Welcome to Galway Atlantaquaria. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to connect with Ireland’s native marine life and enjoy our Aquarium — regardless of mobility, sensory or access needs. 

This guide helps you plan your visit, set expectations, and navigate our Aquarium. 

We continually work to improve our accessibility and welcome your feedback.

If you have queries, require assistance, or wish to discuss your needs before arrival, please contact us:

Email: info@nationalaquarium.ie  

Response timeframe: within 2–3 working days.

Road: Galway Atlantaquaria is well serviced by many transport routes and hubs.
Galway Atlantaquaria, The Promenade, Salthill, Galway, H91 T2FD

Public Transport: Catch Bus 401 (Galway City → Salthill) from Eyre Square toward Salthill.

Activity / Area	Access Summary	Notes & Considerations	Assistance & Alternatives
The Aquarium	The Barrier at the Entrance	If you call reception before you arrive we can open the gate, call 091 585100	Some Mini-Bus operators choose to park across the road.
Parking	There are two standard disabled parking bays in the Aquarium.	These are not for buses or large people carriers, as they are not large enough	N/A
Access or powered doors	None	The building is over 25 years old and does not have the infrastructure.	Staff can help, but a carer is required
Accessibility Tools	There are free ear defenders and maps in the Aquarium reception. We also validate JAM Cards, Hidden Disability Cards and offer Carers free entry with suitable credentials.	Social StoriesBefore you visit, we have created our own social story. Watch:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYnq_vFtppQ&list=PLIRMzY6wMFB_KtlsueA9u7COUD6d0pE0j We also have a PDF version: https://nationalaquarium.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SOCIAL_STORY_.pdf	N/A
Accessibility Needs/Toilets	There are disabled toilets in the building We have a LIFT in reception.	We do not have a suitable Adult changing facility	N/A
Seating	There is public seating on the ground floor and the 1st floor.	N/A	N/A
Sensory Needs	We do not have a quiet sensory space in the Aquarium.	We can turn off the splash, which can impact on visitors not ready for the surprise.	You can watch the ‘Splash’ together youtube.com/watch?v=-EsKiGoXIEE&feature=youtu.be Or ask reception to turn it off.
Audio Guides	We have created nine videos of the most popular exhibits.	Watch the full playlist:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIRMzY6wMFB_QeSweqD9ygMNa_DKzN1AT	Water and the building design can sometimes block internet access in the Aquarium.

Before you visit, we have created our own social story, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYnq_vFtppQ

We also have a PDF version: https://nationalaquarium.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SOCIAL_STORY_.pdf

We have not updated the social story, as we are repainting the parking spaces to upgrade the disabled parking for larger vans and people carriers. This is planned for April 2026.

Bus Access – There is a GATED barrier which can be opened if you call reception before you arrive.
You can call reception: 091 585 100. Some Mini-Bus operators choose to park across the road. 

There are two standard disabled parking bays in the Aquarium.

We have an access ramp that directs you to the entrance to the Aquarium

Wheelchair access – With a carer is recommended

• There are no powered doors in the Aquarium.
• There is a small rubber ramp at the first door.
• The second door may be open or closed.

Reception

• When you arrive at reception, there is some signage about the events today. Staff issue maps and other activity games, should the day
• There are ear defenders available at the reception desk.
• Before you visit, we have created our own social story, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYnq_vFtppQ&list=PLIRMzY6wMFB_KtlsueA9u7COUD6d0pE0j
• We also have a PDF version: https://nationalaquarium.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SOCIAL_STORY_.pdf
• The Carer always goes free, with suitable ID and credentials. 

The Aquarium

• Reception can open the door, but it is not powered, so a carer must help with access.
• After entry, the disabled toilet is on the left. There are no changing facilities in the Aquarium.
• There is public seating on the ground floor and the 1st floor.
• There are limited audio guides for some of the exhibits, see; The Biodiversity Zone.
• We do not have a sensory or quiet area in the Aquarium. 

Nearest hospital/emergency department: University Hospital Galway, Newcastle Road, Galway City, Galway, H91 YR71

Galway Doctor: Lower Salthill Medical Practice 61 Salthill Rd Lower · (091) 522 507

Salthill Medical Centre: 216 Upper Salthill Rd · (091) 522 139

Pharmacy: Mullins CarePlus Late Night Pharmacy Upper 216 Salthill Rd Lower · (091) 526 600. Open 10 am, Closes 7 p.m.

Galway Atlantaquaria is over 25 years old, which means that the building is limited in its infrastructure; that said, we are looking at building on the improvements we can control.