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  1. Start · Covent Garden
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Dollymount Strand Posts

Greener Galway, Ireland 2 min read

Seaside walks with kids in Ireland: tides, wind and staying safe

By (Our writers) · Published

Dollymount Strand PostsPhoto: Mhdelaney, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Few things tire children out as happily as a walk by the sea. There are waves to chase, shells to find and plenty of space to run. Irish beaches and promenades are wonderful in every season, but the sea, the tide and the wind need a bit of respect. A little planning keeps a seaside walk fun and safe for the whole family.

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Stop 1 · Galway Bay · Sheltered sand

Ladies Beach, Salthill

Rock pools at low tide with the paved prom right above for the buggy.

Walk here

Check the tide first

Tides change the shape of a beach completely. At low tide you may have a huge stretch of sand; at high tide, the same walk may be cut off by water against rocks or a sea wall. Check tide times before you go and plan your walk so that you're heading back well before high water. The Marine Institute publishes tide information for Irish waters.

Dress for the wind

It's almost always colder and windier by the sea than in town. Bring a windproof layer and a hat even on sunny days, and a change of clothes for the child who will definitely get wet. On bright days, sun cream is still important: the breeze hides how strong the sun is.

Practical tip: pack a towel and spare socks in a waterproof bag. Wet feet end more beach walks than bad weather.

Promenades are the easy option

With a buggy or very young children, a promenade gives you the sea views without the sand. The Salthill Promenade in Galway is long, wide and paved, with benches and space to stop. Save the open beach for when the children can walk on sand, or bring a carrier.

Seafront, Salthill
Seafront, SalthillPhoto: N Chadwick, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Stay safe near the water

  • Keep small children within arm's reach near the water's edge, piers and slipways.
  • Watch out for big waves, strong currents and soft sand or mud on estuaries.
  • Swim only at lifeguarded bathing areas, during lifeguard hours, and follow the flags and signs.
  • Don't use inflatables in the sea: offshore winds can carry them out fast.
  • In an emergency at the coast, call 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI have more advice on beach safety for families.

Rock pools and beach finds

Rock pools are a highlight for children. Look closely, turn stones back the way you found them, and put creatures back where they came from. Rocks covered in seaweed are slippery, so go slowly and wear shoes with grip. Shells and pebbles are best admired and left on the beach for the next visitors.

Dollymount Strand Windy
Dollymount Strand WindyPhoto: Mhdelaney, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Plan for shelter and toilets

Beaches can be exposed, with few places to hide from a shower. Choose a walk that passes a café, a car park with toilets or a shelter, and check that facilities are open outside the summer season.

Leave no trace

Take all litter home, including food scraps, and pick up any rubbish you find if you can. Keep dogs under control near wildlife and follow local signs, especially in bird nesting areas.

Dollymount Strand Sunset
Dollymount Strand SunsetPhoto: Mhdelaney, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Reference & tools:

Galway through the year

Galway averages 18 rainy days in Oct and highs of about 14°C. The driest month is usually Apr.

010209°9°10°13°16°18°18°18°17°14°11°9°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Days with 1 mm of rain or moreAverage high (°C)

Show the numbers
MonthRainy daysRainAverage highSunshineSunset
Jan16111 mm9°C3.6 h/day16:46
Feb17116 mm9°C4.8 h/day17:45
Mar16117 mm10°C6.3 h/day18:38
Apr1370 mm13°C8.5 h/day20:34
May1579 mm16°C10.2 h/day21:27
Jun1687 mm18°C9.7 h/day22:05
Jul17116 mm18°C9 h/day21:58
Aug19142 mm18°C8.6 h/day21:07
Sep16105 mm17°C6.8 h/day19:55
Oct18132 mm14°C5.4 h/day18:43
Nov16121 mm11°C3.9 h/day16:42
Dec19146 mm9°C3 h/day16:18
Averages for 2015–2024 from Open-Meteo historical weather (CC BY 4.0); sun times calculated for the 15th of each month, local time.

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