Galway Atlantaquaria
Programmes & Packages
Aquarium Guided Visit
Join our guided, interactive aquarium tour and discover Ireland’s incredible marine and freshwater life. Learn about native species, their habitats, and the role they play in ocean ecosystems.
Group No.: Maximum – 80
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: From €8.50 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 visit with one or more educational workshops for a full-day learning experience. Your class can enjoy an interactive tour followed by hands-on sessions that explore key curriculum topics
Each workshop includes optional online preparation or a live Q&A session via Zoom before or after your visit.
Group No.: Maximum – 40
Duration: 50-60 minutes per workshop
Cost: 13 euro (2 hours), 16 euro (3 hours)*
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
SECONDARY SCHOOL WORKSHOPS
WORKSHOPS at the Aquarium
Leaving Cert Seashore Ecology
Scientific Study of an Ecosystem
Explore fieldwork techniques used in the Scientific Study of an Ecosystem. Students learn how to measure and record abiotic, biotic, and climatic factors while examining the adaptations and distribution of local marine species.
Cost: €18.00
Duration: approx 3.5 hours
HABITATS AND BIODIVERSITY
Seashore Ecology
Use scientific instruments and identification keys to study Galway’s coastal habitats. Students examine local food webs, species adaptations, and the interdependence of plants and animals along the shore.
Cost: From €13.00
Duration: 2 hours
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND CARE
Marine Litter Workshop
Investigate how everyday materials affect the marine environment in our Marine Litter Workshop. Students take part in interactive games that explore the impact of daily choices and may join a beach clean and data collection activity (optional).
Cost: From €13.00
Duration: 2 hours
Sustainability workshops
The Cod Story
Discover the story of the Atlantic cod and its connection to marine biodiversity, food production, and sustainability. Students use news mapping and storytelling to explore how fishing practices impact our oceans.
Cost: From €13.00
Duration: 2 hours
Engineering Workshop
Renewable Ocean Energy
Explore the future of sustainable energy in our Renewable Ocean Energy Workshop. Students study the connection between people and the coastal environment, examine seabed maps of Galway Bay, and take part in a role-play exercise to plan ideal locations for renewable energy devices.
Cost: From €13.00
Duration: 2 hours
SCIENCE AND ART
Design Your Own Exhibit
Combine science, art, and maths in this creative workshop where students design their own aquarium exhibit. Learn about animal care, welfare, and environmental awareness while applying creative problem-solving skills.
Cost: From €13.00
Duration: 2 hours
Animal Anatomy Workshop
Dissect a Squid
Examine marine anatomy up close through a guided Squid Dissection Workshop. Students learn about biodiversity, body structures, and species adaptation while working in small groups.
Cost: From €13.00
Duration: 2 hours
Conservation and Care workshop
Animal Care
Gain insight into Animal Conservation and Welfare in this behind-the-scenes workshop. Students visit the aquarium’s life support facilities, learn about animal rehabilitation, and see how aquatic environments are maintained. Ideal for students studying Level 6 Animal Care or related fields.
Cost: From €13.00
Duration: 2 hours
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 Dywer– Cavan Institute, January 2023
Ms. Carroll – February 2022
Ms. Ellife – February 2022
Mr. Duffy – January 2022