My husband is currently working in Galway (living in Oranmore) and our family will be joining him soon for 30 days. I need some ideas on what I can do with my two boys (ages 7 & 8) while Dad is working during the day.
Are there playgrounds around Galway or Oranmore? Anything that is kid friendly?
There are definitely small parks and playgrounds around Galway for your kids to run and play. You may also want to let them run around the beaches over in Salthill or down along the walking paths near the River Corrib.
If you have access to a car while your husband is working, take your kids on some day excursions. Ailwee Caves might interest them, or drive up to Rossaveal and take a ferry to the Aran Islands and you can go on a pony trap ride with one of the many guides that show up to meet each ferry's arrival.
30 days in Galway? Are you kidding me?
Truth be told, you won't find anything at all to do. You'll absolutely hate it. You'll never forgive yourself for going, and it will damage your relationship. And the people who live there only make matters worse because they are so cruel towards foreigners.
Being the generous person I am, I am offering to take your place so that you don't have to endure such suffering. Ailwee Caves, Cliffs of Moher, Connermara, the Burren, etc etc etc, you and your kids certainly don't need any of that torture.
So, against my better judgment, I am restating my offer to go in your stead. Just transfer your air tickets to me and all will be fine.
Trust me on this.
Mike, you are SO incredibly generous!
Mike I agree with Nancy that you are very generous:) Surprisingly, you aren't the first person to make such an offer! There must be something to Ireland!
Honestly we have a countdown going at the house. All of us are very excited by the opportunity.
I'd also like to offer to 'take your place'. One cool thing I would definately 'suffer' through is a trip w/the kiddies to 'Shannonbridge Railway', also known as Bord na Mona to take a train tour of the a Turf bog. Where in the middle of the tour they stop the train and everyone can get out and learn how to cut & stack turf.
(check out: www.chooseireland.com/offaly/bord-na-mona-blackwater-bog-rail-tour.html).
Oh, yeah ... I can also take the kiddies to "Leisure Land, in Salthill; which is west of Galway City and reachable by car or public transport - this place is a kids dream W/arcades, rides & water park(more like slides). It has definatley changed and improved over the years. (check out: Leisureland.ie/)
Seriously, there are so many things to do w/kids in Galway area you will be surprised how fast your time will go.
If you are going in the summertime there are always swimming in Galway Bay in Salthill. Although, only hearty persons before the end of June! :)
Finally, just south of Oranmore is Gort on the Galway Road. Before you get to anGort there is 'Coole Park'. The visitors centre has a film & self guided mus. tour(charge for same), however, if your kids aren't interested in those things then spend your time in the Park (NO CHARGE) and surroundings & at Coole. You can spend the day there just exploring. There is the famous "Autograph" tree. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy.
I have lots of family in and around galway. If you have any particular questions just ask & I can find out more for you.
Definitely fit in a trip to at least one Aran Island. I think it can be done as a daytrip.
If you are going to be in Ireland in the summer then I would go to Aran Islands and stay over for one night. You should take the Ferry from Doolin; which is much closer to you in Oranmore than out in Rossaveal.
Also, if you decide to stay overnight make sure you take your swim suits and enjoy the beach on any of the three islands. Believe it or not the water at the beaches on the Islands is much warmer that on the mainland. Water is clear and beautiful.
Hi Susan,
If your boys (or you) like horses there is the Dartfield horse museum. I think they may even do pony rides on Connemara ponies. As Connemaras are Ireland's native horse you'll get to combine Irish history, nature, and ponies all in one place.
