Besides Dublin, the city of Galway is one of the largest and most popular vacation destinations in Northern Europe, dubbed the “gem” of Ireland. Galway is located on the west coast of Ireland, on the banks of the Corrib River between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay. This place has great food and friendly locals. The nightlife here is also extremely bustling with the crowds of not only Irish people but also visitors from around the world. Therefore, a trip to Galway with children will be one of the interesting experiences for your whole family. And to prepare for the perfect trip, check out the list of 10 best things to do in Galway, Ireland with kids below. This list will help you with ideas, very interesting tips for your upcoming trip with your child.
1. Hop-On Hop-Off in Galway
Start your journey to discover Galway with a special bus Hop On Hop Off. The bus will take you through special locations such as Galway Church, Salthill Promenade Walking Street, Eyre Square. In particular, at each attraction, you can go up and down to take a look and take some photos freely. And then continue the journey to discover new places. This is definitely a relaxed tour to start an exciting journey to discover Galway.
2. Scenic Cruise of Corrib River & Lake
Besides the bus, you can choose to explore Galway in a more special way called the Scenic Cruise of Corrib River & Lake. Your whole family will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a 90-minute cruise onboard the luxurious all-weather Corrib Princess. The luxury cruise will take you along the Corrib River, one of Ireland’s great lakes. And in particular, kids are also learning about the history and culture of Ireland through architecture and castles here.
3. Best of Galway City & Claddagh Walking
Galway is the oldest city in Ireland. So, a journey around the city and discover the Best of Galway City & Claddagh Walking will be one of the memorable experiences for children. Eyre Square, the symbol of the city will make you overwhelmed with unique architecture here. Spain’s Arch area features an Anglo-Norman fortress from the 13th century or Lynch castle built in the 15th century. One of the most beautiful medieval streets in Galway, Kirwan Lane, is located in the day zone. Now it is known as the Latin Quarter, here, children also learn more about the history of social history and some mysterious ghost stories.
4. Dunguaire Castle
This beautiful 16th-century Dunguaire Castle, built by the O’Hynes family, can be found on the southeast bank of Galway Bay, near the small port village of Kinvara, and easily accessible from the town. Dunguaire Castle was restored in the 20th century by Oliver St. John Gogarty, a famous literary figure and became the venue for meetings of the Celtic literary revival like William Butler Yeats and George Bernard Shaw. The castle is government-owned and is open to the public year-round, with lavish entertainments and parties provided during the summer months. So, do not miss the opportunity for children to visit and explore this interesting castle offline.
5. Galway Inishbofin Island
Galway Inishbofin Island, one of the islands with an extremely unique nature of Ireland. The wonderful natural landscape is made up of mountains, swamps, and lakes. Here, you will see magnificent cliffs as well as the sea on all sides. There are also historical sites here like Cromwell Barracks and St Colman’s Abbey. So, this is one of the must-see places in Galway. After exploring all of nature’s specialties at Inishbofin Island, you will head to the picturesque village of Cleggan, a bustling place for fishing and boating. Then you can stop at some wine shops around the village to enjoy delicious local food.
6. Galway Abalone Farm Visit and Coastal Walking
Aquaculture in Galway is also one of the featured activities in Ireland. Therefore, Galway Abalone Farm Visit and Coastal Walking is one of the useful activities for children at Galway. Abalone farms will help children understand more about agricultural activities here. And then, you will have a chance to enjoy typical dishes including seaweed salad and dishes made from abalone. And especially, the light of seaweed for dessert. This tour is perfect for those who want to explore the Irish nature and enjoy the delicious seafood.
7. Gaelic Games Experience
Gaelic is one of the special Irish sports games. Therefore, the Gaelic Games Experience will be one of the interesting activities for children. In addition to learning about playing and playing, children also learn about the history of the game, how the game is structured. After an intriguing introduction, kids will head out to the Astro field where they will take part in the gentle football team building activities of Gaelic football, hurling, and handball. And then, you can have some fun matches with your children.
8. Galway Food Tour
Culinary discovery is also one of the cultural approaches of new land. The Galway Food Tour will definitely help children understand more about the culture of the Irish people. During the tour, children will meet craft manufacturers and taste their products. In addition, children can try to produce dishes such as oysters, cheese, sushi, crabs, whiskey, and craft bread. This will definitely be an unforgettable experience for children.
9. Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park, one of the major nature parks in Ireland. Here, children will immerse themselves in the scenery of the mountains, swamps, and deep green grass. And moreover, children also meet many types of animals here. In addition, in the Irish Connemara area, you will visit the village of Roundstone, which is considered by many to be a Muslim botanist, very interested in all its rare wildflowers. Sitting at one of the coffee shops around the village and enjoying a cup of tea or coffee here will be a relaxing time for the whole family.
10. Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher
Ireland is blessed with many majestic views, and among them are the two highlights of the wild Atlantic Ocean: the Cliffs of Moher and Inisheer Island. Just only 2 hours from Galway by boat, so do not miss the opportunity to take children to explore the two beautiful places. On the way to Inisheer, you will see the special bottlenose dolphins. At Aran Island, you will visit ancient churches and castles, one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches, a modern playground and a number of pubs and cafes, lighthouses and wrecks! Grab a horse and trap, rent a bike, or stroll in peaceful bores. And on the return journey, a guided journey along the foot of the Moher Cliffs is a spectacular journey that sets the 214m high, 8 km cliff into perspective.
Ireland is a country influenced by the temperate oceanic climate. Winter in Ireland is quite warm and summer is extremely cool and pleasant. Overall the climate in Ireland is quite mild and pleasant, so you can travel to Ireland at any time of the year. However, according to the experience of Ireland tourism, the best time to come here in summer. However, Ireland is a country with relatively high rainfall so no matter what season you go, you should always prepare umbrellas and raincoats. Because it is raining in Ireland at any time, it is difficult to forecast.