A Galway Itinerary Packed with Irish Adventure for All Ages

The beauty of Ireland‘s County Galway lies in its ability to take you by surprise while also making you feel right at home. This isn’t just a vacation destination; it’s a journey through living history, unbelievable landscapes and warm Irish hospitality. Our goal for a multigenerational trip to this area was to create a Galway itinerary that would balance structured activities with spontaneous exploration, ensuring something magical for every family member. 

Traveling with a large multigenerational group can seem daunting and it does require careful preparation, but the memories you make together will last a lifetime. When we were headed to Ireland, I knew I would need to get three things sorted right away: accommodations to fit 16 people (nine adults and seven children), transportation to get around and activities that would keep everyone entertained, but more important, happy.  

How to Create a Galway Itinerary the Whole Family Will Love

Our adventure began when I found the perfect home base: a spacious manor nestled in the rolling countryside north of Galway City. We had the natural beauty of the Burren to the south and Connemara National Park to the north. From there we were able to build out an itinerary that the kids and adults still rave about to this day.  

We got an unexpected Irish surprise: seven days of sunshine without a drop of rain — lucky us! Each day, we planned one special activity, giving us the flexibility we needed with a large group but enough direction to get us out the door each morning. Trust me, many of us could have sat in the manor garden with a coffee and a good book all day. 

Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions 

As we drove through the countryside, the landscape began to tell the story of Ireland. While the big cities give you a glimpse of modern-day life on the Emerald Isle, it’s the rural areas that show you the past. Stone walls tracing ancient farm boundaries, emerald fields dotted with sheep and the occasional farmhouse created a patchwork we were ready to explore. Our rental manor sat perfectly positioned, close enough to County Galway’s attractions yet far enough to provide a true countryside experience. 

We unpacked, explored the property and let the children run off some energy across the expansive grounds. A few of us headed to the local grocery store to load up on snacks and ingredients for family meals. Early to bed, we rested up for our first day of adventure.  

Day 2: The Magic of Falconry at Ashford Castle 

One of our favorite excursions of the week, Ashford Castle is more than a destination — it’s a portal to another world. The onsite Ireland School of Falconry offers an experience that goes beyond your typical tourist activities. Imagine 2-year-olds checking out birds of prey, teenagers learning ancient hunting techniques and getting to handle hawks, and adults equally captivated by these magnificent birds (and of course, handling a few birds of prey as well). 

The castle grounds provide a stunning backdrop, making every moment feel like a scene from a historical drama. Our children talked about their hawk-flying experience for months afterward, a testament to the magic of this unique adventure. 

TIP: Book a group rate in advance. We managed to cut our costs by half, which freed up funds for other activities. Ashford Castle also makes a fabulous home base for this area — Ciao Bambino Travel Advisors can book accommodations for you with exclusive perks like early check-in/late check-out, complimentary upgrades, breakfast credits and more; get in touch for details.

Day 3: Step Back in Time at Athenry Castle 

Athenry Castle isn’t a typical museum experience; it’s a full immersion into Irish historical life. Our kids dressed in period costumes, learning about medieval weapons and participating in historical games. Watching them play tug-of-war on the grounds of a 13th-century Norman castle brought history to life in a way no textbook ever could. 

The nearby city of Athenry, one of Ireland’s last walled cities, offered a perfect lunch spot. A local playground gave the kids some much needed downtime and the parents a moment to relax. 

Day 4: Adventure Awaits at Killary Adventure Company

Killary Adventure Company is about an hour northwest of Galway and not to be confused with the town of Killarney (to the south). The adventure center is close to Kylemore Abbey if that’s on your Ireland bucket list, as well as Connemara National Park, which is great for hiking. The journey from Galway to Killary Adventure Company is filled with rolling hills, sheep traffic jams and cute towns with their own pubs, making it easy to take a detour on your way to or from the center. 

Killary offers something for every age and adventure level. Our most memorable moment came while watching my 8-year-old encourage his 6-year-old brother as they navigated a 50-foot ladder, a moment that will forever be branded in my mind anytime they bicker at home. 

A sampling of the activities included: 

• Ropes course 
• Archery 
• High swing 
• Bungee jumping 
• Rock wall climbing 
• Zip lines 
• Water skiing, wakeboarding and tubing 
• Kayaking 
• Giant SUP 
• Clay pigeon shooting 
• Turf challenge 
• Fishing and sunset boat trip 
• Bushcraft and survival skills 

Day 5: Exploring Galway City 

It’s hard to go to County Galway and not actually visit the city of Galway. Street performers captivated our children while they feasted on ice cream from Murphy’s, traditional music spilled from every pub and Quay Street became our playground of discovery, as many sections are car-free (just watch little ones at cross streets as these may be accessible to vehicles).  

We lingered at Taaffes Bar (kids are allowed in the local pubs until 9 pm or 10 pm, depending on the time of year) and Tig Coili for traditional music, savored cheeses from Sheridans Cheesemongers and indulged in the famous fried fish at McDonaghs. 

A double-decker bus tour provided a perfect overview, allowing us to appreciate the city’s historical and cultural landscape while giving tired legs a rest. Adults and kids could listen to as much of the tour as they wanted or simply take in the scenery, which was great for those needing a bit of a mental break. 

Days 6 and 7: Spontaneous Discoveries and a Farewell to Ireland 

Some of our most cherished memories came from unplanned moments. We happened to drive by and watch a local youth hurling game on the way back to Dublin for the night before our flight home. The kids playing ranged between ages 8 and 10, about the same age as my boys. It was such fun for everyone to see this traditional sport played and to see the Irish families out and supporting their local teams, just like we do with football (soccer in the States).  

As we packed our bags, reminiscing about the green hills and ancient stones across the Emerald Isle, we knew we’d discovered something special. County Galway had woven itself into our family’s story, creating memories and spurring us onto planning our next adventure to Ireland.  

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and things to do in Ireland on Ciao Bambino

5 beautiful places to explore the untamed wilderness in Ireland

Favorite places to visit in Ireland with kids

A perfect 10-day Ireland itinerary with kids

Best things to do in Cork, Ireland with kids

72 hours in Dublin with kids

10 things to do in Ireland off the beaten path

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.