Galway Atlantaquaria — Aquarium in Galway City
Galway Atlantaquaria and its collection
Galway Atlantaquaria, opened in 1999, is an aquarium in Gaillimh, Ireland.
It is the largest aquarium in the country, holding over 170 species, and has a long record of rehabilitating wildlife. A joint exhibition was run with University of Galway on algae used for the timed release of drugs.
History
In 2011 the aquarium took in Dessie, a 70-year-old lobster and the largest in the north of the country. A proposal made in 2017 for the first penguin house in Ireland was turned down by the city council. The former NASA astronaut Steven Swanson visited in 2024 and a starfish was named after him.
Animals and collection
Animals on show include Wreckfish, Bream, Bass, Smoothhound sharks and Octopus.
Exhibits
Its exhibits include Ocean Zone, Waterfall, Tropical Zone and Ray Pool.
Things to do
Things to do include Feeding Experiences and Big and Small Fish Feeding Tours.
What the venue says
- The aquarium itself features a casual on-site café where visitors can grab light snacks, hot drinks, and refreshments during their visit.
- Free parking is available on site, and an overflow car park is open during busy periods.
- Galway Atlantaquaria is an all-weather, fully accessible attraction open year-round.
- Is Galway Atlantaquaria accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, Galway Atlantaquaria is fully accessible for wheelchair users, carers and visitors with additional needs.
- Are Guide Dogs permitted access to Galway Atlantaquaria? Yes, guide and assistance dogs are welcome throughout the aquarium.
- Visitors with additional needs receive one free carers ticket per paying guest.
Images of Galway Atlantaquaria
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Geyo John, CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
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EstherWikipedian, CC-BY-SA-4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
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Miguel Mendez from Malahide, Ireland, CC-BY-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
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Miguel Mendez from Malahide, Ireland, CC-BY-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
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Miguel Mendez from Malahide, Ireland, CC-BY-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
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Miguel Mendez from Malahide, Ireland, CC-BY-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
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GalwayAquarium, CC-BY-SA-4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
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GalwayAquarium, CC-BY-SA-4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
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GalwayAquarium, CC-BY-SA-4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
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GalwayAquarium, CC-BY-SA-4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Opening hours
| Season | Days | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jul – 31 Aug | Every day | 09:00 | 18:00 |
| All year | Monday – Friday | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| All year | Saturday, Sunday | 10:00 | 18:00 |
Hours can change on public holidays. Check with the venue before travelling.
Galway Atlantaquaria is open throughout the year. We open seven days a week from mid-February to November*:
Admission
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (online) | 15.00 EUR |
| Adult (walk-in) | 16.00 EUR |
| Child (online) | 10.00 EUR |
| Child (walk-in) | 11.00 EUR |
| Senior (online) | 12.00 EUR |
| Senior (walk-in) | 13.00 EUR |
| Student (online) | 12.00 EUR |
| Student (walk-in) | 13.00 EUR |
| Special Access Child | 10.00 EUR |
| Special Access Student | 12.00 EUR |
| Special Access Adult | 15.00 EUR |
| Special Access Senior | 12.00 EUR |
Facilities
- Assistance animal policy
- Disability admission concession
- Wheelchair accessible routes
- Parking
- Animal feeding experience
- Keeper talk or show
Exhibitions & events
No upcoming events
No temporary exhibitions or scheduled public events are published for Galway Atlantaquaria at this time.
Accreditation
- BIAZA member (source)
Location & map
County GalwayGaillimh
Ireland
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© OpenStreetMap contributors
Frequently asked questions
No frequently asked questions yet
We have not published any questions and answers for Galway Atlantaquaria.
Animals
Photographs show each species in general. They were not taken at Galway Atlantaquaria.
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Octopus -
Clownfish -
Stingrays
Exhibits
- Ocean Zone
- Waterfall
- Tropical Zone
- Ray Pool