Barna: Silver Strand and Coastal Scenery

Barna is a coastal destination shaped by Silver Strand and Galway Bay. When planning your trip, you can choose from a range of activities: swimming at the beach, walking in the woods, water sports and a nearby golf course. Which of these features is relevant to a hotel stay in Barna depends on what you would like to do.

Getting here from Galway

From Galway, you can travel west to Barna on Bus Éireann route 404 or via the R336. Check the route details again before setting off so you can plan your journey using up-to-date information.

Silver Strand and the coast

Silver Strand, also known as Trá na gCeann, is a shallow, sandy beach. It is suitable for swimming at high tide, so take the tides into account when planning a swim. A small cliff shelters the beach, which faces directly onto Galway Bay. Behind Silverstrand, coastal drumlins shape the landscape and offer striking views across the bay.

The beach has a car park, toilets, a picnic area and step-free access. Picnic tables are located beside the car park. Silver Strand has been awarded the Blue Flag quality mark by An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland. Check the current status of the facilities and beach access before your visit.

Two other swimming beaches are closer to Barna village, one on each side of the stone Barna Pier. The pier provides a landmark to help you locate these beaches in relation to the village.

Walks in Barna Woods and Rusheen Bay Woods

Barna Woods and Rusheen Bay Woods are a few minutes’ walk from the village and offer opportunities for walks in natural woodland close to the sea. The two woods are home to a swan sanctuary and a bird sanctuary. They offer a different focus from the beach for a walk, with woodland and the natural surroundings near the coast taking centre stage.

Water sports at Rusheen Bay Windsurfing Centre

At the Rusheen Bay Windsurfing Centre, you can hire equipment for windsurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. Courses are offered from April to October. If you are planning to take a course or hire specific equipment, check current availability before your visit. The seasonal dates are important when planning a course; you should also check availability for equipment hire.

Golf nearby

Bearna Golf Club, nearby, is an 18-hole parkland championship course. From there, views stretch across the bay to the Clare hills, the white limestone hills of the Burren and the Aran Islands. If golf is one of your travel interests, the course is another point of reference when choosing Barna as a destination.

Local history and village amenities

Barna was originally known as Freeport: boats docked there to avoid mooring fees at Galway Harbour. The village has restaurants, bars, cafés and takeaway food options.

Discover more destinations: Shantalla, Kilkieran, Clonbur, Letterfrack, Claregalway, Cloghbrack, Cornamona, Roundstone

For the main travel overview: Galway.