Galway Outdoor Adventures: Top 5 Activities & Reviews

Galway, Ireland! It’s often thought of as this place, that’s almost overflowing with culture and lively city streets, but there’s also a whole bunch of amazing outdoor things you can get up to nearby. And when you’re talking about things to see and do, from hiking across Connemara’s rugged landscape, that’s pretty wild, to kayaking along the Corrib River, you’re almost spoiled for options. We’ve put together a guide, that will point you toward some top picks, along with tips and suggestions, so you can take your trip, and then turn it up to eleven!

1. Hiking the Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park

The Diamond Hill trail in Connemara National Park, it’s definitely more than just a walk. Like your average hike that you might find, it is this full-blown experience. Very frequently people find, that it has killer views, stretching across the Atlantic coastline. Anyway when I was there, I recall starting out early, and it was a pretty misty morning, still it soon cleared to reveal the stark, so beautiful countryside. To walk the paths, that wind all the way up this quartzite peak, and getting to see the seemingly never ending views, you get the almost unmistakable feeling of getting away from it all, feeling properly alive.

The trail itself, arguably, is very accessible. Anyway even if you aren’t a total expert, it’s good for families and more experienced hikers. If you want, you can choose either the lower loop, which is a pretty chill, steady ramble, or head all the way up to the summit, which is naturally far tougher. Anyway when you make it to the peak, especially if the sun is shining, it’s like you’re right on top of everything.

Read our full review: Diamond Hill Hike Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Connemara Hike)

2. Kayaking on the Corrib River

Imagine gliding along the Corrib River, where the waters reflect a stunning panorama of Galway, the buildings there, plus the surrounding green landscapes. And you get to sit in your kayak, going at your own speed, this activity turns into an outstanding experience. When I went kayaking with some people on the Corrib, that day we had gentle breezes. Still, we found out about parts of the city you can never spot, if you stick only to the land. Going under bridges, waving at folks chilling near the water’s edge, and there’s just no other way to feel more plugged-in, or part of Galway’s heart.

Anyway it isn’t just the sights either, there are quite a few places in Galway, where you might be able to hire a kayak, and go off exploring at your own pace, so you can easily arrange tours to do just this, that show you all about the river, and everything around it. Like your professional guide will usually point things out, that might just bring extra color to the trip, stories from a bit further back. If kayaking is more than seeing pretty sights, the wildlife lover could have some serious fun too. Very possibly keep an eye out to watch all kinds of birds that stay on the river banks, sometimes too it’s almost you’ll spot a cute otter swimming too.

Read our full review: Kayaking the Corrib Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Corrib River Kayaking)

3. Cycling the Sky Road Loop

The Sky Road Loop out by Clifden, could just possibly, be one of those rides you think of long after you go. So what’s there? Stunning panoramic scenes of the wild Atlantic. It’s more than likely that your legs start aching. However, they probably will, the trip’s all of 16km of undulating roadways! You have an easier Lower Sky Road option too.

From a place, where I just wanted to have a relaxed pace to actually test my cycling abilities. With the steady climbs to the amazing views over the Atlantic, all along the craggy coast. The route’s the best fit for many kinds of skill levels, still, it is probably best to have some experience before going up into the High Road stretch. Getting onto that high part? Then, it could be, the world’s at your feet!

Read our full review: Sky Road Loop Cycling Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sky Road Cycling)

4. Exploring the Aran Islands

Step back in time; when visiting the Aran Islands. That way, you get a sense of old-world charm plus some solid stunning sights. Taking the ferry ride from Galway, in and of itself. Anyway when you arrive on Inishmore, the biggest island, you can either get around it, that’s rather flat and easy, with rented bicycles. And there’s Dún Aonghasa to look at, with the historical fort perched over the huge cliffs overlooking, seemingly into oblivion.

This’ll sound kind of cheesy but think about it, being here it actually hits home. People visit all over, yet this’s got that vibe about real Galway culture still beating. It is as if time stood still. That way, when you visit all three Aran Islands; Inishmaan or Inisheer for instance you can actually delve into that isolated place. Also you get the rare opportunity, if you can string a couple of Irish phrases together (even simple ones) to practice that bit of Gaeilge, because it will just cement any kind of link you can try, if that sort of experience matters a good bit for the tourist!

Read our full review: Aran Islands Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Aran Islands Trip)

5. Coasteering along the Wild Atlantic Way

If it’s true that there’s one outdoor thing in Galway that would simply make you scream, and want even more, consider going to Coasteering. This thing’s probably not the first outdoor idea when you think of Galway, but very easily one of the most amazing. Picture going along Galway’s rocky coastline, that includes the rocky shores to the waves smashing against the shore, plus having those short swims at your own chosen pace into the Atlantic waters; now this’s living! That’s when experienced instructors show anyone how to traverse that shoreline the fun plus totally safe ways. It doesn’t matter what level you might think your abilities are currently!

Anyway, the actual deal is all of us felt the need just to test what we could each do. Getting into the water, swimming close to the rocks, that almost gave us all one kind of rush. But if that rush’s a bit too strong, like one friend, the trained coasteering instructor just had a way that he kept on saying things, so everyone in the group did actually get to find that level of happiness that suited all. Just to point out as well, the wildlife could be special. This bit’s important! It just adds a different level onto things.

Read our full review: Coasteering the Wild Atlantic Way Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Wild Atlantic Coasteering)