Ireland's Cultural Capital & Wild Atlantic Way Swimming Hub
From award-winning Kingfisher facilities to the magnificent Wild Atlantic Way
From award-winning Kingfisher facilities to community pools across the city and county
Award-Winning Facilities
Kingfisher Fitness Club operates three state-of-the-art facilities across Galway, offering the highest standard of swimming pools and instruction in the west of Ireland.
📞 (091) 773344
📞 (091) 570800
📞 (091) 773344
Historic Galway Facility
Galway's iconic leisure center with swimming pool, home to Galway Swimming Club training.
Modern Training Facility
Contemporary aquatic center with competitive swimming facilities and comprehensive programs.
North Galway
Community swimming pool serving North Galway with public access and swimming programs.
Luxury City Center
Luxury hotel with indoor swimming pool and spa facilities. Day passes available for non-guests.
Waterfront Location
Waterfront hotel with swimming and leisure facilities overlooking Galway Bay.
University swimming pool with student access
📍 Newcastle Road
South Galway community swimming facility
📍 Gort, Co. Galway
East Galway community swimming pool
📍 Loughrea
Various community pools across County Galway
📍 County-wide
From historic competitive clubs to open water specialists - join Galway's vibrant swimming community
Est. 1930 - 95+ Years of Excellence
Galway's premier competitive swimming club with nearly a century of swimming tradition. Based at Leisureland Salthill, offering comprehensive training programs for all ages and abilities.
The Longest Day Swim 2025 - June 28th
• 4km: Glenlo Abbey to Steamers Quay
• 2.5km: University to Steamers Quay
• Charity partner: Claddagh Watch
Wild Atlantic Way Specialists
Galway's premier open water swimming club, specializing in sea swimming and Wild Atlantic Way adventures. Perfect for competent swimmers looking for year-round swimming challenges.
• 24-Hour Charity Swim (€5,400 for Down Syndrome Ireland)
• Highland Fling Adventure to Loch Lomond
• Regular Galway Bay expeditions
Adult Swimming
Masters swimming program for adult swimmers aged 18+. Structured training sessions focusing on fitness, technique, and competition.
Student Swimming
University swimming programs and clubs for students and staff. Access to university pool facilities and competitive opportunities.
Sea Swimming Community
Informal community of sea swimmers who gather daily at Blackrock diving platform. Welcoming group for all levels of sea swimming experience.
Multi-Sport Excellence
Premier triathlon club offering comprehensive swim, bike, run training. Open water swimming focus with access to Galway Bay training locations.
Regional Excellence
Regional triathlon club serving the Connacht area with strong swimming programs. Regular open water training in Galway Bay and local lakes.
From baby swimming to adult lessons - comprehensive programs for every age and ability
Premium Baby Swimming
Professional baby swimming classes in heated pools across three Kingfisher locations. Parent and baby classes from 6 months.
Specialist Baby Swimming
Specialist baby swimming program with gentle introduction to water. Focus on water confidence and early swimming skills.
Community Baby Classes
Community-based baby swimming classes with experienced instructors. Affordable programs for parent and baby swimming.
Following Swim Ireland's Learn to Swim Programme
Comprehensive 7-level swimming program creating strong, competent, and confident swimmers. Small class sizes with qualified instructors across three Galway locations.
Water introduction, basic pool rules, floating with aids
Water confidence, 3m front crawl kick, star floats
Weaning off aids, basic strokes, 5m arm actions
Deep water confidence, 8m front crawl with breathing
Deep end swimming, 10m strokes, treading water
Bilateral breathing, 2x12m swims, technique focus
Lane swimming, 25m swims, tumble turning basics
Learn to Swim Program
Club-based learn to swim programs with pathway to competitive swimming. Experienced coaches and structured progression.
One-to-One Instruction
Personalized one-to-one swimming instruction with qualified teachers. Perfect for focused learning and rapid progress.
Intensive Courses
Intensive swimming courses during school holidays. Week-long programs for rapid skill development and water confidence.
Premium Adult Lessons
Professional adult swimming lessons in small groups. 6-8 week courses covering beginner to advanced levels in heated pools.
Adult Competitive Program
Masters swimming program for adults wanting structured training and competition opportunities. All abilities welcome.
Water-Based Exercise
Low-impact water-based fitness classes perfect for all fitness levels. Great for joint health and cardiovascular fitness.
Sea Swimming Training
Specialized courses preparing swimmers for open water and sea swimming. Safety skills, technique, and confidence building.
Inclusive Programs
Specialized swimming programs for people with disabilities. Adapted instruction and accessible facilities.
Professional Certification
Professional lifeguard training courses leading to certification. Pool and beach lifeguard qualifications available.
Most programs run on term basis with regular assessments
Limited class sizes ensure personalized attention
All instructors are nationally qualified and certified
High demand - waiting lists common, book in advance
Experience the Wild Atlantic Way with some of Ireland's most spectacular open water swimming
Galway's Premier Spot
Galway's most famous sea swimming location with iconic diving platform. Year-round swimming community and excellent facilities.
2km Waterfront
2km waterfront promenade with multiple entry points for swimming. Perfect for training swims and recovery walks.
Beautiful Sandy Beach
Beautiful sandy beach perfect for longer open water swims and training sessions. Clean water and stunning coastal scenery.
Gaeltacht Area
Traditional Irish-speaking area with excellent swimming conditions and scenic coastal views along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Family-Friendly
Family-friendly beach with good swimming conditions and amenities. Popular with both locals and visitors for sea swimming.
Adventure Swimming
Ultimate open water swimming adventure around the famous Aran Islands. Crystal clear Atlantic waters and dramatic coastal scenery.
Historic Swimming Route Through Galway City
Famous annual swimming event following the River Corrib from county to city. A unique urban swimming experience through the heart of Galway.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel to Steamers Quay
University of Galway (Dangan) to Steamers Quay
Historic castle ruins visible from the water
Swimming past the historic university campus
Unique urban swimming experience
Historic fishing village area
Open Water Specialists
Year-round sea swimming group with regular Galway Bay expeditions and safety training.
Visit WebsiteDaily Community
Informal daily sea swimming community at Blackrock diving platform. All levels welcome.
Daily gatheringsClub Training
Open water training sessions and events including The Longest Day Swim organization.
Club WebsiteCoastal Adventures
Coastal swimming adventures along the Wild Atlantic Way with safety focus and group support.
Contact locallyAlways use the buddy system. Swim with others or join organized groups for safety and support.
Check weather, tides, and water temperature. Be aware of local conditions and hazards.
Wear bright swim caps and consider a wetsuit. Make yourself visible to boats and other water users.
Start with shorter distances and build up gradually. Don't exceed your swimming ability.
Coast Guard: 112/999
VHF Channel 16
Tell someone your swim plan
Ask experienced local swimmers about conditions, currents, and safe entry/exit points.
Your complete guide to beginning your swimming journey in Ireland's Cultural Capital
Premium swimming facilities across 3 locations
📞 (091) 773344 | 🌐 kingfisherclub.com
Best Time to Start
Year-round indoor pools, May-September ideal for open water
Booking Lessons
Kingfisher has high demand - book early to avoid waiting lists
Open Water Season
Summer ideal for beginners, year-round for experienced swimmers
Equipment
Wetsuits recommended for Galway Bay swimming
Community
Very welcoming - join local groups for support and safety
Parking & Access
Available at most facilities, easy access to sea swimming spots
Whether you're a complete beginner or experienced swimmer, Galway's swimming community welcomes you!