Galway Atlantaquaria
Programmes & Packages
Aquarium Guided Visit
Join our guided, interactive aquarium tour and discover Ireland’s marine and freshwater habitats up close. Learn about native species and even help feed some of our fish!
Group No.: Minimum – 10
Duration: 50-60 minutes
Cost: From €7.50 per child
Aquarium Guided Visit
+ Optional Add-on Workshop
Combine one or more workshop elements with a guided tour and stay at the aquarium for up to 3 hours.
Combine a guided aquarium tour with an add-on workshop for an extended learning experience. Each class takes part in a fun, curriculum-linked activity and receives an SFI Curious Minds certificate.
Each workshop includes an option of on-line prep or a Q&A with the class via Zoom before or after the visit
Group No.: Maximum – 40
Duration: 50-60 minutes per workshop
Cost: From 9 euro (2 hours) & 11 euro (3hrs)*
Note: *Prices for May – June may differ from prices during the off-season. We do have a Max and Minimum Group Requirement.
School groups are welcome to use our AV Room or Classroom to have a packed lunch – please check availability for this facility when booking your group visit
PRIMARY SCHOOL WORKSHOPS
WORKSHOPS at the Aquarium
Science Experiments
Make a Rocket plus
Guided Tour
Bring science to life in our Explorers Laboratory. Students explore how water behaves at different depths, investigate pressure and buoyancy, and apply their findings to design and launch their own rockets..
Cost: From €9.00
Duration: 2 hours
Animal Anatomy
Dissect a Squid
Examine the anatomy of marine animals through a hands-on squid dissection. Students also explore shark teeth, lobster shells, and mermaid’s purses to learn how sea creatures are adapted to life underwater
Cost: From €9.00
Duration: 2 hours
BEING MATHEMATICAL
Maths Workshop
Discover how maths connects to the real world through an interactive aquarium maths trail. After the visit, students take part in a classroom challenge exploring the cost of clean water and build their own working water filters.
Cost: From €9.00
Duration: 2 hours
Design and Make
Engineering Trail and Workshop
Join our Engineering Trail, created in partnership with STEPS Engineering and SFI Curious Minds. Students explore the science behind coastal flooding and design their own coastal defences using a mix of materials and a set classroom budget.
Cost: From €9.00
Duration: 2 hours
Outdoor learning
Seashore Safari
Head to Grattan Beach for a guided Seashore Safari and learn how local marine plants and animals live side by side. Students identify species, explore food chains, and help protect the coastline through a beach clean.
Cost: From €9.00
Duration: 2 hours
Did you know?
Galway Atlantaquaria is an accredited SFI Curious Minds Centre. If your school is working towards your Curious minds award, a workshop visit can be put towards the award requirements.
school bookings
Frequently asked Questions
We’ve compiled a list of questions our customers ask most often before visiting Galway Atlantaquaria. If you cannot find the answer to your query here, please get in touch with us
Pre-booking is not necessary though it is advised to guarantee admission, particularly at busy times, e.g. the summer months of July and August, during the mid-term and Easter holidays.
We have a new online booking system if you want to ensure you don’t miss out on a great day out in Galway.
Adult €14.00
Child €9.00* *Children aged 2 & under, go free with paying adult.
Senior €10.50
Student €11.00
Family – 2 Adults and 1 Child €32.00
Family – 2 Adults and 2 Children €40.00*
Family – 1 Adult and 2 Children €28.00*
*Each additional child €6.00
An adult must accompany children under the age of 12.
Special Access Tickets
• Child €9.00 (Carer goes free*)
• Student €11.00 (Carer goes free*)
• Adult €14.00 (Carer goes free*)
• Senior €10.50 (Carer goes free*)
School Groups & Group Rates
For school groups and other groups of 10 or more, please contact our booking office for further information on admission prices and to make a booking:
Special access tickets are available for visitors with additional needs. One accompanying carer can avail of free admission when they purchase an additional needs adult or child ticket.
Please note this offer is not available to Parents/Guardians of children aged 2 years and under.
Carer refers to a related or nonrelated person who has the responsibility for the protection, care, or custody of a dependent adult due to assuming the responsibility voluntarily, by contract, through employment, or by order of the court.
Note – Visitors may be asked to provide relevant ID and documentation, or an associated membership card, GP letter or hospital consultant letter which confirms the visitor is unable to visit Galway Atlantaquaria independently without the aid of a carer or mobility aid.
There is no need to buy an extra ticket or cancel your booking to add an extra person(s). Additional tickets can be purchased at reception when you arrive for your visit.
Yes, Galway Atlantaquaria is fully accessible for wheelchair users, carers and visitors with additional needs.
Please note wheelchair users may need assistance with some of our doors, as they are not power-assisted, and to access the lift.
Please contact us prior to booking if you have any queries regarding access. We have a social story video to illustrate where to park and the route in the aquarium complex.
Please get in touch with us if you have any queries regarding access.
Email. info@nationalaquarium.ie Tel. 091-585100
Yes, guide dogs are permitted. No other animals are allowed into the Aquarium.
Galway Atlantaquaria is open throughout the year.
We open seven days a week from mid-February to November*:
Monday to Friday 10 am – 5 pm (including Bank Holidays)
Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Last admission is 45 minutes before closing
The aquarium is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from November to mid-February
Wednesday to Friday 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Last admission is 45 minutes before closing
2022/2023 – open seven days a week until Sunday 6th November, then five days a week from Wednesday 9th November until Monday 13th February 2023.
We want our visitors to enjoy Galway Atlantaquaria as much as we do, so please stay for as long as you wish. We advise at least 45 minutes to see every exhibit. There is no time limit on your visit, and you are welcome to stay and explore until we close.
Oh No! Thats no problem, please give us a call. 091 585 100 or email us now. We will respond as soon as we can.
Testimonials
What people are
saying about Our aquarium
Malachy Mc Dwyer, Cavan Institute. January 2023
Ms. Carroll – February 2022
Ms. Ellife – February 2022
Mr. Duffy – January 2022