Beaches and Nature
Silverstrand Beach
Beach
Stretching for hundreds of metres, Silver Strand or Trá na gCeann is a beautiful beach located on the Barna Road. Just a short walk or drive from the Cappagh Road, the beach is a popular spot for swimming, picnics, and walks.
Silverstand has Blue Flag status, meaning the water is regularly tested for bacteria and meets high water quality standards. Indeed, the water quality has been rated as "Excellent" every year for several years. (You can view the latest water results here.) Silverstrand is also a Green Coast beach, meaning the beach itself is of high environmental quality. Only ten beaches nationwide awarded both a Blue and Green Flag.
En route to the beach, make sure you take a peek behind the wall on your left to find Tobar Éanna. St Enda's Well, as it is better known, dates back to the 5th century (more than 1500 years ago!) and is said to have been blessed by St Enda himself.
Facilities include public toilets, a changing area, and parking for approximately 50 cars. The water is crystal clear, and on a good day the the views of the Clare hills are unbeatable. If it's good enough for Jennifer Zamparelli, it's good enough for us.
Barna Woods
Woodland and trails
Barna Woods is an under-appreciated gem in our midst. Nearly 100 acres of woods and trails, backing onto our community centre.
Dating back to at least the 1830s, Barna Woods includes a mix of native and exotic trees. You will find beech, oak, ash, birch, and sycamore trees among others. You may also find mushrooms and toadstools, not recommended for eating. The Sherdian's Counter in the fancy Dunnes is a better bet for that sort of thing.
The woods are home to a wide range of wildlife, including squirrels, foxes, badgers, and a variety of bird species. Keep a look out for heron, pheasants, robins, and small numbers of cuckoos. At least two species of bat have also been recorded.
Barna Woods has a magical feeling to it. One highlight is the massive up-turned tree that toppled over several years ago, giving a clear view of its deep roots. It is common for kids to climb around it, and for curious dogs to explore what it has to offer. Kids will find delight in the fairy doors, and those with an interest in history can also find an ancient mass rock.
There are two ways to get to Barna Woods. The first is through the small car park (approx 6 spaces) just down the road from the Texaco Petrol Station. The second way is via Cappagh Park. There is a much larger car park at this location (approx 50 spaces), and there are trails into "Coill Bherna" at the rear of the large Community Centre building.
Rusheen Bay Windsurfing
Recreational Activity
Nestled between Silverstrand and Salthill Beaches, the calm waters of little Rusheen Bay provide an ideal location for a variety of watersports.
Whether it's windsurfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding you're after, Rusheen Bay Windsurfing are probably the best in Galway for your needs. This local business has been splashing joy onto our shores since 1995, so they are well-established and come highly recommended. Access Rusheen Bay via the Barna Road near the junction with the Ballymoneen Road. But the road is no more than a boreen so be careful or you'll miss it.
Activities are suitable for kids from age 8 and up. Their famous summer camps run from early June until the end of August, but they also accommodate school tours and birthday parties. The prices are not cheap, but are very reasonable and represent good value for money.
For bigger kids and adults, RBW also provide private lessons (€50 for 2 hours, all equipment included) and offer a comprehensive selection for Corporate Groups or Hen/Stag Parties for up to 30 people. You can see more at rusheenbay.com.
