Discover Local

Only ten minutes’ drive from the hotel, Barna Woods is a hidden gem located just outside Galway City. This forest walk is family friendly as it lies on a flat terrain. This trail is a shorter walk with plenty of wildlife and animals to spot along the way.

One of the many things that Galway is famous for is its love of a good festival!
With a year round programme of internationally acclaimed festivals and events, Galway City is the beating cultural heart of Ireland. From horse-racing, art, literature, film, food, music and comedy, there’s a Galway festival to suit every taste!

Dive into the deep end at Salthill’s famous Blackrock Diving Tower. On the doorstep of the hotel, this sea swimming spot is favourite of locals and tourists alike. For those brave enough to face the cold water, this is one for the Galway bucket list. Treat yourself to a post swim coffee at our beachfront barista after and enjoy fresh baked pastries and sweet treats while you take in the spectacular view.

Ireland’s largest native species aquarium Galway Atlantaquaria is just a short five-minute walk from Galway Bay Hotel. With amazing displays, helpful staff, and exciting live presentations, it is perfect for visitors of all ages. The aquatic life displays reflect natural habitats, providing an enjoyable and educational environment to learn about the diverse marine ecosystem of Ireland.

Treat yourself and your family (2 adults and 2 children) to a discounted visit to Ireland's largest aquarium and save 17.5% off the original price when you stay at the Galway Bay Hotel!

Galway Bay Boat Tours is a family run business specialising in tailored boat tours on Galway Bay for individuals, families and groups.
Join Irish fisherman Ciaran Oliver, from one of the last surviving lobster and shrimp fishing families in County Galway, on a boat trip across the tranquil waters of Galway Bay. This activity is perfect for groups big and small, this is your invitation to tour, taste and enjoy the real Galway.

Galway Cathedral is a remarkable and striking building which looks as if it has been a part of the Galway landscape for generations. Visitors are often surprised to learn the green-domed, renaissance style cathedral is one of Europe’s youngest cathedrals and opened in 1965 built on the site of what was once the old city prison.

Galway City Museum is a designated repository for objects of cultural heritage related to the city of Galway and its people. The collection comprises of thousands of objects from the prehistoric era, medieval era, World War 1, 1916 Rising, and early 20th Century Ireland, most of which have been kindly donated by the people of Galway over the past 40 years. The museum is in Spanish Parade, directly behind the Spanish Arch. Admission to the museum is free but tickets must be booked in advance.

Opened in 2015, the Galway Fisheries Watchtower Museum was revealed to the public after a long restoration project by Galway Civic Trust. Featuring a small museum and exhibition, the tower is home to artefacts, memorabilia, and photographs of fishing along the River Corrib and Claddagh. This iconic tower is part of Galway’s West End, dating back as far as 1853 and is the only building of its kind in Ireland.

A wonderful culinary walking tour of Galway run by Sheena Dignam & Gosia Letowska who will bring you to try produce from Oysters to Cheese; Sushi to Crab and Doughnuts to Strawberry Tarts, Local Beers and more. Discover Galway’s famous food culture and take in some of the city’s best known and secret food haunts with Sheena taking you on a food journey that is simply delish!

The City Sightseeing Galway Bus Tour will take you around the most prominent attractions in the City of the Tribes. The tour features 13 stops conveniently located around the city, which allows you to discover the city at your own pace. You can take in the views from their open-top buses and whenever you spot something you would like to explore further, you can just hop-off!

Leisureland is the ultimate swimming complex with three pools and a 65m water slide available. There is also a kids pool, learning pool for swimming lesson and of course the main 25m swimming pool featuring an inflatable obstacle course. There is also crazy golf available outside the centre during the summer months.

Galway's famous bustling market has been trading in the centre of Galway city, County Galway, for centuries. Located by St. Nicholas Church in the middle of Galway City, visitors will find stalls selling fresh produce, locally produced crafts and a great variety of food available including freshly made donuts, Madras curry, yummy crepes, Japanese Sushi, Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches, Oysters and more. The Market is open all year round on Saturday’s from 8.00am - 6.00pm and Sunday’s & Bank Holidays from 12pm - 6pm.

The Omniplex Cinema in Salthill is a movie theatre like no other featuring all-laser projection and electric recliner seats meaning you can watch the hottest new movies in style. Upon entering the venue, you'll step back in time to suave 1920s inspired Hollywood, but don't let the old-style theme fool you - Omniplex Cinema in Salthill features state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos immersive sound technology and 4k Laser Projection, which means that the cinema offers an amazing all-around cinematic experience that's nothing short of mindblowing. Go and see for yourself!

You love a good night out - who doesn't? Galway is a city renowned for its vibrant nightlife, and it's easy to see why. There's a range of late-night bars, cool places to grab a drink, hilarious comedy clubs, and a festival/event are never too far away. So it's no surprise that many people regard Galway as one of the best places to enjoy a night out in Ireland. Click here to find out why.

Galway's a fun and exciting city, so it makes sense that the population is mainly comprised of young people, too, right? Sprinkle in seasonal workers and young tourists seeking adventure, and you get a city that knows how to enjoy a night out! This post is all about the clubs in Galway. So if you want to learn more, click the link.