Furbo: Coast, History and Activities

Furbo brings together coastal connections, local places of remembrance and active pursuits. If you are looking for a hotel in Furbo, you can consider the area in terms of these interests: are you looking for the beach and views, the area’s history, or activities at Eile Mental Activity Park? These different focal points can help you plan your stay around the reason for your trip.

Coast, views and getting there

From Furbo Beach, you can look across the bay towards the hills of the Burren in County Clare; visibility depends on the weather. Pádraicíns is by the water and offers views of Furbo Beach and Galway Bay. The Pádraicíns Seafood Bar serves fresh food daily. As business details can change, check the latest information before visiting.

Furbo Beach is accessible from Galway by car or bus. Bus Éireann operates bus services to Furbo Beach; check the route and timetable before travelling. The coastal road runs west through Furbo to Spiddal, although traffic conditions can vary.

Local history and places of remembrance

The Irish name Trá na bhForbacha means “beach of the springs.” The Blake Mausoleum in Furbo was built around 1860. The 1916 Memorial Garden opened as part of the 1916–2016 commemorative year; a sculpture of an Easter Lily stands at its centre. Réalt na Mara Church was built in 1933 on a church site donated by the Blakes. The church bell formerly hung in Teach Mór. Check current access arrangements before visiting the mausoleum or memorial garden.

Activities in Furbo

Eile Mental Activity Park is in Furbo, on the edge of Galway city. Its activities include paintball, E-Combat laser tag, disc golf, archery, zorbing and orienteering. The park is accessible via the N59 Clifden Road and the R336 Coast Road. Before visiting, check the address and whether your chosen activity is currently available; the range of activities may change.

More routes in the wider Galway destination

In the wider Galway destination, routes in Coole Park offer other landscape and walking-route options. The Family Trail is an easy 1.75 km walk; it passes the site of the former house, goes through the walled garden and leads to the Autograph Tree. The Seven Woods Trail is 4.5 km long and passes a viewpoint overlooking Coole Lake and extensive wetlands. The Diamond Hill Walk in Connemara National Park covers 6.5 km and leads to the 445 m summit. The three distances allow for a direct comparison of route lengths, while the destinations described offer different focal points: a garden and tree, a lake and wetlands, or a named summit.

In the wider Galway destination, Dún Aonghasa offers a different historical focus: the fort is over 3,000 years old. The visitor centre is open year-round and offers guided tours; the 1 km walking route to the clifftop fort starts at the centre.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Headford, Lettermore, Rinvyle, Farmerstown, Kilkieran, Corrandulla, Caherlistrane, Drumkeary

To the main travel overview: Galway.