Who knew Galway had so many playgrounds? Well done to the City and County Councils (and the other organisations who have campaigned) for the variety of playgrounds available throughout the county. Here are a few of our favourite Galway playgrounds that the kids will love to explore!

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The local playground is always a great way to entertain the kids, but if you’re looking to try something new, perhaps venture to a new spot – the kids will love it!

There are more than 30 playgrounds in Galway City, so you’ll never have to wander too far to find a place to stop and sit. If you’re venturing out of the city, you’ll find plenty of local playgrounds too, including these ones that have been recommended by Mykidstime parents.

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Try These Fun Playgrounds in Galway

Doughiska Playground

Doughiska Playground is a favourite of ours, and arguably one of the best in Galway City, with a wide variety of equipment for all ages. Near the playground, you’ll find tennis courts and skateboarding area, which are handy if you have older kids as well. There is a large grass area with benches between the skate park and the playground.

The playground has a variety of equipment – for the younger children there is an enclosed area with small swing and slides. There is also a sand section where there are diggers to dig & dump the sand and pulleys to lift the sand up and pour through the pipe, which is very popular.

The equipment is well spaced out over the playground area and includes a tyre swing, a “nest” swing, a cage that spins, two zip lines, in-ground trampoline, see-saws, climbing pyramid and 2 slides built in to the side of the hill – and our family favourite, the “hamster wheel”.

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Rinville Park Playground

Rinville Park is located just five minutes from the picturesque village of Oranmore. It is a wonderful amenity, created around an ancient castle, a stately home and a fine estate demesne, which dates from the 16th century.

There are paved walks suitable for buggies and bikes, a woodland walk for exploring nature and a lovely playground within the old walled garden, which is often much warmer than elsewhere because of its sheltered location.

The park is also right on the seashore so you can do some beachcombing while you’re there or have a picnic at one of the picnic benches.

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Roscam Playground

This playground is located between estates at Caiseal Cam, Ros Caoin and Boireann Bheag. It is situated on a gentle slope, facing the sea, with unobstructed views over Galway Bay. As well as the playground there are enclosed tennis courts, kick-about courts and various grass pitches. There are also smaller play areas throughout the estates, and in Boireann Bheag there is a toddler play area.

From spinning and swinging to climbing and balancing, this playground has activities that children of all abilities will love to try out and discover with friends. The large tower in the centre of the climbing unit radiates to all sides with sliding, climbing and balancing opportunities.

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Cappagh Road Playground, Knocknacarra

This playground has it all! Situated beside the beautiful Barna Woods and GAA Pitch, there is a large car park and loads of space for the kids to have a run about. It is a large playground and even when busy, has enough to keep everyone happy.

In the main playground you’ll find a zip wire, a large climbing frame with a slide and fireman’s pole, various size swings, a smaller climbing frame with ropes/nets, a see-saw, and a small slide with a house. Attached to this is another climbing frame with a beam and a moving drum (a bit like a really fast treadmill!). For older kids there is a high, wavy slide which is separate to the main playground, but visible from it.

Monivea Playground

Monivea is a short drive from Athenry, and well worth a visit. The playground is located at the the junction in Monivea, behind the castle and beside the Garda Station.

There are two climbing structures, one for younger children and a taller one for older kid, as well as three different types of swings (toddler, nest and regular) to keep every age happily swinging. For younger children, there are a variety of bouncy horses and a see-saw, while older children will enjoy the large spinning circle that they can walk, run or sit on!

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Connemara National Park Playground

Connemara National Park covers some 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Some of the Park’s mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range.

The playground is found adjacent to the visitor centre. The junior area is suited to children aged two to six, while the older area caters for children from six to twelve. After reaching the soaring heights of the climbing unit take a break to take in the whole playground while planning your next challenge – that could be to sit quietly in the playhouse or spin until you are dizzy on the spinner bowl!

With a spectacular backdrop this playground also has seating for adults and the park provides a fun day out for the whole family.

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Cairde Mor Playground, Lackagh

Ideally located just minutes from Claregalway, Lackagh and Turloughmore, the playground at Lackagh was funded by the community and local businesses with a grant from Galway Rural Development.

With lots of great equipment, colourful design and space to play, families can really enjoy this local amenity and the playground has become a wonderful addition to the area.

Kinvara Playground

The playground is located on the grounds of St Joseph’s National School, but is open all day and accessible to the public.

Whether they prefer to lie quietly in the bird’s nest swing or spin until dizzy in the spinner bowl, there’s plenty of fun to be had.

Lettermullen Playground

Lettermullen playground is located next to Comhar Chuigéal Teo, a community Co-Op that was the driving force behind this project.

The playground is designed for children from the age of two to fifteen with a junior and senior area. There is also seating available so parents can relax while the children have fun and test out all of the equipment. The playground is opposite the Church and the national school so it is very easy to find.

The spinner bowl and supernova are two of the most popular pieces of equipment in the playground, and children can test their skills of balance and enjoy spinning til they’re dizzy!

Oughterard Playground

Within the junior area there are swings with cradle seats, climbing structure, ambulance springer, fun phone, see saw and play panels. Older kids can also enjoy swings, plenty to climb on and a roundabout.

The playground is on your right hand side as you enter Oughterard, next to the car park for the GAA pitch.

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Have you got any more Galway playgrounds to recommend for our list? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!