City of tribes is a great town for families
Of course Galway is well known (and well regarded) for its hen and stag parties — but what about going there for a weekend with the family?
With a little bit of pre-planning, Galway is the perfect getaway, especially if you have two children, aged four and three, who’ll need entertaining.
But crucially, this is a city parents will enjoy too — even when at the mercy of two excitable young souls.
We booked into the four star Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in the city centre, the scene that set a relaxed tone over our two-night stay.
Just a five-minute stroll from Eyre square, the Radisson Blu is an impressive hotel with a very large bright lobby, high ceilings and natural light, featuring an impressive glass elevator in the centre, from which we left the extensive underground parking.
The quiet nature of the lobby belied the fact the hotel was completely booked out for the weekend and boded well for its reputation as a relaxing place.
After a fast check-in we were escorted by a staff member to our two-bedroom apartment situated just a minute across the road from the main hotel. Even quieter here — nothing is going to disturb us. Nice.
The quirky apartment is perfect for four people with the living area on the top floor and bedrooms down a small stairs. The bedroom’s french doors allow you to walk out onto a rooftop (where you can here some banter floating on the breeze), but doors can be safely secured at nighttime when the children head to bed.
There are three nice bathrooms, and all the usual mod cons you would expect from a top-class hotel, including very good wifi. Very comfortable and clean with good sized beds to sink into for a peaceful pre-teatime nap.
There wasn’t a sound save a rumbling stomach. And before we headed out for our evening dinner, I ordered a picnic basket at reception (very worthwhile) so it would be ready for when we went out the next morning.
We decided to dine in the Radisson’s Restaurant Marinas, a very large room boasting a beautiful view of Galway Bay.
As the children assaulted colouring paper with their crayons, I was having my own fight with a rather good menu.
What to have? KIds were easy — chicken or fish? Their answer: chips. I opted for the Warm Smoked Duck Salad starter — a beautiful dish with a red cabbage puree and chicory blackberry dressing (€7), followed by a hearty and sleep-inducing Osobucco of lamb shank with creamy mash, roasted garlic and beetroot jus (€27).
My wife went for a starter of a tiger prawn and scallion salad (€7) and a main of a sirloin steak (€28).
The Radisson also offers the biggest range of foods at a breakfast buffet we have ever encountered. You are set up nicely for the day.
Even if swimming is not your thing, you should check out the Radisson’s pool that has a very safe children’s area tucked nicely into a corner. A Jacuzzi is just the job for further unwinding while an outdoor hot tub will entice you outside to enjoy a beautiful view of Lough Atalia. There is also a fully-equipped gymnasium for the more dedicated while the Spirit One Spa offers a wide range of therapies, including an Elemis facial, priced €95.
There is so much to do in Galway to keep both children and adults entertained. Take a picnic basket from the Radisson to enjoy on the promenade at Salthill. The children built up a good appetite after visiting the Galway Atlantaquaria, which boasts an entertaining and educational dip into Ireland’s diverse marine ecosystem.
Sticking to the water theme we went on to take a swim in Leisureland’s 25m pool which has water slides and a pirate ship. Prices:€7 per adult, €4.80 per child, and under fours go free.
Make time for a 90-minute cruise on the Corrib Princess where food and drink are served on board. You might just want to order an Irish coffee as the 157 passenger boat has an All-Ireland coffee-making champion on its staff.
The Corrib Princess sails from Woodquay in the heart of the city and takes passengers along the River Corrib and Lough Corrib. A family of two adults and up to three children under the age of 16 can travel for €35. (corribprincess.ie)
The children really enjoyed the Galway City Tourist Train which goes on a sightseeing train journey from Salthill to the city centre, where you can jump on and off at your leisure — a very pleasant way to see Galway’s open food markets, vibrant streets and coastal scenery and landmarks including the Spanish Arch, Blakes Castle and St Nicholas Church. A family ticket costs €20 (galwaytouristtrain.com).
In the evening we ate at the beautiful Dela restaurant which has a lovely, folksy focus on sharing plates and tasting plates. It is the kind of place you could also just pop into to enjoy a glass of wine and nibbles whether it be seafood, meats or cheeses.
My wife opted for a very fresh crab and smoked salmon tian (€7.95) while I especially enjoyed the scallops with black pudding and pea puree (€17.95). We both opted for a superb sea bass as our main (€17.95). Well worth a stroll down to Lower Dominic Street. (dela.ie)
A two-night stay on Friday and Saturday in an apartment at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Galway for two adults and two children costs from €230 per night (children under 12 free).
A picnic basket costs from €50 for two adults, two kids.
Shopping was not on the agenda as three out of four of us had no interest, but Galway does have a great variety of shops. Quite honestly, I would have been happy just to relax around the hotel. Best of both worlds here — a tranquil oasis within touching distance of a bustling city.
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