Who doesn't love the aquarium? A trip to Galway Atlantaquaria, Salthill, overlooking Galway Bay along the Wild Atlantic Way is a great day out for visitors of all ages and guarantees a fun-filled and exciting day for all the family. Stingrays, octopus, tropical fish, you name it; Galway Atlantaquaria is two-floors of the ultimate aquarium experience, and is the largest native species aquarium in Ireland.
As you explore Galway Atlantaquaria you will discover the diversity of life in our oceans, rivers, lakes and canals. Walking in the front door, you are greeted by the infamous 'Spalsh Tank'. Make sure you stand back, as every 50 seconds a giant splash crashes into the exhibit to mimic an environment close to rocky shores.
'Ocean Zone' is a deepwater exhibit that is home to bream, wreckfish, bass, and smoothhound, a common species of shark found in Irish waters. Undoubtedly the main event of the experience, 'Ocean Zone' is a giant exhibit where you can get up close with the aquarium's largest predators.
Beside every exhibit, are informative displays that tell you all you need to know about the fish species within them. Information such as the names of each species, their lifespan, diet, habitat, and interesting facts are all to be found on these displays.
Also on the first floor, is a stunning 'Ray Pool', which is home to rays, and small species of shark including dogfish and large flatfish such as turbot. The ray pool provides a large shallow pool ideal for species that like to settle on the seabed. The exhibit includes thornback rays, spotted dogfish, and turbot.
On the second floor, there is a freshwater exhibit called 'Waterfall'. This exhibit is home to rudd and perch. Catch a glimpse of the perch if you can, as they use the stripes on their bodies to camouflage themselves in the weeds.
Galway Atlantaquaria is home to exotic fish from all over the globe. Relive 'Finding Nemo' with clownfish and regal tang. These colourful fish come from warmer, tropical ocean regions, and they live near coral reefs which provide them with food, such as shrimp, shellfish and seaweed, and protection.
The 'Tropical Zone' located upstairs consists of numerous tropical fish such as red-bellied piranhas, giraffe cichlids, and an ocellate river stingray.
Galway Atlantaquaria want to engage, educate, and inspire. Take a trip to Galway Atlantaquaria and learn all about Ireland's waters with a glimpse at global species.
For more information, and to book tickets, you can go to www.nationalaquarium.ie
