Galway Atlantaquaria
Galway Atlantaquaria
4
10:00 - 17:00
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:00 - 17:00
Thursday
10:00 - 17:00
Friday
10:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 18:00
Sunday
10:00 - 18:00
About
Explore Galway Atlantaquaria and discover the diversity of life in our ocean, rivers, lakes, and canals. Learn about the wonderful and varied species and their habitats. Be inspired to play your part in protecting our shared planet. Before your visit, here is a taste of just some of the exhibits that are waiting for you to explore and experience. From the sharks that swim in our seas to freshwater fish that glide along our rivers and under the surface of our tranquil lakes, not to mention the colourful and exotic creatures from warmer climates - there is so much for you to encounter on a visit with us. We can’t wait to welcome you to our Aquarium!
Duration: < 1 hour
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Jenn93 contributionsWonderful place for kids!Our family (boys 9 and 12 yr) really enjoyed the visit. We walked from Galway along the water. Worth spending 1 h ! It was also a nice place to get out of the elements. Plenty of fish to keep them busy.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 27 March 2024
- lindapilkingtonBelfast, United Kingdom19 contributionsLovely aquarium but beware of large tourist groupsLovely aquarium with a great range of fish, our children (and us) really enjoyed getting to see so many! The only downside was that there was a large tourist group of teenagers who were incredibly loud, pushing each other (their teachers were just sat on a bench chatting and not watching) and they knocked into my smaller children several times. Also standing and pushing in front of my kids or putting their phone in front of their faces to get photos of the fish. My suggestion would be to have booking times solely for families that want a bit of quiet to enjoy the experience with their kids and not be over-run by these groups who are left to run amuck. Unfortunately our experience was tainted by this and my kids were quite upset.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 6 July 2024
- 007laura007Monaghan, Ireland73 contributionsAmazing, highly recommendWe visited the aquarium with our 5 month old and it did not disappoint. From start to finish it held his attention, the exhibits are set up so well and very informative. The star of the show was the octopus and the cuttlefish (babies favorite). The gift shop isn't great but this is separate to the aquarium.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 15 August 2024
- maryanne oSydney, Australia217 contributionsThey have Piranhas!!We stumbled across the Aquarium today as we were walking along the path from Galway to Salthill. Very good to see the variety of fish and loved seeing the piranhas.They were a surprise. Would recommend to anyone who loves to watch fish in their habitatVisited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 3 September 2024
- Vasilena MLarnaca, Cyprus48 contributionsVery good AquariumPretty interesting exhibitions of marine life. 2 floors of incredible and unique species. 1st floor has many kids activities so its suitable if you want to spend your weekend there. Around 1 hour max is needed to see everything. Would recommend a visit!Visited October 2024Travelled soloWritten 6 October 2024
- Antoinette O1 contributionGreat aquarium but poor customer service in gift shop.Small aquarium but great setup for our 4 year old twins & 18 month old. All the fish were visible and at eye level for our small children. There was plenty of space to walk around to get a good view of fish & sea life. To exit you have to walk through a gift shop which we expected. Naturally small children will be excited and will want to examine all toys. The male staff member working at the cash register clearly did not have patience for small children and was very unfriendly even when we had purchased toys compared to the lady who greeted us at check in. Unfortunately, this dampened our experience as parents.Visited November 2024Travelled with familyWritten 10 November 2024
- balakalakDublin, Ireland55 contributionsFishThis is a fairly small aquarium. A little pricey. It’s a decent way to spend an hour but you won’t need much more than that to get around. There are a wide variety of exhibits and everything is easy to see. Especially good for younger kids.Visited December 2024Travelled with familyWritten 29 December 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
646 reviews
Excellent
244
Very good
217
Average
122
Poor
42
Terrible
21
Travel30WAW
Sligo, Ireland83 contributions
Dec 2022
We were on a weekend getaway in Galway and since it was raining we went here for an indoor activity.
There were really cool fish and a good variety of other sea life with interesting facts about them. The one way system made sure you actually saw everything so I though the layout was really good.
We did enjoy the experience, however I personally found it slightly expensive for the time we spend walking around, about 35 minutes, (14 euro per adult) you would probably take longer if you had kids with you. But that being said, I do understand that the costs of running this place and feeding the animals have to be covered.
There were really cool fish and a good variety of other sea life with interesting facts about them. The one way system made sure you actually saw everything so I though the layout was really good.
We did enjoy the experience, however I personally found it slightly expensive for the time we spend walking around, about 35 minutes, (14 euro per adult) you would probably take longer if you had kids with you. But that being said, I do understand that the costs of running this place and feeding the animals have to be covered.
Written 2 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Travel3owaw, Thanks for the review we really appreciate your feedback. Our admission fee is linked to our memberships of both BIAZA & EAZA. We have to ensure our Animal Welfare meets the high standards of a professional Zoo & Aquarium. So we have always tried to balance that with the visitor experience.
Garry
Written 14 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charlotte Y
4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We visited the aquarium for our son’s first birthday and we were not disappointed! From the first splash of the wave exhibit we enjoyed every second. All the exhibits are presented in an engaging way and the creature guides are accessible and informative. All the staff were helpful and knowledgeable and the space itself was clean and well cared-for. The whole aquarium took a little over an hour with an infant in a buggy.
The aquarium definitely succeeds in its mission statement to engage, educate and inspire. A fascinating day out.
The aquarium definitely succeeds in its mission statement to engage, educate and inspire. A fascinating day out.
Written 22 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Con M
Sydney, Australia15 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
€40 for a family of 4 (5yr and 3yr) spent 1.5hrs walking around this great centre. Fairly quiet with plenty of up close regional aquatic life. Special mention for the Octopus. Free ample parking next door and adjacent to a good quality play park.
Written 1 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil T
Westport, Ireland114 contributions
Aug 2021
We've visited Galway Atlantaquaria a few times in the past, and today we visited for the first time since it reopened following lockdown.
We visited late on a Sunday morning. Pre-booking was optional, but when we arrived it was very busy with lots of young families enjoying the attraction.
The venue was pretty much the same as last time...the exhibits were unchanged, and it was disappointed that the indoor submarine exhibit and the demonstrations with the marine life were not running. The rockpools upstairs were empty, apart from some sea anemones and lichen e.t.c.
The venue could do with a lick of paint and a tidy-up as it looked a little rundown since we were there last eighteen months ago. The ticket price was €39 for two adults and three children, which seemed quite expensive when not all the features were open.
I can understand that such exhibits have been severely economically affected by the recent lockdown periods, so hoping that the aquarium can get some capital funding for a revamp and a facelift and a proper re-opening. It's great facility, asset, and such a valuable feature for Galway.
We visited late on a Sunday morning. Pre-booking was optional, but when we arrived it was very busy with lots of young families enjoying the attraction.
The venue was pretty much the same as last time...the exhibits were unchanged, and it was disappointed that the indoor submarine exhibit and the demonstrations with the marine life were not running. The rockpools upstairs were empty, apart from some sea anemones and lichen e.t.c.
The venue could do with a lick of paint and a tidy-up as it looked a little rundown since we were there last eighteen months ago. The ticket price was €39 for two adults and three children, which seemed quite expensive when not all the features were open.
I can understand that such exhibits have been severely economically affected by the recent lockdown periods, so hoping that the aquarium can get some capital funding for a revamp and a facelift and a proper re-opening. It's great facility, asset, and such a valuable feature for Galway.
Written 17 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jacquiD61
Castledermot, Ireland51 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We went on a Monday and it was just the right amount of people in their everyone was social distancing. The price I found was very reasonable. Lovely exhibits some unusual ones like the blue lobster, it was very informative. The splash tank gave us a fright as it is very loud.
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mario B
5 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Aquatic Masterpiece
Aquatic masterpiece
A lovely collection of Marine beauty in the heart of Galway City. They have a great collection of fishes and a magnificent effort has been put in to maintain the fishes . This is a must go and we should promote such efforts
Aquatic masterpiece
A lovely collection of Marine beauty in the heart of Galway City. They have a great collection of fishes and a magnificent effort has been put in to maintain the fishes . This is a must go and we should promote such efforts
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chloe H
Sligo, Ireland13 contributions
Oct 2020
Me and my boyfriend visited the aquarium last Saturday and we loved it! We were not sure if we would enjoy it as we are young adults but we were so wrong we loved it. One way system in place, sanatizing points everywhere, masks to be worn which made me feel extremly safe and at ease. Such a good experience, Will defo be back in the future :)
Written 6 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paulina P
14 contributions
Aug 2020
This aquarium is very small. You can see the whole place in 30-40 minutes. It is very expensive for you get. Some parts of the aquarium are not accessible due to Covid-19 but they still charge €39 for a family (2 adults+3 kids). Some tanks are very nicely arranged, interesting and clean... some others are filthy and very unattractive. We liked the fact that the aquarium promotes mostly local sea species. It is a good attraction for the kids on a rainy day.
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eimear M
8 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
I have been a good few times over the years but it was Not a good experience this time. For the crazy price we paid we spent all of 25 minutes in the place. Its understandable with covid restrictions but still not happy.
Crazy price
Felt rushed around the place trying to social distance always some other familys on top of us.
Lacking in signs, most of the time we didnt know what we were looking at. Little information.
There was three large tanks full of the same fish, not much of a variety.
Hopefuly next time will be better
Crazy price
Felt rushed around the place trying to social distance always some other familys on top of us.
Lacking in signs, most of the time we didnt know what we were looking at. Little information.
There was three large tanks full of the same fish, not much of a variety.
Hopefuly next time will be better
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
F&O Mon
Ireland79 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
We enjoyed our visit. Take it for what it is. You’re not going to see sharks or dolphins but you’ll see plenty to keep kids engaged. Educational, enjoyable and well presented. It’s takes about 45 mins to an hour max to see everything. Only downside is the admission cost which is a bit steep at €40 for family of 4. Give it a visit.
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much, thats really nice!
Written 10 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
no you can get entrance ticket from there! Its 12€ for students and 15€ for adults, kids i believe it was 10€
Written 6 October 2024
Are ALL areas wheelchair accessible? Thank you
Written 10 June 2019
Yes they are, there is a ramp from the car park, 2 Parking spots, accessible toilets, and a lift to the upper floor.
Written 21 August 2019
Are ALL areas wheelchair accessible? Thank you
Written 10 June 2019
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