10 Family Friendly Walks in Galway

If you are looking for things to do in Galway with kids, check out our interactive map of activities, playgrounds and family friendly restaurants in the City of the Tribes. But if your family want to get active and stretch your legs, there are lots of family friendly walks in Galway that are perfect.

Galway city

1. The Claddagh 

We couldn’t possibly start anywhere else. The Claddagh is derived from the Irish word ‘An Cladach’ which translates as ‘the shore’ and what a shoreline it is. Attracting visitors from all over the world, the flat terrain and colourful houses make it a wonderful place for a family stroll near Galway City.

2. NUIG

Inspire your children with a family stroll around the beautiful NUIG campus. The quadrangle building at the heart of the university was modelled on Christ Church at the University of Oxford. The campus has expanded significantly since it opened its doors to 68 students in 1849. Its parkland setting makes it a lovely place for a family stroll near Galway city particularly during the summer months.

3. The Prom

Another Galway classic family walk is the Prom in Salthill. Stretching out into Galway Bay, this 2km stretch of pier is an easy family stroll. The wide, flat surface make it perfect for buggies and prams. Don’t forget to ‘kick the wall’ at the end of the pier for good luck.

South County Galway

4. Portumna Forest Park

Enjoy one of the many forest walks in this beautiful setting in south County Galway. If your children are young, the Forest Friendly Family Cycling trail is the route for you. Don’t be fooled by the title, those on foot are also welcome to use this accessible trail. Highlights along the trail include the duck pond, glimpses of Lough Derg and some huge cyprus trees, they are amongst the oldest in the forest.

5. Carrabane Forest Walk

Another family favourite is the Carrabane Forest Walk near Athenry. Perfect for older children this looped walk takes you across two food bridges and has lots of brambles, making it a fabulous place for blackberry picking in the autumn. If the weather is good, pack a picnic, there’s a lovely picnic area for you to enjoy your food.

6. The Enchanted Forest

Hidden among the trees in this family friendly forest close to Loughrea, is a secret fairy village. Your children will have a magical day making a wish on the wishing tree and wandering among the fairy doors. After your walk, there’s also a petting corner and playground to enjoy.

Connemara

7. Diamond Hill

Having little ones doesn’t mean missing out on scenery with this easy climb. Gravel footpaths and wooden boardwalks make the ascent child friendly. On a clear day, the views from the summit are stunning. Sea views include Inishturk, Inishbofin and Inishshark islands and inland you can spot the turrets of Kylemore Abbey and the twelve bens. See Connemara at its best with this family friendly Galway walk.

8. Omey Island Walk

Omey Island is a pretty special place, only accessible during low tide it is home to long abandoned ruins of a church and village. If your children love an adventure, this is the walk for you. Don’t forget to check tide times locally, because if you get it wrong you will end up stranded!

9. Clonbur Wood

If your family are looking for a forest walk in Connemara this may be it. Once owned by the Guinness family, this beautiful woodland now contains an easy forest trail, perfect for a family with older children. As you ramble through the woods, look out for the ruins of Ballykine castle, which was built by the once powerful Burke Clann but destroyed by fire sometime in the 15th century.

10. Kylemore Abbey

No guide to family walks in Galway would be complete without mentioning this stunning attraction. Originally built as a castle, for many years it operated as a girl’s day and boarding school run by the Benedictine community. Today it is one of the top tourist attractions in Ireland due to its stunning location on the banks of Pollacapall Lough with Connemara hills in the background. Its beautiful walled gardens and grounds are a wonderful place for a family stroll.