Explore County Galway Beaches and Coastline

County Galway is on the Western Atlantic coast of Ireland and covers the shores of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Galway is also home to one of the larger freshwater lakes, Lough Corrib.

The city of Galway is the west coast's largest city and an ideal position to explore Galway bay and the surrounding areas.


Why not check beaches nearby as we have 15 beaches in Galway. You can even take a look at our list of Galway dog friendly beaches or even our Ireland Blue Flag beach list.

Galway Coast Map

Galway Coast Search Bar

Where would you like to go? Use our search bar to search across all our local listings, ideal for finding that nearest spot to visit:

{"hide_search_input":false,"hide_near_input":false,"show":"","filters_pos":"","input_size":"","bar_flex_wrap":"","bar_flex_wrap_md":"","bar_flex_wrap_lg":"","input_border":"","input_border_opacity":"","input_rounded_size":"","btn_bg":"","btn_rounded_size":"","btn_rounded_size_md":"","btn_rounded_size_lg":"","bg":"","mt":"","mr":"","mb":"3","ml":"","pt":"","pr":"","pb":"","pl":"","border":"","rounded":"","rounded_size":"","rounded_size_md":"","rounded_size_lg":"","shadow":"","css_class":""}

Want some ideas on where to visit?

Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, and places to stay and eat:

History and heritage

Aughnanure Castle

Aughnanure Castle was built by the O’Flaherty family in the 16th century, one of Connacht’s most notable lord families. Read more…
Beach

Portumna Beach

Portumna Beach is an inland lake beach located at the head of Lough Derg about 1.5km south of Portumna town centre. The water here is backed by grass areas, seats and picnic tables. The area has some shallower area cordoned off suitable for smaller children. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer, disabled friendly, toilets, showers, changing areas and ample Read more…
Beach

Tramor Coil Rua Beach

Tramor Coil Rua beach is a sandy beach with some rocks. Ads well as the main beach you have some smaller areas of sand to either side. Read more…
Corcomcoe-Abbey

Corcomcoe Abbey

Corcomroe Abbey is an early 13th-century Cistercian monastery, once known as “St. Mary of the Fertile Rock”, a reference to the Barony of Burren’s fertile soil. The Romanesque ruins feature stone carvings that are considered to be among the finest in a Cistercian church in Ireland. Read more…
Glassillaun-Beach

Glassillaun Beach

Glassillaun beach is a sandy beach sitting within a cuirving bay that has a spectacular mountain backdrop. The beach has some interesting rocks to explore or use as shelter and at low tide a few small caves appear. No facilities other than a small  car park. Read more…
History and heritage

Teampall Bheanain

Teampall Bheanain is a tiny Early Christian oratory, dated to the 11th or 12th Century. Today is nearly complete but for the roof and its steep gables are very prominent on a height overlooking the village of Killeany. Some great views from this location. Read more…
Landscape and Nature

Inchagoill Island

Inchagoill Island is the fourth largest island on Lough Corrib and has a number of monastic ruins, woodlands, coves and bays that are ideal for picnics and swimming. This is the most visited of all of the many islands on Lough Corrib. Read more…
Blue Flag beach

Cill Muirbhthe Kilmurvey Beach

Cill Muirbhthe (Kilmurvey) beach is a sandy beach on the northern coast of Inishmore Island. The island has several rare plant species and the birdlife makes this a very popular location. Read more…
Coral-Strand-Beach

Coral Strand Beach

Coral Strand (or Trá an Dóilín) beach is a stunning small beach as the beach is made up of coralline algae known as maerl, making this biogenic gravel beach very rare and of great conservation importance. The beach has rock pools and coves to explore. Facilities at the beach include car parking, seasonal lifeguards, toilets, and first aid points. Read more…
Galway-Cathedral

Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas

The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas opened on 15 August 1965, commonly known as Galway Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Galway, and one of the largest and most impressive buildings in the city. Read more…
Beach

Silverstrand Beach

Silverstrand is a sandy beach. The beach is popular with families as it has a gentle slope into the sea. Facing Galway with good views into Galway bay. Read more…
Connemara-National-Park-Diamond-Hill

Connemara National Park

The Connemara National Park features 2,000 hectares of mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands and forests. Activities include Diamond Hill Trails, Nature Trails, Picnic Areas, Children’s Playground and Tea Room. Dogs that are under control are welcome in the National Park, but owners must at all times be conscious of their responsibility to other visitors and wildlife. Opening: Visitor Centre – Open Read more…
View all