Furbo brings together coastal views, local history and a range of activities. When planning your trip, you can focus on three themes: views by the water, places of remembrance and the activities on offer at Eile Mental Activity Park. This makes it easy to choose Furbo based on the interests that matter most to you during your stay.
Coastal Views and the Name Furbo
The Irish name Trá na bhForbacha means “beach of the springs”. From Furbo Beach, you can look across the bay to the hills of the Burren in County Clare; visibility depends on the weather. PádraicĂns is also by the water and offers views of Furbo Beach and Galway Bay. The Seafood Bar serves fresh food daily. If you plan to visit, check the latest information about its offerings and opening status in advance, as these details may change.
The two viewpoints offer different landmarks: from Furbo Beach, the view extends across the bay to the Burren, while PádraicĂns offers views of the beach and Galway Bay.
Memorial Sites and Church History
The Blake Mausoleum in Furbo was built around 1860. The 1916 Memorial Garden opened as part of the 1916–2016 commemorations; a sculpture of an Easter lily stands at the centre of the garden. These details point to different aspects of local remembrance and architectural history.
RĂ©alt na Mara Church also has its own historical connection: it was built in 1933 on a church site in Furbo donated by the Blakes. The church bell used to hang in Teach MĂłr and is now in RĂ©alt na Mara. Along with the mausoleum and memorial garden, these details offer different points of interest for anyone interested in the history of the area.
Activities and Getting There
Eile Mental Activity Park offers paintball, E-combat laser tag, disc golf, archery, zorbing and orienteering. The range includes everything from games to activities involving marksmanship or navigation. The operator’s offerings may change; check the current activities and address before your visit.
The park is in Furbo on the outskirts of Galway city and can be reached via the N59 Clifden Road and the R336 Coast Road. The coast road runs west through Furbo to Spiddal; traffic conditions may vary. Furbo Beach can be reached from Galway city by car or bus. Bus Éireann operates the bus service. If you’re travelling by bus, it’s worth checking the latest routes and timetables.
You’ll find a range of useful travel information here: road connections to the Activity Park, how to get to Furbo Beach from Galway city, and the coast road running west to Spiddal. Check timetables and traffic conditions to suit your planned visit.
More to Explore in the Galway Destination
The wider destination of Galway offers other places with their own nature and culture themes. At Coole Park, the Family Trail is an easy, 1.75 km walk: it passes the site of the former house and goes through the walled garden to the Autograph Tree. The 4.5 km Seven Woods Trail passes a viewpoint over Coole Lake and extensive wetlands. Comparing the two trails highlights their different lengths and waypoints.
Dún Aonghasa offers a different point of interest: a fortress that is over 3,000 years old. The visitor centre is open year-round and offers guided tours. It is at the start of a 1 km walking path to the clifftop fortress. These details broaden the picture of Galway without replacing Furbo’s distinct themes.
Discover more destinations: Oranmore, Salthill, Kilkieran, Carna, Kilronan, Indreabhán, Letterfrack, Caherlistrane.
For the wider travel overview: Galway.
