Top Galway On the Water

Skip the roads, and take a ferry cruise from Galway to see the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands, instead. As you travel by ferry, you’ll get unobstructed views of the coastline that’s known as the Wild Atlantic Way before you dock at Inishmore. Make the most of ample free time to explore, then head back to Galway, passing the UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher along the way.

Paddleboarding is a fun, accessible way to get on the water and improve your fitness at the same time. A 2-hour paddleboarding free roam with demo in Galway. You’ll paddle on stable inflatable boards with a paddle, lifejacket, wetsuit, and boots provided. Get fitted with your gear, then begin with the basics on land before heading onto the water. During the demo, you’ll learn how to position yourself on the board, hold the paddle efficiently, move forward smoothly, steer, turn, and stop with control. The instructor will provide a session route to follow based on the tides and weather conditions of the day. The experience ends back at the original meeting point, where you’ll return your equipment and get changed before continuing your day in Galway.

Come kayaking on beautiful Roundstone Bay in county Galway with the majestic Twelve Bens mountain range of Connemara as your backdrop on this coastal adventure. Explore the stunning natural environment from your kayak of this scenic bay on the Wild Atlantic Way at the foot of Errisbeg mountain. Your knowledgeable local private guide will tell you about the local area as you kayak safely across the bay. For the more experienced kayakers enjoy kayaking over to deserted Inishlacken island with your guide. See the abandoned ruins and houses on this unique island, famed for its yearly artist retreat and fascinating local history. Take in the beautiful vistas of the surrounding rugged land and seascapes before returning to the harbour of the beautiful white strand of Gurteen bay.

Experience a deep-sea fishing expedition in Ireland with a private tour in Galway Bay. Choose between a half-day or full-day excursion and climb aboard a private boat. Learn new fishing skills, with all equipment provided, and try your luck at fishing for pollock, cod, and more in the waters of Galway Bay and off the Aran Islands.

Discover the rugged Connemara coast with its rocky beaches and deserted islands on this private full-day cruise. Set sail from Cleggan to the island of Inishturk; look out for wildlife including dolphins, seals, puffins, and guillemots; and enjoy lunch at a typical Irish pub.

Go fishing on Lough Corrib in Connemara with this private, full-day tour. Join your English-speaking guide for a day of pike fishing on one of Connemara’s most scenic lakes. Learn how to attract this trophy fish and try new fishing skills during this private tour. Relax outdoors during a peaceful and informative fishing excursion.

A Wild Brown trout fishing trip to Lough Corrib transports you to the most breath-taking sights and scenery Connemara has on offer. You will fish on one of Europe’s last remaining wild brown trout fisheries – Lough Corrib. The Corrib is one of the most beautiful and mysterious lakes in Ireland. Surrounded to the north west with craggy mountains, sprinkled with wooden islands the wild landscape will stay with you forever. You will have the day to experience wild brown trout fishing on Ireland second largest lough. Pax: min 1, max 2 fishermen per boat. Season: February to end September

The wild brown trout offers excellent sport from the season opener in March through its close at the end of September. The many fisheries in Connemara have networks of interconnected lakes ("loughs") and rivers populated by the native trout of Ireland. This wild brown trout in Connemara's lakes and connecting rivers average in size from one to two pounds. The trout fishing is very dependable, with hatches starting in April and peaking in May and early June. Then, caddis, crane flies and terrestrials keep the trout looking up all summer long. Because Connemara's rivers and lakes are acidic, food is scarce, so the trout rise eagerly to dry flies and take wet flies and nymphs with little hesitation. The "ferox", or large cannibal brown trout, prey on their smaller brethren in larger lakes. Your knowledgeable local French Ghillie will advise you on the best flies to use and take you to the best places to fish on the rivers. Pax: min 1, max 3 fishermen. Available: February to end September.