Galway Bay
Galway Bay
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
850 reviews
Excellent
534
Very good
258
Average
45
Poor
7
Terrible
6
ConnaughtRambler
Connemara, Ireland19 contributions
Feb 2022
Galway has changed a lot, and long gone is the Galway I knew 20 years ago. The port area, Spanish Arch and all up to Salthill especially, is nothing but a carpark... even as you travel out past Spiddal into south Connemara, you can not fail to see how the busy way of modern life has taken over.
The town of Galway is busy, the side streets quite dilapidated and unrecognisable from the previous magic, discovery and secrecy they once held. Busy shoppers push past you, plastic paddy souvenir shops and countless eating establishments have taken over. Having a drink and a meal is quite costly in Galway and any long stay will hit your pocket heavy.
This change has spilled over into south Connemara, with the likes of Carraroe down to Cobble Stand becoming overcrowded holiday home areas that have a ghostly empty feeling 10 months a year. This whole area, from Galway out, once held a sparkle and reflection of the past, that has long since disappeared.
You need to travel out towards Maam Cross and beyond to see the real Connemara, and leave behind the retail madness and busy life of Galway itself.
The town of Galway is busy, the side streets quite dilapidated and unrecognisable from the previous magic, discovery and secrecy they once held. Busy shoppers push past you, plastic paddy souvenir shops and countless eating establishments have taken over. Having a drink and a meal is quite costly in Galway and any long stay will hit your pocket heavy.
This change has spilled over into south Connemara, with the likes of Carraroe down to Cobble Stand becoming overcrowded holiday home areas that have a ghostly empty feeling 10 months a year. This whole area, from Galway out, once held a sparkle and reflection of the past, that has long since disappeared.
You need to travel out towards Maam Cross and beyond to see the real Connemara, and leave behind the retail madness and busy life of Galway itself.
Written 3 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandy C
Arlington, VA139 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We walked along the bay by Nikki’s pier up to mutton island and had a great time. I like bird watching and saw a bunch of new birds while we were there. It was incredibly windy but we still really enjoyed ourselves.
One note is that there is not a public bathroom for quite awhile so be aware of that as you begin your walk.
One note is that there is not a public bathroom for quite awhile so be aware of that as you begin your walk.
Written 28 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,590 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Galway Bay is the site an historic city in the West of Ireland. These days, the cobbled narrow backstreets are homes for artisans. Among the artisans are those who knit the ganseys. "Ganseys" are derived from "Guernsey," which are worn by fisherman. The ganseys are uniquely knit to a family pattern, which help identify those fishermen who work at sea. The Claddagh is historic fishing village that is known for its location and beauty. Galway is a wonderful place to wander around in search of artisan products.
Written 14 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LJK0308
Bedford, MA258 contributions
Jun 2022
If you want to walk the shoreline in Galway they've made it easy to do so. It's quite scenic. There is a beach accessible at the far end of the walkway if you're into cold ocean swimming with many people there seem to be! Great way to take in water views and get some exercise. It's flat ground walking on pavement.
Written 8 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carl c
Belfast, UK4 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
My 7 yr old and I went kayaking in Glaway bay. First time my 7 yr old has been. Finbar was very patient and warm towards him. We loved it. Something different and a very enjoyable experience. Need good core strength for the kayaks.
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stich2010
Galway, Ireland24 contributions
Jan 2020
my airbnb was just in fron of the long walk. this picture is what I could see from my windows. Amazing,with swans, airons. he pier and the small beach, south park, it is a very nice place to stay in Galway or to visit.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew J
Warrington, UK400 contributions
Aug 2023
We visited Silverstrand Beach which is located along Galway Bay. It's a nice place for a walk, if the weather holds up. There are both sand and shingle elements to the beach, which I quite liked. Generally speaking, the beach was clean so no problems there. If you are planning on going for a walk along the beach, there are a couple of coffee shops along the main road that runs parallel (the best being Suil Eile Space - Coffee & Wellness), so this makes an ideal place to take a stroll.
The car park at Silverstand Beach appears small at first sight (there are only 60 spaces if I recall) however we were never struggling to get a space, so travelling here by car is a definite option.
The only point for improvement is that the toilets at the Silverstone Beach Car Park are not the greatest. Although clean, they are old and not aesthetically pleasing. There is a hint of a urine aroma that you can smell and there is a broken window in the gent's toilet. The doors all have ancient moisture splattered up them, which made me feel a bit nauseous!
Overall, it's worth visiting Silverstrand Beach if in the area.
The car park at Silverstand Beach appears small at first sight (there are only 60 spaces if I recall) however we were never struggling to get a space, so travelling here by car is a definite option.
The only point for improvement is that the toilets at the Silverstone Beach Car Park are not the greatest. Although clean, they are old and not aesthetically pleasing. There is a hint of a urine aroma that you can smell and there is a broken window in the gent's toilet. The doors all have ancient moisture splattered up them, which made me feel a bit nauseous!
Overall, it's worth visiting Silverstrand Beach if in the area.
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim Mc G
Dublin, Ireland428 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
I’m always in Galway with friends or sometimes by myself. I love Galway bay there’s beach’s beside it that you can lie in the sun on a warm summers day. It’s within walking distance from the city. It has lovely views of the sea and beyond. It makes a great picnic spot.
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Parsbanou
Vienna, Austria24 contributions
Sept 2012 • Solo
I spent a night in Galway in Salthil area. I woke up early morning and took a walk in direction of Mutton island. The area is so beautiful and peaceful hard to imagine.
There is a pedestrian path to the island (which was half closed when I was there) over the sea. I highly suggest to take this path. In the middle of it I found myself surrounded by blue. Big Blue!
a slight rain startet but it was not annoying. It was more a humid breeze. I watched the sunrise there and was regretting the whole time why I had to leave the city in a few hours. I could just stand there for hours and watch the sea. I wish I could go through the ocean, where there is only blue and blue....
There is a pedestrian path to the island (which was half closed when I was there) over the sea. I highly suggest to take this path. In the middle of it I found myself surrounded by blue. Big Blue!
a slight rain startet but it was not annoying. It was more a humid breeze. I watched the sunrise there and was regretting the whole time why I had to leave the city in a few hours. I could just stand there for hours and watch the sea. I wish I could go through the ocean, where there is only blue and blue....
Written 1 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ghostchild2
Athlone, Ireland326 contributions
May 2017 • Family
Visited this beach on a lovely sunny Sunday. It's a beautiful beach, lots of sand and completely unspoilt. It wasn't as busy as Salthill beach which was nice and meant there was plenty of room for the kids to run around. There are no shops around it so bring snacks and drinks with you. There are toilet facilities though.
Written 28 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
which hotel for what ? i am confused as to what we are discussing.
Written 20 September 2018
How far is the walk from Galway city to Galway bay ?
Written 6 February 2016
From the center of Galway City not very far. When you just walk down the shopping street (Quay Street) you are nearly there.
Written 1 April 2018
Hello, I plan to visit Ireland in July and would like to have ideas on nice walks along the coast. I would plan to stay in Galway and depart from there. Is that a good idea ? I will not have a car so I need to get to places with the bus or the train. What can you recommend me ?
Thanks in advance to share some advice.
Regards,
Chris
Written 22 March 2015
I visited Irlande last summer with 2 friends. We were on foot. Just a warning, bus and train are expensive (compared to prices in France I mean). Of course you have to go to the Cliffs of Moher !! We stopped in Doolin, a little village at the foot of the cliffs, we camped at the Nagle's Doolin Camping and then we walk from the bottom to the top, following the rim of cliffs. We didn't stay on the regular path :-D and I must say, it was the best idea we've ever had because it's much more impressive !!
You also can make a walk around the lakes of the Connemara National Park !
Have fun !
Written 4 November 2015
Visiting Galway for the day, can we get a sightseeing tour of local attractions?
Written 18 March 2015
We only stayed one day and an half in Galway but the city is great. We've made a walk around the lakes of the Connemara National Park. Very beautiful !!
Written 4 November 2015
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