Salthill’s elegant promenade creates one of Ireland’s finest seaside scenes, with the waters of Galway Bay to one side and a huge selection of restaurants and hotels to the other. Salthill is the city of Galway’s premier seaside area, and the views stretch out across frothy Atlantic Ocean waves. A pier stretches out into the waves, while a Ferris wheel turns throughout the day, and the whitewashed coastal buildings have a harmonious charm.
This seaside suburb stretches for two kilometres along the water. The promenade stands over clean strips of sand, which are packed with sunbathers on sunny days. Restaurants and hotels have retained their local style and character, notably the fish and chip joints that Salthill is famous for. There’s also a number of casinos and late-night bars in the area, along with a number of sports clubs.
A regular bus service runs from Salthill to the centre of Galway and Eyre Square. Once in the suburb, most people choose to explore with two feet. The Salthill promenade and nearby Long Walk are considered some of Ireland’s best coastal walks, packed with beauty and charm but easy on the legs.
The Atlantic waters are cold all year around, and they’re almost freezing at winter. That doesn’t prevent locals jumping into the sea on Christmas Day from Blackrock Diving Tower. It’s all done in the name of charity, and many bars offer complimentary nips of whisky to help participants warm up.