Galway Atlantaquaria, also known as the National Aquarium of Ireland, is located at Seapoint Promenade, Salthill, Co. Galway (H91 T2FD), along the Wild Atlantic Way with stunning views of Galway Bay. As Ireland’s largest native species aquarium, it houses over 100 marine and freshwater species, offering an educational and engaging all-weather experience for families, marine enthusiasts, and tourists. Situated a 30-minute walk or 10-minute cycle from Galway city centre (Eyre Square), it’s a top attraction, earning a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award for its top 10% ranking:
- Exhibits and Highlights: The aquarium spans two floors, designed to reflect Ireland’s aquatic landscapes from Connemara’s glacial streams to the River Corrib and the Atlantic Ocean. Key exhibits include:
- Fin Whale Skeleton: A 60-foot skeleton of the world’s second-largest whale, suspended in the atrium, is a striking centerpiece.
- Ocean Zone: Features native predators like smoothhound sharks, wreckfish (living up to 70 years, weighing nearly 100 kg), bass, and bream, housed in a deepwater tank featured in the film The Guard and Fáilte Ireland’s 2020 #KeepDiscovering campaign.
- Ray Pool: Home to thornback rays, dogfish, and turbot, where visitors can gently touch rays (with staff guidance) and learn about their cartilaginous skeletons and mermaid’s purse egg cases.
- SPLASH! Tank: Recreates the dynamic west coast with saltwater waves every 45 seconds, housing European bass and showcasing Ireland’s coastal conditions.
- Biodiversity Zone: Displays colorful fish from Africa and South America, alongside native species like lobsters, jellyfish, seahorses, octopus, and cuttlefish, which are visitor favourites, especially for children.
- Cultural Exhibits: Include a 5,000-year-old Bearna Log Boat, Red Deer Antlers, and a Hy-Brasail (Uí Breasail) boat, tying Galway’s maritime heritage to its aquatic displays.
- Interactive Touch Tanks: Visitors can hold starfish and spiny spider crabs, guided by staff, fostering a tactile connection to marine life. The self-guided tour (1–1.5 hours) is enhanced by daily talks, feeding sessions, and interactive challenges:
- Feeding Experiences: Public feedings include the Ray Pool, freshwater exhibits, and Big/Small Fish Feeding Tours, advertised daily at reception. Visitors love the lively piranha and ray feedings.
- Guided Tours and Talks: Staff, trained as Fáilte Ireland Local Experts and part of BIAZA/EAZA networks, offer weekend and holiday talks on native species, conservation, and animal adaptations. Scavenger hunts and the Fishy Fun Quiz (available at reception) engage children.
- Educational Programmes: The aquarium supports school programmes like SFI Curious Minds and the Marine Institute’s Explorers Education Programme, offering workshops, virtual classrooms, and Aistear Curriculum activities. It’s a hub for ocean literacy, as the secretariat of the Irish Ocean Literacy Network.
- Conservation Focus: Exhibits emphasise sustainability and Ireland’s marine ecosystems, encouraging visitors to protect aquatic environments. The aquarium’s EAZA accreditation ensures high animal welfare standards.
Practical Details:
- Open Wednesday–Friday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (closed Monday–Tuesday). Admission is €10.25 adults, €6.25 children (3–15, under 3 free), €7 students/seniors, €29 family (2 adults, 2 children), €20 family (1 adult, 2 children), additional child €4. Free parking, Wi-Fi, and bike parking are available.
- The facility is fully wheelchair-accessible with disabled toilets, though a 2024 review noted issues with a small upstairs toilet and heavy doors (since addressed with staff assistance). Payment is card or cash. Contact +353 (0)91 585100 or info@nationalaquarium.ie.
- The aquarium is near Salthill’s promenade, Circle of Life Garden, and Blackrock Diving Tower, ideal for a coastal walk. Nearby dining includes Ground & Co. or the Salthill Hotel.
- The aquarium’s vibrant, well-maintained tanks and informative staff create an engaging, family-friendly vibe, recommended for rainy days. Reviews (4.2 Google, 4.5 Tripadvisor) praise the octopus, cuttlefish, and ray pool, with kids enjoying eye-level exhibits and touch tanks.
- Some review sites note the gift shop’s limited selection, and a 2024 incident highlighted past toilet access issues, but staff responsiveness has improved. The aquarium’s location along the scenic promenade enhances its appeal, though large tour groups can occasionally disrupt smaller visitors’ experiences.
What’s New:
- Galway Atlantaquaria is actively augmenting its offerings, with several updates confirmed or anticipated:
- “Let’s Talk Water” Event Series: Launched in 2024, this series promoting ocean and water literacy continues. Expect new talks, workshops, or community events focusing on native species and conservation, tied to Galway’s status as Ireland’s Marine Capital.
- Freshwater River Walk Brochure: Introduced in 2024, this guide highlights Galway’s aquatic sites (e.g., Nimmo’s Pier, Claddagh, Salmon Weir)., expect an updated version with new routes or digital components, encouraging visitors to explore Galway’s rivers and canals post-visit.
- Facility Improvements: Addressing 2024 feedback about toilet access, the aquarium has improved staff assistance for accessibility., minor upgrades to the gift shop (e.g., new marine-themed souvenirs) or tank signage may enhance the visitor experience, aligning with the aquarium’s focus on engagement.
- Expanded Educational Outreach: As part of the Irish Ocean Literacy Network, the aquarium may introduce new school workshops or virtual content, with updated exhibits on Ireland’s fishing heritage or rare species like the angel shark, reflecting its EAZA commitment to education.
Visitors to Galway Atlantaquaria can expect a 1–1.5-hour immersive dive into Ireland’s aquatic world, with over 100 native species, interactive touch tanks, and engaging feeding sessions. The €10.25 adult entry, free parking, and accessibility make it budget-friendly and family-oriented, ideal for all ages. The stunning Galway Bay setting and nearby promenade enhance the visit, while new events like “Let’s Talk Water” and Ocean Celebration Week, plus updated brochures and exhibit refreshes, will deepen the educational experience. Visitors should book tickets online (nationalaquarium.ie), arrive for feeding times (posted daily),
