Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Beach · Galway, Galway
Salthill Promenade
Galway’s waterfront promenade, about 3 km long along the bay, with sandy and pebble beaches, views of the Burren mountains and the Blackrock diving platform, where locals kick the wall on the way back.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Salthill Promenade
Salthill is Galway’s seaside neighbourhood, about 2 km west of the centre. The promenade, called the Prom, is a roughly 3 km seafront path following Galway Bay, with sandy and stony beaches, grassy areas, kiosks and views of the Burren mountains across the water in County Clare.
Walking the Prom is a habit of locals in every season, in sun, wind or rain. At the end of the promenade is the Blackrock diving platform, a concrete jumping tower on the rocks where swimmers leap into the sea year‑round. By local tradition, whoever finishes the walk gives the wall beside the tower a kick before returning, the gesture known as "kick the wall".
In summer the beaches host bathers and families, but Atlantic waters are cold, generally between 13 and 17 °C in the warmest months. Along the promenade there are hotels, cafés, fish and chips stalls and the Galway Atlantaquaria, an aquarium with species from the Irish coast.
Sunset over the bay on a summer evening is the most sought‑after moment. In clear weather you can see the whole line of the Burren and, further out, the Aran Islands.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours to walk the Prom to Blackrock and back.
Best time
Late in the afternoon, for the sunset over the bay, especially from May to August when it gets dark after 9 pm. In strong winds waves break over the wall and spray the promenade.
How to get there
Salthill is about 2 km west of Galway city centre. On foot, walk from the Spanish Arch through the Claddagh and along the promenade in about 30 minutes. City buses leave from Eyre Square.
Tip
Walk from the Spanish Arch via the Claddagh to get views of the city and the bay, and return by bus. At the end of the Prom, kick the Blackrock wall like the locals.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Salthill Promenade
Can you swim in the sea at Salthill?
Yes — locals swim year-round, but the water is cold, generally between 13 and 17 °C in summer. The beaches have lifeguards for part of the summer season.
What is the "kick the wall"?
A Galway tradition: those who walk the Prom to the end kick the wall beside the Blackrock diving board before returning.
Is Salthill a good place to stay?
For those who want to be near the sea and in a quieter setting, yes. It's 15 minutes by bus or 30 minutes on foot from the center.