Dodgeball? P.E. in school? Well, if you thought it was a blast and are missing it, we have the perfect club for you. All abilities are welcome at Galway Dodgeball Club, who meet up to train every week on Tuesday evenings, 7.30pm to 9pm. Occasional trips to the pub follow these sessions making this the perfect club to join for a mix of activity and socialising. So, if you are over the age of 18 and looking for an activity club that is competitive, sociable and has tournaments, Galway Dodgeball Club should absolutely be on your radar.
Martial Arts Club - Shaolin MMA Galway, Galway Kendo Club, University of Galway Koryukan - Karate Club
If you want to move your body and aren’t interested in regular gym training. Galway’s variety of mixed martial arts clubs have something for everyone. At Shaolin MMA Galway they offer a fusion of Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, judo and more. At this club you’ll learn from pro fighters and train in a safe and fun environment. Meanwhile, Galway Kendo Club is dedicated to offering their members a chance to practise and learn the traditional Japanese martial art of Kendo, which is based on the legacy of the samurai. They offer classes and training for all levels of experience. Over at the University of Galway, you can sign up to learn Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo-jutsu, a modern interpretation of Okinawa's historic combative-like disciplines.
Triathlon Club - Galway Triathlon Club
Galway Triathlon Club (GTC) is the ultimate community for athletes of all levels, from first-timers to Ironman veterans. With expert coaching, insured training sessions, and a supportive group of fellow triathletes, GTC offers everything you need to excel in triathlon. Dive into swimming, cycling, running, and strength sessions, all while gaining insights and encouragement from experienced coaches and members. See their website at the above link for more information.
