Joanna Cluskey is a Teacher, Mom of 3, Personal Stylistand runs the Mum Talks Events in Galway. She has very kindly shared some of her favourite things for families to do in Galway…..
Galway is the most amazing place to escape to with the kids and enjoy some special family time.
There are so many options for kids of all ages!
EAT:
– Ground and Co. – A favourite in our house. Following a walk/scoot/cycle on the Salthill
Prom, pop into @groundandcogalway . for the best gingerbread men, great kid’s menu and
delicious coffee for mum and dad.
Right next door, you’ll find the most wonderful gift shop with gifts ranging from sea
creatures to an old school stick of rock.
– Coco Cafe Salthill is another fabulous spot for coffee in Salthill. It’s the best hatch at @cococafesgalway to stop by and order coffees and babycinos before taking a stroll along the prom.
– Blackrock Cottage is a newly opened restaurant by the famous Blackrock tower. Sit at @blackrock_cottage and eat a delicious açai or poke bowl while admiring the stunning views.
If you’re feeling brave why not jump into the sea at Blackrock!
STAY:
– The Salthill Hotel – Located on the beautiful promenade with stunning views of Galway Bay,
the @salthill_hotel is a wonderful place to stay with the family with lots of large family
rooms available. The leisure centre is fantastic and where I bring my kids swimming twice a
week. There’s a 20m pool for the adults and gorgeous heated hydrotherapy pool for the
kids. There’s also a little baby pool for some splashing fun.
If mum and dad take it in turns, they can enjoy a jacuzzi, steam room and sauna and leave
feeling relaxed and refreshed.
The kid’s menu is great and the menu itself folds out into a colouring book with crayons
provided (always a good idea!).
PLAY:
– Wildlands – With over 20 acres of mature woodland, @wildlands_galway is an indoor and
outdoor adventure centre for kids of all ages. Activities include Zip ‘n’ Trek, Fun Walls, Celtic
Challenge Rooms, Ninja Course, Off-Road Adventure electric-powered jeeps and Baile Beag,
a little village of make-believe.
Open plan cosy cabins are now available, where you can sleep under the stars. They’re
architecturally designed and have luxury interiors throughout.
The Olive Tree Kitchen offers the best nourishing and fresh food with delicious pizzas and
locally sourced ingredients.
WALK
– Cappagh Park contains a looped walk with an abundance of plant and birdlife to see. There
are several benches along to way where you can take a break and have a little picnic or
snack.
The playground itself contains a zip wire, a large climbing frame a giant slide and swings of
various sizes.
From here you can access Barna Woods which is a wonderful, atmospheric wood, perfect for
exploring and tree-hugging!
SHOP
– The Eyre Square Shopping Centre is Galway’s largest and liveliest shopping centre with over
70 shops. There are many family friendly shops @eyre_square_centre including Dunnes
Stores, Pennys, JD Sports, Vera Moda, Evergreen Health Food store, Flying Tiger and Claire’s
Accessories. Pop into David Martin to get a blow dry while the kids spend their hard-earned
pocket money.
HIDDEN GEMS
– Brigit’s Garden is one of the most picturesque gardens in the west of Ireland. The family
can enjoy walking along the sun trail, discovering the fairy fort, kids’ nature trail and
crannog. There’s also a gorgeous café on site with plenty of delicious and healthy dishes, and
yummy options for kids.
-The Galway Wind Park is Ireland’s largest and best performing wind farm. Follow the fun
trails and explore the wind turbines, providing renewable energy to help fight climate
change.
– Ladies Beach Salthill is a beautiful sheltered spot where children can build sand castles and
play in the sand all year around. It’s a beautiful spot for a sea swim with a large changing
area and gorgeous coffee shop that opens during the summer months.
-Dog’s Bay Beach is one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches and is just two miles from
Roundstone, Co. Galway. This beautiful horseshoe shaped beach has more than a mile long
stretch of white sand. Children (and dogs) will have the best fun exploring and playing in the
many sand dunes.
Instagram: @stylebyjoannacluskey
Email: stylebyjo@aol.com
*Cover Image: Visit Galway
