Salthill Beach

Salthill Beach is technically a group of small beaches, some sandy and some pebbly, that are separated by small, rocky outcrops alongside the Galway suburb of Salthill. The beach is popular for swimming, with lifeguards on duty every day during the months of July and August and at weekends during June.  Exploring the rock pools on the outcrops can also be a popular pastime.

On a clear day, the limestone hills of The Burren National Park across Galway Bay, itself a Special Area of Conservation, are visible. Behind the beach is a promenade with public toilets, benches, and a few grassy areas.

At the eastern end of the beach is a large car park. Roadside parking, including disabled parking, along the promenade is also available. The beach can be reached down a short slipway. Galway city centre can be reached by bus.

Along the promenade visitors will find a number of shops, hotels, and restaurants, including the Galway Bay Hotel, and there are plenty of family-orientated destinations in the area. Leisure Land, a large indoor swimming pool complex, can provide great entertainment for children needing to let off steam on a rainy day.

At the far western end of the promenade is the Blackrock diving tower. Here you can watch divers leaping from the 30 feet platform performing all manner of acrobatics. The current tower dates back to the 1950s but there has been a diving board here since the 1880s. Back in those days Blackrock was a “men only” bathing area, hence the ‘Ladies beach’ next door.

Galway Atlantaquaria, National Aquarium of Ireland is a few hundred meters east of the beach, whilst Galway Golf Club is located to the west.