Volvo Ocean Race Mykidstime.ie Family Guide to

Welcome to the Volvo Ocean Race Mykidstime.ie Guide to Galway. We have put together some suggestions to make your family’s visit to Galway as enjoyable as possible.

As parents ourselves, we are delighted to share with you some of the family friendly spots round our favourite city in the West of !

We look forward to joining you at some of the fabulous events during the Volvo Ocean Race Grand Finale.

And remember: be safe and careful with kids around water. The Mykidstime Team

Top Ten Things to do at Volvo Ocean Race Galway

1. There wouldn’t be a race without them, so stop by Race Village in the docks and join in the celebrations to welcome in the teams as they reach their final destination on Tuesday July 3rd ! Live music and great entertainment will have everyone in high spirits.

2. The Taste of Sailing half day course offers everyone from 10+ the chance to experience the sea air for just €10 per person with each participant receiving an Irish Sailing Association certificate for their efforts.

3. The Adventure Playground , in Global Village in Galway’s South Park, will be host to a wide range of fun and exciting activities throughout the nine days. From GAA & rugby to workshops, face painting, dive tank and treasure hunts, and more! Daily 10.00am to 6.00pm.

4. With tasting opportunities and cooking demonstrations for adults and children from top Irish chefs, you are bound to pick up some new ideas for family meals at the Food Pavilion in the Global Village .

5. Global Village will host a daily Fun Fair , which is bound to satisfy all of the adrenalin seekers out there.

6. Get crafty in the craft quarter where children and adults can take part in textile workshops, woodwork demonstrations and craft showcases. Daily exhibitions, demonstrations and showcases.

7. The Ice Rink in Global Village is open daily and offers competitive rates for families. If you’re daring enough to take a spin on the ice, a half hour here will have you pirouetting in no time!

8. From dance performances to vintage amusements, continental markets and street theatre, the streets of Galway will be alive with culture.

9. There are plenty more opportunities to get out on the water . Water lovers can take a tour of the bay with Burren Outdoor Education Centre and Kayakmor for just €5 or a half day windsurfing with Rusheen Bay Windsurfing for €20.

10. On Wednesday July 4th families can take up position waterside and see the city light up with a spectacular fireworks display . To mark the American Independence day, there will be a huge traditional American street parade from through the city and when the sun goes down, visitors can enjoy a colourful display of fireworks over . What better way to spend an evening!

What’s On

Here’s our pick of the events during the Volvo Ocean Race:

Event Dates and Times Location Opening Ceremony with Lord Mayor of Saturday 30th Ju ne 6 p.m. Main Stage of the Race Galway City with free entertainment: Jim onwards Village McKee & Ultan Conlon at 7pm, Kanyu Tree at 8pm, Maverick Sabre at 9pm

Family Day with Sandcastle Competition, Sat 30 June 12 – 8 p.m. and lots of fun entertainment

Min i-Chefs Euro -toques Children's Food Sun 1 st July, Fri 6 th – Sun 8 th Food Pavilion Workshops July

Volvo Ocean Race Fleet Arrivals Mon 2 and Tues 3 May On The Bay

Brazil Day with Musical Performers, Face Mon 1st July 12 – 8 p.m. Salthill Painting and Body Art

4th of July Independence Day Public Wed 4 July 12 – 3 p.m. Global Arena Picnic and Celebrations with Fireworks 8 p.m. onwards

The Woodquay Haka' Competition comprising a Mob Haka. Proceeds go to Friday 6th July 6 p.m. Woodquay COPE Galway

V70 Pro -Am Race Friday 6 July 12 – 3 pm On The Bay

In -port Race and Prize Giving Ceremony Sat 7 July from 11am On the Bay / Race Village

Closing Ceremony with free live Sunday 8th July Main Stage of Race entertainment Village.

Things to do in Galway City

Indoor Activities

• Visit the and see some of the great history of the City (FREE )

• Spend the day at Galway Atlantaquaria and see if you can spot Valentine the White Skate

• Leisureland at Salthill has three pools including kids pool with water slide and pirate ship

• Galway City Library has a wonderful children’s book section with toys and seats (FREE )

• Pure Skill in Knocknacarra is an indoor sports facility, great for older kids

• Soft play areas in the City: Monkey Business at Knocknacarra and Planet Entertainment Centre at the Galway Shopping Centre, Headford Road.

• Judy Greene’s in Kirwan’s Lane does pottery painting for kids by appointment

• Take in a matinee at Eye Cinema, Wellpark.

Outdoor Activities

• Try one of the Salthill Family Trails (www.mykidstime.ie/salthillfamilytrails ) or a Galway City Walk (www.mykidstime.ie/galwaycityriverwalk) (FREE)

• Build a sandcastle at Lady’s Beach and Grattan beaches at Salthill ( FREE )

• Take a boat ride on The Corrib Princess

• Playgrounds – see our favourites list below (FREE )

• Feed the swans at The ( FREE )

• Walk the length of the Salthill Promenade (don’t forget to kick the wall at the end, a good old Galway tradition!)

Where to Stay

Please mention Mykidstime Volvo Ocean Race when Booking

CITY HOTELS

The Ardilaun Hotel The Ardilaun offers luxury 4 Star Galway Taylor's Hill, Galway, Accommodation in a tranquil setting. Leisure Tel: + 353 (0)91 519 794 Club with Pool, Sauna, Steam Room, Jacuzzi, Email: [email protected] Gymnasium and Avalon Beauty Salon. Situated Web: www.theardilaunhotel.ie close to Salthill and City Centre.

Carlton Hotel Galway Carlton Hotel offers 308 spacious and Dublin Road, Galway contemporary bedrooms and family suites, Tel: +353 (0)91 381200 extensive leisure facilities, Bar Solo, Ruebens Email: [email protected] Restaurant, the Friendly Fellows Kids Club and Web: www.dayshotelgalway.com extensive free parking

BIT FURTHER AFIELD

The Twelve Hotel 12 Minutes from Galway City set in the Barna, Galway celebrated beauty of the west. Award winning Tel: +353 (0)91 597000 Boutique hotel with flexible family style one & Email: [email protected] two bedroom suites. Family friendly Web: www.thetwelvehotel.ie restaurants, gourmet dining and live entertainment. This is the family life, Irish style.

WITHIN 1 HOUR’S DRIVE

Renvyle House Hotel Winner of 'Georgina Campbell Family Friendly Connemara, Galway Hotel of the Year 2009'. Also in the Tel: + 353 (0)95 43511 Bridgestone Guide '100 Best Places to Stay in Email: [email protected] Ireland 2009', very family friendly. Web: www.renvyle.com

McWilliam Park Hotel Located on the N17 main route Sligo - Galway Claremorris, Mayo in Claremorris, Co Mayo, this family friendly Tel: +353(0)94 93 78000 hotel is centrally located for Westport, Email: [email protected] Castlebar, Ballina, Sligo & Galway and offers Web: www.mcwilliampark.ie extensive facilities and entertainment for your children, such as the Bizzie Bees Kids Club and Leisure Centre.

West County Hotel and Leisure Centre Contemporary and relaxed, the West County Ennis, Co Clare Hotel Ennis in County Clare is one of the best Tel: +353 (0)65 6828421 hotels Ennis has to offer, making it an ideal Email: [email protected] base to explore the West of Ireland. Leisure Visit: www.westcountyhotel.com Club and Kids Club available.

Where to Eat

• Kelly’s, Bridge St - very friendly staff • McDonagh’s, 22 Quay St – a Galway institution, fantastic fish & chips! • Milano's, Middle Street - very baby and child friendly with a great children’s set menu • Eat @ Massimo, Lower Dominick Street. Galway's newest Gastropub specialising in locally sourced Irish produce. Families very welcome. • Lohan’s, Salthill - Their kids menu is as Gaeilge as well! • Gourmet Tart Company in Salthill - Good kids menu especially the Fish Goujons and chips. • The Royal Villa above Galway Atlantaquaria, Salthill is a great place to bring kids, they have a great fish tank, a cool booth and some great chinese furniture including a carrying chair. • The Galleon Restaurant, Salthill - great value kids and adults menu

Out of Town

East • Moran’s on the Weir, Kilcolgan, fabulous spot for some excellent seafood • The Coach House & Basilico, Oranmore, great value pizza & pasta options West • Mulberry Restaurant, Barna, kids can decorate a brownie at the end of the meal • The Twelve Hotel, Barna, award winning child friendly bistro.

Playgrounds

Here are some of our favourite playgrounds in the city to take the kids to:

• Millenium Children’s Park, by Galway Cathedral.

With a good selection of equipment for younger kids and a separate older kids skateboard and playpark.

• Toft Park by Galway Atlantaquaria.

Located across the road from the aquarium and in a great spot in Salthill by the Prom.

• Lough Atalia Park, on Lough Atalia Road.

Although there is no parking, this little gem of a playpark is still worth a mention. Parking for patrons available at The Huntsman nearby or at Wellpark Retail Centre where Eye Cinema is located.

• Cappagh Road Park, Knocknacarra.

With one of the longest slides in Galway, this playpark gets a thumbs up from our kids. Has closed in preschool play section so you don’t need to worry about your toddler wandering off.

• Playground, Doughiska

One of the best playgrounds in the city, located in behind Briarhill Shopping Centre, this is worth a drive to. With a variety of equipment not usually seen, including the “giant donut” and “the Eiffel tower” climbing section, a mini trampoline, with separate preschool playground, kids of all ages will enjoy a trip here.

Other Suggestions

• Take a walk by the river at Dangan, start off at the Sports grounds, head down the hill to the river and walk past the Teahouse (old restored ruin) and along to the NUI Galway campus. You’ll see lots of nature on the way. • Combine a trek through Barna Woods with a stop at the Cappagh Park playground (we love the great long slide!) • Head for Ballyloughnane Beach at (take the road down the hill across from GMIT) and explore this long beach • Visit www.mykidstime.ie for lots more suggestions for things to do while you are in Galway

Shopping

• Wooden Heart, Quay Street has a lovely selection of quality toys • Art & Hobby and Early Learning Centre are located in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre • For baby supplies, there’s Mothercare or Babyshare in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre • Stock up on nappies or juice at Centra at Salthill or Dunnes supermarket on lower floor of Eyre Square Shopping Centre

FAQ’s

Where can we park? There will be a Park and Ride in place organised by . More information on www.galwaycity.ie nearer to the event.

Where is the Race Village located? The Race Village is located at Galway Docks with two entry points at Forthill St & New Dock St.

Where is Global Village located? Global Village is located in the South Park area in Galway City, near the Claddagh Quay. Access can be gained over the Wolfetone Bridge at and a purpose built pedestrian bridge.

Where can we change baby? You can change baby in these places:

• Look for the booth in the Race Village and Global Village or ask at an information point

• Boots, (Have to request the key from the nearby photo counter);

• Mothercare in Eyre Square Shopping Centre and there’s also a dedicated changing room near the toilets in the Centre;

• Debenhams (2nd floor)

Where are public toilets located? You will find public toilets in the Race Village, and the Global Village and on the Salthill Promenade and at the bottom of Eyre Square Shopping Centre (20c)

Where are cash machines located?

• There are 4 ATM locations on Eyre Square

◦ Outside Ulster Bank at the top of Eyre Square

◦ Irish Permanent beside The Skeff bar

◦ AIB at the bottom of Eyre Square

◦ Bank of Ireland at the top of Eyre Square

• Eyre Square Shopping Centre: one near the Early Learning Centre and one inside and one outside Dunnes supermarket

• Bank of Ireland on Mainguard Street

• AIB Lynch’s Castle on Shop Street