The best swimming pools in Galway

Galway Riverside Quay – By Adesile Ajisafe – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62513669

Galway Ireland is known for its lush green pastures, charming seaside attractions, pints filled with Guinness, and friendly locals. One thing it may not be known for is swimming – but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your feet wet, do a few laps, or teach your kids how to doggy paddle during their first vacation!

Plus, you will be embracing the local culture. Galway is known for being perched right on the sea in the West of Ireland. Unlike other popular spots in Ireland, like Cork, Wexford, Athlone, and many others, the proximity of the town to the sea is one of its main attractions. From Eyre Square, the “center” of the town, you can get to the sea in just 5 minutes on foot. 

If you are lucky enough to snag accommodation in Salthill, you will wake up every morning to the sounds of waves crashing on the shore and people walking along The Promenade. 

So, why not try your luck at swimming in the sea? If you are not that brave, here are some of the best swimming pools in the area for some exercise or summertime fun. 

Galway Bay Hotel

Leisureland, Galway Bay – By Prince123 – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2572222

The Galway Bay hotel has a 15-meter swimming pool, sauna, and steam room that make it the ideal place to book a few nights and enjoy your vacation. Not to mention, there is a “bubble” pool for kids! This way, you can get in a few laps and keep an eye on your children in the neighboring pool. 

The Connacht Hotel

Shop Street – By Jerzy Strzelecki – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15871775

This upscale hotel is one of the most popular in the town — and for good reason! With a beautiful outdoor garden area, elegant decorations, and an air of opulence, this hotel is not for budget travelers. However, for those who wish to splurge on their vacation and really relax, The Connacht Hotel does it all. The 20-meter swimming pool is a great way to wake up and work out in the morning. Afterward, enjoy detoxing some of your earlier Guinness by sitting in the steam room and sauna. 

Salthill Hotel

Galway Bay from the Promenade, Salthill – By Peter Clarke at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3524600

Like we said, Salthill is the ideal place for swimming! If you want to practice your breaststroke and freestyle before heading out to the sea, we recommend heading to The Salthill Hotel to enjoy their 25-meter lap pool. For intense athletes, enjoy the 18-meter hydrotherapy pool and gym for an intense workout after your swim. 

Leisureland

Salthill and Galway Bay, Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland – By Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada – Salthill and Galway Bay, Galway (506275), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68849467

Leisureland is one of the main attractions for those who come to Salthill with kids during their vacation. Based right on the edge of The Promenade, you can get here in no time from the town center.

Plus, Leisureland is located right by the amusement park (great for kids!), CoCo Cafe (some of the best breakfast in the area), and The Promenade Walk (you HAVE to “kick the wall” — ask a local what it means). 

Maldron Hotel & Leisure Center

Health club – By www.localfitness.com.au – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3601539

If you are situated a little bit outside of Galway town center, try looking to book new nights at the Maldron Hotel & Leisure Center to enjoy the modern gym, indoor swimming pool, and steamy sauna. 

The Ardilaun Hotel

Eyre Square Galway – By By Sulmac (talk) (Uploads) – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107818311

We love the Ardilaun Hotel for teaching your kids how to swim! After you get in a few laps in the 18-meter heated pool, head to the “kiddies” pool to teach them how to float, kick their legs in the water, and enjoy being comfortable in the pool. Once you’re done, get a quick workout in the TechnoGym with flat-screen TVs, a loud sound system, and modern equipment. 

Kingfisher Club NUI Galway 

Quadrangle Building NUI Galway – By 瑞丽江的河水 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=118032940

Last but not least, we recommend the Kingfisher Club for those who want to go to the gym, swim, and relax afterward. Part of the college in Galway, NUIG, the KIngfisher is always busy with locals, tourists, and students. The best way to enjoy the pool here’s to pay for a day pass and make use of the facilities, such as a modern gym with free space, free weights, machines, cardio equipment, and much more.