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 Galway beaches. You can even take a look at our list of Galway dog friendly beaches or even our Ireland Blue Flag beach list.

Galway 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:

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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, places to stay and eat:

lifeboat

Aran Islands lifeboat station

Aran Islands lifeboat station was established in 1830 and operates an all weather lifeboat. Station open only by appointment. Read more…
Beach

Tra Mhor Beach

Tra Mhor Beach is a sandy beach within a sheltered bay and the beach has a gradual slope into the water making it great for swimming. Facilities available include parking, seasonal lifeguards, toilets. 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…
Beach

Traught Beach

Traught beach is sandy beach that has views over Galway bay to Galway city. The beach is located in a Special Area of Conservation knowns as the Galway Bay Complex and is a site of special interest for waterfowl. 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…
lifeboat

Galway lifeboat station

Galway lifeboat station is one of the newer lifeboat stations, established in the 1990s. The station operates an inshore lifeboat. The station is open daily. Read more…
Beach

Salthill Beach

Salthill beach is really a combination of beaches along a promenade within Galway City. Small rock ourcrops divide the stretch and some parts are sand whilst others are pebble. 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…
Landscape and Nature

Brigit’s Garden and Celtic Heritage Center

Brigit’s Garden is a Garden and Celtic Heritage Center set within 11 acres of native woodland and wildflower meadows. Our 4 main gardens represent the Celtic festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lughnasa. In addition to the Celtic Gardens, visitors can enjoy the nature trail, an ancient ring fort (fairy fort), thatched roundhouse and crannog, and the calendar sundial, the largest Read more…
Lettergesh-Beach

Lettergesh Beach

Lettergesh beach is a sandy beach with some pebbles at high water mark. You have a large gravel car park but no other facilities. Read more…
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…
History and heritage

Spanish Arch

The Spanish Arch and it’s neighbour the Caoċ Arch are two remaining arches on the Ceann an Bhalla (“Front Wall”) in Galway city, Ireland. Read more…
View all

Some more seaside locations in Galway

Athenry Carraroe Clifden Clonbur Connemara Galway area Indreabhan Inisheer Inishmaan Inishmore Kilronan Kinvara Loughrea Portumna Salthill Spiddal