Leaving the M50 and heading to Galway for a 24 hour visit before the return to school, was exactly what we needed, as August went by in a showery flash. Hoping for sunshine, which came out a few times and as quick, was gone again. Such is an Irish summer and with a family that includes young children, you have got to get out and enjoy our island which is full of so many fun activities for all ages – rain or shine.
A two and a half hour drive from Dublin brings you right to the door of the beautifully situated Galway Bay hotel in Salthill. Driving along the docks and out on the Salthill road, it’s hard to believe the lively bustle of Galway town and Eyre Square is just 5-10 mins away. Galway is a hive of traditional atmosphere, the Irishness of the laneways is full of quaint shops, offering books, souvenirs, claddagh jewellery, coffee, tea or Guinness.
Even on a Monday, Galway town is heaving with tourists, locals and overnighters like me. Salthill is a seaside town full of amusements, beaches and cafes. The Salthill promenade covers approximately 3km of coastline, stretching all the way from the Claddagh Quay to the famous Blackrock diving tower. A typical Pisces paradise.
According to Daft.ie’s analysis, it says that Salthill is among Galway’s priciest neighbourhoods, with average asking prices around €328,000—considerably higher than in other parts of the city. It has a bit of everything and people flock to it every Summer. The Galway Bay hotel is a place my parents frequented a lot, loving the location, the drive and the food. This is my first time staying here and I envisage my parents sitting in the evening in the conservatory area with sea views, sipping Bacardi and cokes and pints of Guinness. I sit in the same area and sip an Aperol Spritz with my twins, feeling slightly nostalgic.
The hotel has an impressive reception area and plenty of seats to people watch and relax and there are plenty of visitors doing just that. The friendly atmosphere and warm welcome is apparent throughout the hotel from the front desk, to the restaurant to the leisure centre – everyone is there to make your stay a memorable one.
We check in, drop our bags, have lunch and head to the docks for a pre booked Galway Bay Boat Tour. The rain decides to arrive just as I park the car. We are part of a group and are the only Irish on board, apart from our captain, Ronan. We depart with our tour guide, Elizabeth who shares the history of the Claddagh area and how life was for the locals years ago. Unfortunately all their original homes were demolished in the 1930s, not thinking of preservation at all, as life would have been extremely tough for fishermen and also for their families and the communities.
The group on the tour are fascinated by the stories and quickly head off to the local museum on their return to the docks for more information. We head back to the hotel for a swim, a sumptuous dinner and a nightcap in the impressive pub in the hotel called the Atlantic Bar, an authentic, traditional indoor pub in the hotel.
The next day we venture 15 minutes away to visit Wildlands in Moycullen. This is an adventure oasis for kids of all ages and covers a vast area. There is something here for every child and is the brainchild of brother and sister Fay and David Bohan. Fay, formally a solicitor and David Bohan an engineer, from Moycullen, opened Wildlands in 2020.
General Manager Michael Ahern shared that last summer was a record-breaking season, with strong growth continuing this year, thanks to an influx of visitors. Wildlands has become a significant local employer, with both staff and suppliers coming from the area. Attracting up to 120,000 visitors annually, the numbers are steadily increasing. Guests can also stay on-site in beautiful cabins, accommodating up to four people, with larger cabins housing up to 10. Plans are in place to expand both the number of cabins and the range of activities in the future.
For thrill-seekers, Wildlands has plenty to offer, including ziplining, climbing walls and aerial obstacle courses set among the trees. The Zip ‘n’ Trek course, a multi-level adventure through the forest canopy, is a highlight for many visitors. Listen for the excited aerial screams as you walk around the park and the many bodies whizzing overhead.
For those who prefer to stay on the ground, the park has archery, disc golf and bushcraft skills where you can learn survival techniques. For the children who would like to practice their driving skills, they can drive on the Off-Road adventure. The Ninja course, Net Adventure and Zip ‘n’ Trek Junior activities were firm favourites for my twins.
Families will also love other activities from the Fairy Trail for younger kids to the indoor Play Village, which is a creative space designed to keep little ones entertained for hours. Wildlands also caters for relaxation with yoga, wellness classes in the natural beauty of the surrounding area. On-site, you’ll find the Olive Tree Kitchen, which serves locally sourced, seasonal dishes and the kids portions are huge.
Wildlands offers the perfect blend of thrilling adventure and serene moments in nature. It’s an ideal destination for a day out or longer, whether you’re a family, couple, or group of friends, eager to enjoy Galway’s stunning natural beauty paired with exciting, modern activities. There’s a lot you can do in Galway in 24 hours.
My article published in the Irish Daily Mail on 16/11/2024