local area

From high end designer names in Brown Thomas to high street favourites, the aptly named Shop Street is the heart of Galway’s shopping district.

We love the eclectic range of stores in Galway city centre. Discover unique independent shops in Galway offering everything you could want with plenty of lovely cafes, restaurants and bars to keep you going.

Wildlands is a place for all ages, for thrill-seekers and for those in the pursuit of serenity. With a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, there is something for everyone including Zip ‘n’ Trek, Zip ‘n’ Trek Junior, Fun Walls, Archery, Bushcraft, Disc Golf, Yoga, Fairy Trails, Woodland walks and more!

Just outside Loughrea, Turoe Pet Farm is a 14-acre park with a range of animals for both young and old. Animals include ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep, an alpaca and a llama.

Treasure Island Kids Zone is located directly across the road from the hotel, so no packing of the car is required. Sit back and enjoy a coffee or a bite of to eat as you let the kids play on the several slides including the “Big Blue” slide, run up and down, back and over the children’s activity area or climb secret tunnels and passageways.

If the children enjoy horse riding, then a visit to Rockmount Riding Centre is a must. Located just 4km from the hotel, it has a large indoor arena where the novice can receive tuition as well as outdoor facilities where beginners can take part in trekking, while cross-country riding is on offer for the more experienced rider.

Galway Aquarium, Ireland's largest native species Aquarium, is only a 15-minute drive from Clayton Hotel Galway and is a fantastic family fun attraction.

The Wild Atlantic Way spans the entire west coast of Ireland and provides the most exquisite scenery this beautiful country as to offer.

Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden is located just one hour from Galway and is one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions. Kylemore Castle was built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy businessman, and liberal politician.

A must see if you have an interest in Irish culture and heritage. These are 3 islands located off the coast of Galway: Inis Mor; Inis Meain; and Inis Oirr, guarding the mouth of the bay. The Irish language is still widely spoken here and it represents an area which is rich in Irish culture.

Driving tours and walking tours for small groups over the mountain farm in the heart of the Burren. Far from the main tourist routes, they follow the old herdsman’s track over Murrough mountain and along the Atlantic coast while telling you about life and farming in the Burren.