Galway Outdoor activities

The pet farm includes ponies, donkeys, goats and sheep, as well as “Larry the Lama” and “Curley the Alpaca”. Take a walk along the beautiful nature trail whilst enjoying the tranquil setting, fresh country air and the delightful sound of birdsongs.

Take to the seas with an exciting boat tour around Galway and enjoy some time aboard a traditional Galway Hooker sailboat! This marine adventure is perfect for individuals, families, and small-to-medium-sized groups. This family-owned excursion can also suit any travel schedule with a 1-hour ‘Harbour Tour’ or a 2-hour ‘Galway Bay Tour’. Alternatively, if you are looking for something a bit more customised, a 2+ hour ‘Tailored Tour’ could be the ideal option for you!

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a cruise onboard the luxurious all-weather 157 passenger boat, the Corrib Princess. The Corrib Princess sails from Woodquay in the heart of Galway city.

Brigit's Garden takes you on a magical journey into the heart of Celtic heritage and mythology, making it one of the truly outstanding places to visit in the West of Ireland.

Ready to get on the water?
Rusheen Bay is located just 5km from Galway city, offering windsurfing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding lessons and rental.
They provide a full range of activities for kids, adults, families, hen & stag parties, corporate groups and schools as well as the best kids summer camp in Galway! The school is stocked with the latest top of the range equipment and our team is made up of Ireland's most talented watersports people.

Located in Moycullen, Co.Galway, this 20-acre site of mature woodland is an amazing place for all kinds of outdoor pursuits, relaxation, and more. With a myriad of indoor and outdoor activities, they have entertainment no matter the weather and whatever your desire, Over one kilometre of ziplines, aerial trekking, playgrounds, and an indoor fun-village with climbing walls means you'll always have something to do. Wildlands is a place for all ages, for thrill-seekers, and for those in pursuit of serenity.

Conveniently, Wildlands is a 20-minute drive from The Connacht Hotel. 

We are just a short drive away from the some of the best beaches in Galway and Connemara. We are on the Wild Atlantic Way… so take in some of the longest defined coastal driving routes in the world: 2,500 km

Galway's small seaside resort is now an important suburb of our expanding city, and is very popular with all ages. The giant Leisureland complex, with its host of children's entertainments proves very popular, especially when the weather acts the spoilsport, as it will do at times here in the west. The golden half-mile of casinos, pubs and restaurants also play their part by day and discos and musical pubs rule the roost at night.

The heritage town of Gort can be found in south County Galway, about 37km south of Galway city on the N18. Just outside the town of Gort, is where you’ll find the beautiful Coole Park, formerly the estate of Lady Gregory but now a 1,000 acre nature reserve. 

Woodlands Walks and Walled Garden, onsite restaurant and visitor centre.

Renville park is a large public park located by the sea. The facilities include a, playground, picnic and barbecue areas. The network of walks through the woodland and open farmland, along with the scenic view of Galway Bay make it a very popular amenity area. Set in the grounds of an old stately house, many of the original structures are still in place.

At Loughwell Farm Park- whatever the weather –you'll find plenty to see and do with activities for all ages. We are one of the most popular attractions in the West of Ireland with acres of indoor and outdoor fun for all the family.

Burren Nature Sanctuary is located in Kinvara, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the West of Ireland. At Burren Nature Sanctuary, you can experience the biodiversity of the Burren UNESCO Global Geopark, including the Burren nature interpretation, Burren Walk, Hazel Woodland and Fairy Trail, botany tours, and so much more. Plus, you are also welcome to visit the café, gift shop, and state-of-the-art adventure playgrounds. A unique experience that has fun for all the family, you''re sure to enjoy the Burren Nature Sanctuary! 

West Ireland Cycling is located in Galway City, County Galway. They provide quality cycling tours and bike rental services allowing cyclists to explore the best of what the west of Ireland has to offer.
For over 40 years, West Ireland Cycling has been helping people enjoy and explore all the best cycling along the Wild Atlantic Way and the west of Ireland.
West Ireland Cycling offer fully customised cycling tours to meet your needs. Whether you have 3 days or 30 days, you will be provided with best bikes, equipment and accommodation recommendations to ensure you have the cycling experience of a life time, one that you will never forget.
West Ireland Cycling offers three non-guided cycling tours which all take in the breathtaking scenery that the west of Ireland has to offer.

Galway is a fantastic city for cyclists. There is an extensive bike path network that allows tourists and commuters alike to easily get around. We've located our Coca-Cola Zero® bike stations conveniently throughout the city to ensure the best possible experience.

Take in the majestic sights of glorious North Connemara with a Killary Fjord Boat Tour! You'll see the surroundings from a completely new vantage point, and it's a wonderful way to experience the great outdoors of rural Galway.

Visit the abbey with its beautifully restored period rooms and fascinating visitor experience and learn about its history of tragedy, romance, education and spirituality. Explore the 6 acre Victorian Walled Garden with its delightfully restored garden buildings, formal flower, vegetable and her gardens. Discover woodland and lakeshore walks that will take you on a beautiful journey through our 1,000 acre estate. The beautifull neo-Gothic church is just a short walk from the Abbey.

Aran Island Ferries has Ireland's largest and most environmentally friendly domestic passenger ferry, 'Saoirse na Farraige'. And that's just one of the reasons to enjoy a ferry journey to the beautifully majestic Aran Islands. You'll be transported to a different time and place, where pictiresque scenery and scenic landscapes are sure to blow you away.

Guests to The Connacht Hotel can avail of a discount for Aran Island Ferries - by simply contacting reception for discount codes and more information! 

The club has played host to many successful Regional and National Regattas with racing taking place against the backdrop of beautiful Galway Bay. Each season brings numerous opportunities for sailing. We offer sailing to non-members every Friday evening during the summer. If you are interested in doing a sailing course, click here to find out about our course schedule for adults and juniors.

Much of the present parklands formed part of the Kylemore Abbey Estate and the Letterfrack Industrial School, the remainder having been owned by private individuals. The southern part of the Park was at one time owned by Richard (Humanity Dick) Martin, who helped to form the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals during the early 19th century. The parklands are now wholly owned by the State and managed solely for National Park purposes.

Explore Aillwee and unlock many secrets of The Burren through unique underground and overground experiences. Be educated, engaged, and entertained on your day out at Aillwee Burren Experience!
Accompany the guides to the surprising Aillwee Burren underworld, unlocking an intriguing, timeless story.
SEE THE BURREN COME ALIVE! 

Guests to The Connacht Hotel can avail of a discount for Ailwee Burren Experience - by simply contacting reception for discount codes and more information! 

Sailings daily to the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands from Doolin from March to the end of October/early November. Visit the spectacular Dún Aengus fort on Inis Mor, get away from it all on Inis Meain or take a quick trip to the smallest one – the beautiful island of Inis Oirr.

Located at the heart of Wild Atlantic Way, Galway Atlantaquaria is Ireland's largest Native Species Aquarium. The Aquarium hosts two floors of exhibits that reflect the maritime history of Galway. Highlights include a 60-foot Fin Whale skeleton, Bearna Logboat (dugout canoe) Red Deer Antlers and Uí Breasail (Hy Brasil) boat. Featured animals include Native Irish sharks, Jellyfish, Conger eels, Clownfish, Bass and much more.

Guests to The Connacht Hotel are welcome to avail of a 10% discount off Galway Atlantaquaria's general admission rates until the end of 2023 when they show fob or key