Galway may be a top spot for holidaying college students and 20-somethings, but did you know it’s also a great county for a family staycation?
 
Here are just some of the things you can do in this diverse and beautiful part of Ireland. Get ready to book your train tickets…
 
1. Brigit's Gardens
 
Brigit's Gardens is a beautiful Celtic garden themed on Celtic seasonal festivities with 11 acres of native woodland and wildflower meadows. With a nature trail, the ogham tree, a children’s discovery trail and an ancient ring fort, your family will have a great day out here.
 
2. Galway Atlantaquaria
 
Children love the National Aquarium, where they can see freshly hatched fish in the rearing centre and hold starfish, crabs and sea scorpions in the Touch Pools. And don’t forget the 120 tonne Ocean Tank with over 200 species for your kids to gawp at.
 
3. Loughwell Farm Park
 
Loughwell Farm Park is located in Moycullen and homes lots of animals your children can pet, along with fun activities like bouncy castles, an obstacle course, timber play villages, sand dunes with slides and play diggers, a straw-bale maze and zip wire.
 
4. Connemara
 
Connemara is located in the north-west Galway and has some of the most amazing landscape you’ll ever see. With unspoilt rivers, woodlands, meadowlands, lakes, hills, mountains and coastline, you’re going to make some amazing memories if you spend some time here.
 
 
5. Monkey Business
 
Perfect for energetic kids, Monkey Business is a children's play centre in Knocknacarra, which has lots of slides, climbing frames, ball pools, bouncy castles, a painting corner, baby / toddler area and café area for parents. The ideal place when the weather is not the best.
 
6. Dartfield Horse Museum
 
Dartfield Horse Museum can introduce you and your family to some truly fabulous walking trails, while giving you the chance to indulge in horse riding, carriage rides, sheep dog demonstrations, archery, falconry displays and lots more.
 
7. Dunguaire Castle
 
Dunguaire Castle is a beautiful 16th century castle overlooking Galway Bay, which hosts medieval banquets, featuring theatrical performances, from April to September. The castle even has its own lore – if you stand at the front gate and ask a question, you will have the answer by the end of the day, thanks to the last Lord of the castle who continues his generousity from the afterlife.
 
 
8. Inchagoill Island
 
Take a trip to Inchagoill Island from Galway and spend the day being wowed by its ancient monastic ruins, some of which date back to the 5th century.
 
9. Pallas Karting Loughrea
 
Visit Pallas Karting Loughrea, Europe’s largest Karting Centre. At Pallas Karting you can experience the thrill of real motor racing first hand at the new kart circuit.
 
10. Glengowla Mines
 
Glengowla Mines is a 19th century silver that holds daily underground tours – the only one of its kind in Ireland. You’ll see the mine’s marble chambers, as well as caverns whose walls are studded with lead and silver pyrite, calcite and quartz.
 
 
With Iarnród Éireann serving routes to all the top holiday destinations across the country, it is now easier than ever to get away for a lovely family break in Ireland. Check out their great family offers here.
 
Images via Pinterest

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