Ocean Zone
The aquarium's biggest tank holds the large predators of Irish waters: Bream, Wreckfish, Bass and Smoothhound sharks. Wreckfish lurk near caves and shipwrecks and can live over 70 years.
Galway Atlantaquaria
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About
Ireland's largest native-species aquarium sits right on the Salthill Promenade, where two floors of rivers, lakes and open-ocean tanks bring the wildlife of Galway Bay indoors. It is an all-weather, fully accessible family attraction.
Things to Do
Ray Pool
Rays, small sharks such as Dogfish and large flatfish like Turbot glide around this open pool. Rays spend much of their time buried in the sand, so look carefully.
Freshwater Waterfall
A waterfall exhibit replicates Ireland's slow rivers and deep lakes, home to striped Perch and surface-feeding Rudd - a useful contrast to the saltwater zones.
Octopus and Tropical Zone
The octopus is a master of camouflage and can be hard to spot, while the heated Tropical Zone holds Stingrays, Cichlids and Red-Bellied Piranhas. Clownfish give the kids their 'finding Nemo' moment.
Feeding experiences and talks
The team runs feeding sessions at the freshwater exhibit, Ray Pool and fish-feeding tours, plus weekend, bank-holiday and school-holiday talks on native species and conservation. Schedules are posted at reception.
Gift shop
An on-site marine-themed shop sells branded merchandise, plush toys, books and gift vouchers, with an emphasis on local and sustainable gifts.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open year-round, seven days a week from mid-February to November. July and August: daily 9am-6pm. Other times: Monday to Friday 10am-5pm (including bank holidays), Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm. Last admission is one hour before closing.
- Admission: Online tickets are cheaper than walk-in prices: adults €15 online / €16 walk-in, children €10 / €11.
- Parking: Free parking at the Aquarium complex - 22 car spaces, two disabled spaces and one large space for a bus - plus a free council-run overflow car park across the road and ample free spaces along the prom. It is a very popular area, so parking can be a challenge at peak times.
- Food: No on-site café is advertised; the aquarium points visitors to the many cafés and restaurants close by in Salthill, which also has shops, arcades, beaches, parks and playgrounds.
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