Believe it or not, we do get a few sunny days in Galway every year! If you are confused with the weather mix up when the sun shines through the clouds, then we have the perfect sunny-weather activities for you. Save this for a sunny day in Galway because here’s what you’re going to do!
Unfortunately there are only so many sunny days guaranteed in a Galway year, so make sure you make the most of them! Go slap on some sunscreen and explore what a sunny Galway has to offer you.
above: photo courtesy of Brigit's Garden
Never waste a Sunny Day! Here are our top picks as to where to go in Galway…
Brigit’s Garden - Gairdín Bhríde
Brigit’s Garden in Rosscahill has Celtic-themed gardens, a visitor centre, a gift shop and a café creating the perfect picturesque place to spend your sunny day. Take a walk through the gardens and follow the Sun Trail to see the place completely come alive in the good weather.
Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Galway
Explore Galway City at your own pace with unlimited 24 or 48 hour travel with City Sightseeing Galway - Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. Take in panoramic views from the upper deck of the open-top bus as you journey through the streets of Galway, uncovering the history, charm, and legendary craic that make this city so unique. Whether you're visiting for the first time or rediscovering Galway, this guided experience brings the city’s stories to life. Must-see attractions include Eyre Square, Latin Quarter, Claddagh, Salthill, Galway Cathedral, University of Galway, and Woodquay.
Slieve Aughty Riding Centre
On a sunny day come and enjoy a memorable riding experience for equestrians of all ages and abilities at Slieve Aughty Riding Centre. Ideal for both trail riding and horse riding treks, all trail riding is tailored to the rider’s ability, from beginners to advanced. Trail rides can be booked almost any day of the week for an hour or more. A shorter 35-40 minute lead rein can also be booked if an hour is too long for you or you wish to book riding for children and/or nervous riders who need to be on the lead. To book your lesson please tap here.
above: McDonagh's Thatch Bar & Beer Garden
Catch some 'rays in Galway’s Best Beer Gardens
When the sun comes out there’s no better place to be than a Galway beer garden. The good weather brings people out in the masses, creating an electric atmosphere in the city's pubs and with O'Connell's Bar, An Púcán, Mary Mullens, McDonagh’s Thatch Bar & Beer Garden or Massimo Bar there is sure to be fun. Kick back, relax, and enjoy that sunshine buzz.
Ceardlann Spiddal Craft Village
Pop in and out of the multicoloured village workshops that make up Spiddal Craft Village where the artists create traditional one-of-a-kind pieces of craft and art as the sun shines down. Take a seat at one of their outdoor dining tables and grab a bite to eat at the multi-award-winning Builín Blasta. Once you’ve spent enough time (or money) in the village, head across the road to Spiddal Beach - Trá na mBán to enjoy the sunset over the bay.
above: Gurteen Beach, photo courtesy of Tourism Ireland
Beach Day Anyone?
If the sun is really shining, head out for the day to one of Galway’s many beaches. Traught, Salthill, Silverstrand, Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay are guaranteed to have everything you need for those hot days. Be sure to get there early to ensure a parking spot and that perfect sunbathing place on the beachfront. Discover the best beaches in Galway here.
Go for a Swim in Loughrea Lake
If the beach isn’t your thing on a sunny day, what about a lake? Loughrea Lake has an inland bathing area that is walkable from the grass to the pier. The shallow water is a perfect place to take in the sun and see the fish for both children and adults. If you’re looking for a dive, there is a jump off point by the lifeguard where you can have a full plunge to escape the sun’s rays.
above: Wildlands
Prefer an activity that’ll get you active? Check out some more things to do on a sunny day in Galway right here!
A Day of Fun is Guaranteed at Wildlands
There’s really no better way to spend a day in the sunshine than to chase the highs of Wildlands in Moycullen. They have everything your adrenaline heart needs to get pumping, from archery, disc golf, off road adventures to the sky high Zip ‘n’ Trek, there is no room for rest! Bring the whole family with you or go solo, either way a jam-packed day adventuring under the sun is guaranteed!
Get on yer eBike
WeWheel’s eBike Tours are a serious must-do experience for first-time visitors to Galway city. They allow you to cover more ground effortlessly while enjoying an active and engaging way to explore the city’s top landmarks and hidden gems. Their Guided eBike Tour of Galway City is a 2.5 hour experience with a local guide who offers a deep dive into Galway’s culture, history, and personality. With innovative “walkie-talkie” helmets, you can interact with your guide and group seamlessly while riding, no start-stopping required!
Ride the Waves at Dunlaughin Beach
Maybe you would like to spend a sunny day learning how to surf, or maybe you already are a pro and want to go solo. With Real Adventures Connemara, you can learn the tips and tricks of surfing by a top-class coach in a small group setting. So why not make the most of a sunny day and surf Connemara’s waves at Dunlaughin Beach. Tucked away on the coast of Connemara the secluded beach is perfect for both learners and professionals.
above: photo courtesy of Delphi Adventure Resort
Chase the Thrills of Delphi Adventure Resort
With a range of water and land activities Delphi Adventure Resort is a thrilling way to pass a sunny day. Water activities include going sea kayaking, canoeing, or raft building and on land challenge yourself at zip lining, aerial trekking or venture through the bog obstacle. There is plenty to do on this adventure resort, and not a single minute of a sunny day to be wasted so book now and enjoy an incredible time at Delphi Adventure Resort.
Want to go Kayaking? Give It A Go
Take a day off to see the river Corrib from a new angle and embark on a kayaking tour with Give It A Go. The tours offer an array of beautiful scenery and calm waters as you kayak through Galway. Ideal for first timers or those who want to enjoy another side of Galway. If you’ve been busy during the day you can take advantage of a sun filled evening with the Dusk ’til Darkness tours. Go on and get the most out of the sun!
Tee Time!
Play championship golf at The Hawthorn, spectacularly set on the Renville Peninsula in Oranmore, overlooking Galway Bay. Designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr., this outstanding 18-hole, par-72 course stretches to 7,300 yards and has been challenging and delighting golfers since 1993. Just 15 minutes from Galway City and within easy reach of Ireland West, Shannon and Dublin airports, Golf at The Hawthorn is your perfect West of Ireland golfing base.
Dive Right In!
If you’re feeling really brave why not take a dive off of Blackrock Tower in Salthill? The iconic landmark has three diving boards at varied heights, so if the adrenaline wears off, you could always take on a lower plunge. There can be a queue when the sun is out, but the wait is definitely worth it to experience the jump and to cool off.
Main image courtesy of Stephen Duffy, on Ireland's Content Pool.
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