Get ready for some fishy fun with a family visit to one of the fantastic aquariums in Ireland that are perfect for helping kids appreciate our oceans.
Learning about the environment around us is a wonderful thing, and introducing our children to some of the world’s most fascinating creatures is exciting for the whole family. From sharks and seahorses to jellyfish and crabs, these aquariums in Ireland offer a unique opportunity to discover more about the underwater world. With plenty of child-friendly activities on offer, you’re sure to have a brilliant family day out.
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Plan a Visit to These Aquariums in Ireland
Galway Atlantaquaria
One of our favourites, Galway Atlantaquaria is home to Ireland’s largest native species aquarium, located in Salthill, Galway, and offers visitors a family-friendly day by the sea.
There are over 100 native species and a wide array of exhibits spread across two floors of the aquarium.
With regular tours and interactive feeding times, there’s always something new to learn about the marine life found around Ireland’s coast.
Tip: your ticket is valid all day, so you can go in for a while, head out to eat and enjoy the playground next door, then pop back in later.
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OceanWorld Aquarium, Kerry
Situated along the quayside in Dingle Town, Oceanworld Aquarium is where the ocean comes to life. It’s home to Ireland’s largest collection of sharks, a polar penguin display featuring Gentoo penguins, Amazonian displays, a touch tank and a nine-metre underwater tunnel.
They also hold daily talks, feeds and reptile encounters.
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The National Sealife Centre, Wicklow
The National Sea Life Centre Bray has over 30 displays, including a kids’ quiz trail, Toxic Terrors, and hourly educational feeds and talks.
Open daily, it houses a huge selection of marine and freshwater creatures including sharks, seahorses, piranhas, crabs and starfish. Booking online in advance is a good idea, especially during busy periods.
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Achill Experience Aquarium, Mayo
The Achill Experience in Mayo helps kids explore and learn about many different species of sea creatures from the waters around Achill Island. The aquarium consists of 16 tanks exhibiting a variety of fish found off Achill, which sits on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The aquarium also hosts a selection of tropical fish from around the world. Look out for their clownfish “Nemo” and Pacific blue tang “Dory”, as well as “Hank” the octopus. They also have piranhas, lionfish and shy seahorses to spot. Their touch tanks let you get up close and personal with starfish, sea urchins or scallops.
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Exploris, Down
Exploris is Northern Ireland’s public aquarium and seal sanctuary, located at Portaferry. Pool demonstrations run by experienced guides take place at regular intervals throughout the day, giving you the chance to see a variety of marine animals up close. You can also find out how Exploris rehabilitates Northern Ireland’s sick, injured or orphaned seals in its seal sanctuary.
Tip: catch the ferry from Strangford to Portaferry — it’s a 10-minute crossing — and you’ll find a park beside Exploris with a small playground, perfect for a picnic.
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Coastal Zone, Antrim
The Coastal Zone at Portrush is a coastal and marine centre with discovery pools and tanks, plus displays and activities that give visitors the chance to learn more about Northern Ireland’s marine and coastal wildlife and heritage.
At the rear of the centre is a viewing platform with excellent views out to sea, from where dolphins, seals and harbour porpoises can sometimes be spotted.
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Riverwatch Visitor Centre & Aquarium, Derry
Riverwatch Visitor Centre hosts a small aquarium and exhibitions about our rivers, loughs and coast. Watch the fish swim about the tanks and learn about local wildlife, including lobster, crabs, starfish, coalfish, and plenty of other marine life, freshwater fish and shellfish. There are activity packs for kids to enjoy while they explore the exhibits.
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As with any of these attractions, opening times, admission details and any special offers can change, so it’s always worth checking directly with the venue before you travel.
Learn More About Marine Life in Ireland
These next two places aren’t aquariums, but they’re brilliant for encouraging an interest in marine science.
Sea Synergy, Kerry
The award-winning Sea Synergy Marine Awareness & Activity Centre is nestled in the colourful coastal village of Waterville, Co. Kerry, on the Ring of Kerry — perfect for families looking for fun, adventure and discovery along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The awareness centre houses a unique interactive exhibition on Ireland’s sea life, where marine biologists give you a tour without having to get wet. Hold some of the bones of the largest animals on earth, and see some of the ocean’s smallest — and extremely important — creatures in the exhibition.
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Sea Science, Galway
Sea Science, the Wild Atlantic exhibition at Galway City Museum, explores marine life along Galway’s coastline through fun, informative displays for all the family to enjoy. It’s a must-see for visitors of all ages, but is designed primarily with children and young people in mind.
Originally developed for SeaFest 2016, this interactive exhibition was the first gallery of its kind in Ireland and presents fascinating facts about marine life.
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Have you visited any of these aquariums in Ireland? Which one was your favourite? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages are these aquariums suitable for?
Most of the aquariums listed here welcome visitors of all ages, with touch tanks, quiz trails and interactive feeding sessions that work particularly well for younger children, while older kids will enjoy the science and conservation side of things.
Are these aquariums a good option for a rainy day?
Yes — aquariums are ideal wet-weather outings, as the exhibits, tanks and demonstrations are all indoors, so the fun doesn’t depend on the forecast.
Do the aquariums run feeding times or talks?
Several of the venues featured, including Galway Atlantaquaria, OceanWorld and the National Sea Life Centre, hold regular feeding demonstrations and educational talks throughout the day, so it’s worth timing your visit around these if you can.
Can I combine an aquarium visit with other activities nearby?
Many of these aquariums are located near playgrounds, beaches or other family attractions, making it easy to build a full day out around your visit.
More Family Days Out to Explore
If you enjoyed this, you might also like our guides to the best places to see animals, birds and beasts in Ireland, fantastic places for nature education, and thrilling ideas for action-packed family days out.
Bookmark this page so you always have a list of brilliant aquariums in Ireland ready to hand next time you’re planning a family day out.
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