Athletics
Galway City Harriers
Running Club
The Galway City Harriers are one of the oldest and most successful athletics clubs in the country. Now in their third century, the GCH have grown their membership as the city has grown. Indeed, they are the largest athletics club in Ireland!
They have a long history of producing top-class athletes, and have a strong presence in the Knocknacarra area. Although focused on running, they also have activities in javelin and so on. Their youth programme starts them young, with the Under-9s training on Sunday mornings.
The Harriers are headquartered at the Dangan Sports Ground, a few hundred metres north of the University of Galway campus. From Knocknacarra, you can take the Circular Road to get there, or you can take the first exit from the Browne Roundabout. Annual memberships for Adults cost €100.
Like many organisations in the area, the Galway City Harriers athletics club have both competitive clubs and more recreational options. The more laid-back option for new runners is called the Fit4Life programme. This membership is open to all levels of runners, and encourages people of all abilities to improve their fitness. They meet on Mondays and Thursdays at 7pm at the Westside Library. More details are available here.
Knocknacarra parkrun
Running Club
The Knocknacarra parkrun is a weekly 5km run for people of all abilities. You will find a mixed-bag from serious runners to people who are just starting out. Some weeks you might find more than 100 people out at this free event that has been running for several years now.
The runners meet at 9:30 every Saturday morning in Cappagh Park. While serious runners participate, the event is community-based and the organisers really don't mind if you have to walk part or all of the 5km, it is very normal.
The course is run over three laps, and volunteers are there to record your times. The event is free, but you need to register online first. Parking is available at the entrance to Cappagh Park, but the organisers do request that you walk, jog, cycle or use public transport where possible.
You can check out the Facebook page here if you want to find out more.
Gyms
NRG Health & Fitness
A staple of the Knocknacarra fitness scene, NRG Health & Fitness is located inside the Clybaun Hotel building on the Western Distributor Road. There are plenty of spaces in the underground car park, which is on the left as you drive in. The main reception is then up the stairs.
This gym includes a pool, sauna, outdoor hot tub, a Women-Only section, and an extensive offering for the young family members with their Kids Club. See Youtube for their promotional videos here or here to get a sneak peek of their facilities.
Membership comes with complimentary fitness classes, and also entitles you access to other the other NRG gym in Bohermore. As many people in Knocknacarra work on the east side of the city, this is a great option for those who want to work out before or after work.
Warehouse Gym
Voted "Galway's Greatest Gym" in previous years, the Warehouse Gym is a state-of-the-art 20,000 square-foot facility next to Dunnes Stores/Harvey Normans.
The gym includes a sauna, plunge pool, and coffee shop. Their website is warehousegym.ie and you can view their snazzy demo video here.
They have three locations: Knocknacarra, Oranmore, and Mervue. If you're hesitant about the whole gym thing, memberships to Warehouse include a free one-to-one induction with a qualified personal trainer to set you up with a plan. Day passes are also available for €15.
Educogym Galway
The third and final gym on our list is Educo, next to Capones Restaurant on the Kingston Road near Tesco.
Educogym was founded by Tony Quinn in Dublin, largely based on his Educo Model. They are now a national chain, with branches across the country. Educogym Knocknacarra is open six days a week.
