Ireland's largest native species aquarium, perched on the Salthill Promenade overlooking Galway Bay. Two floors of hands-on exhibits bring you face-to-face with sharks, rays, octopus, and hundreds of creatures from Irish rivers, lakes and seas.
Come face-to-face with the aquarium's largest predators: Smoothhound sharks, Wreckfish, Bream, and Bass. Wreckfish can live over 70 years and weigh nearly 100 kg. This deep-water exhibit showcases species found in Irish waters, where warming oceans now bring Bream further north.
Get hands-on at the interactive touch pools where you can gently handle starfish and spider crabs under staff supervision. The Ray Pool is home to Thornback Rays, Dogfish, and large flatfish like Turbot. Watch rays bury themselves in sand — they breathe through small holes called spiracles behind each eye.
Meet one of the most intelligent invertebrates on the planet. The octopus is a master of camouflage, capable of exploring, understanding, and remembering its environment. It can squeeze into impossibly small spaces — sometimes you will need a keen eye to spot it.
From clownfish that can change sex to Red-Bellied Piranhas with razor-sharp teeth, this heated exhibit brings warmer waters to Galway. The piranhas are fed daily to keep them calm. Stingrays and colourful Cichlids share this vibrant space.
Discover Ireland's native freshwater species: striped Perch that ambush prey in slow-flowing rivers, and shoals of Rudd that feed from the water's surface. This exhibit recreates the calm of Irish lakes and streams.
Feeding sessions run regularly throughout the day at the Freshwater Exhibit, Ray Pool, and Big Ocean Tank. Staff talks cover native species, conservation, and animal adaptations. Check the daily schedule at reception — extra talks and an activity table run on weekends, bank holidays, and school holidays.
Browse the marine-themed gift shop for souvenirs, educational toys, and gifts. A nice stop before heading out to explore the Salthill Promenade.
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