Salthill Beaches, Galway (must see)

Visitors to Galway often refer to the series of beaches along Galway Bay as Salthill Beach. These beaches are actually several different ones that are separated by large outcropping of rock. Some beaches are sandy while others are rocky. Each has its own unique features and reasons to visit.

Most of the beaches are open for swimming during summer months. The water of Galway Bay remains fairly calm, which makes swimming a safe choice. Lifeguards are on duty at all beaches in the summer months from 11 AM to 7 PM.

The beaches, located steps away from the Salthill Promenade, offer benches, grassy areas, climbing rocks and public toilets. Ladies Beach has a hut that sells refreshments like coffee and ice cream. Ladies Beach is now the largest of all of the beaches. It is so-named because the nearby beach, Blackrock, only allowed men through the mid-20th century.

Blackrock Beach offers the famous diving tower. Brave divers use the 30-foot platform to splash into the waters of the Atlantic. The diving tower was put in place in the 1950s. However, it is reported that some type of diving board has been in this spot since the 1880s.