While there are dozens of pubs with music, dancing, and nightlife in Galway, it’s also a brilliant place for a family getaway. Rain, hail, or shine (and often all seasons in one day) Galway has something exciting to do for all ages, entertaining young and old. There is plenty to explore outdoors like local parks, gardens and the nearby beach but if the weather isn’t cooperating, there are play centres, cinemas, museums and more to discover. Imperial Hotel Galway is central, convenient, and comfortable and is the perfect family hotel in Galway City. Book our hotel in Eyre Square today and start planning a family getaway to Galway you’ll always remember.
Things to do in Galway.
Did you know that Galway has Ireland’s largest native species aquarium? The Galway Atlantaquaria helps your family discover the diversity of life in Ireland’s oceans, rivers, lakes, and canals and is a brilliant day out for all ages. As Galway is along the Irish coastline, there are plenty of water activities you can enjoy as a group like a boat trip along the Rover Corrib. The trip will take an afternoon and give you a unique view of the wildlife and scenery along the riverbed. Galway City Karting is an indoor go-kart track that is 20,000 square feet of adventure and exhilaration, ideal for older families It is a great activity for older kids and adults.
Outdoor Fun in Galway
Galway has endless possibilities for families, especially when the sun is shining. Our Galway City Hotel opens up to the lovely Eyre Square, a focal point and meeting place for hundreds of people every day. It’s a great place to enjoy lunch al fresco. We’re lucky to have plenty of green space close to the city to enjoy like Millennium Children’s Park, Woodquay Park, South Park, Toft Park, Terryland Forest Park, Kennedy Park, Fr. Burke Park and Crestwood. 30 minutes’ walk, or a 10-minute drive away, Salthill Beach is a beautiful part of the Galway coastline and perfect for a family day out. After a refreshing dip in the sea or an afternoon spent building sandcastles, grab a hot coffee and a warm bun from O Connors Bakery before heading home.
Indoor Activities in Galway
If the weather and your plans do not go together, it’s best to have a second choice that’s indoors so you can wait out the rain. Luckily there are plenty of things to do in Galway that don’t involve outside. Indoor play centres are always a great choice for rainy days and many of our spaces in Galway offer safe and varied activities for children up to 9 years old. Try Monkey Business or Busy Bees centres, or for older children (or adults) Jump Lanes Galway is sure to keep everyone busy and exhausted! We have a couple of great cinema options for rainy days like one of Ireland’s most advanced film screening centres EYE Cinema or the popular IMC. Seapoint in Salthill is an indoor arcade as well as a pool snooker hall a 10-minute drive from the city.
Keep it Educational
If your little ones are on a break from school, you might want to take them to some spots that are educational as well as fun. Learn more about Ireland’s folklore and storytelling history in the beautiful St Brigit’s Gardens. Galway City Museum has artefacts from the local area and beyond and every visitor is sure to learn something new. Learn more about Ireland’s history and the iconic Lady Gregory in Coole Park which has some beautiful woodland trails and picnic spaces. Outside of the city, Dan O’Hara’s Homestead is an award-winning heritage centre located 5 miles from Clifden Town, the capital of Connemara. It offers a unique insight into the history and heritage of the area.
Family Accommodation in Galway
Before you start planning all of the fun things you want to do with your family, you’ll need to plan your family accommodation in Galway. If you want to leave your car at home, our Eyre Square Hotel is ideal for those taking the train to our main station, Ceannt. With 25 metres of space per room, we’re an ideal space for families of 5 people or less and you can book multiple rooms close by for bigger groups. Our restaurant has some delicious child-friendly breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, so your family can dine together. Our younger guests (children under 12) will receive a welcome pack on arrival, with a host of goodies to keep them entertained and feeling welcome and important! We’re within walking distance of most of Galway’s family-friendly attractions and offer great value rates for families when you book directly.
You’ll always find our lowest rates when you book using our website or with one of our team. That means more money to spoil your little ones with an ice cream in Salthill or a little souvenir to remember a great family holiday.
