Three-day Council-led celebration highlights range of activities along Galway’s sandy shores
Time was that a day on the beach meant swimming and sandcastles – those who turned out on two of Galway’s best-known sandy spots last week enjoyed yoga, running and an environmental circus act for good measure.
Because that was part of the varied menu conjured up by Galway City Council, in partnership with Clean Coasts Ireland and Galway Atlantaquaria, to celebrate Love Your Beach 2026 over an educational and fun-filled three-days.
They were aided in their quest by Circus 250 – the aforementioned environmental circus act – as well as sand dune and coastal erosion workshops; and, for the second year running, yoga on Silverstrand with local yoga instructor Eva Du from Rise Awild.
The event is a celebration of Galway’s iconic city beaches, taking place in the two Blue Flag beaches of Ladies Beach in Salthill, and Silverstrand.
Love Your Beach 2026 launched on Grattan Beach, with students from Claddagh NS, Scoil Fhursa and Scoil Íde taking part in a hands-on beach clean and educational workshops on marine life delivered by educators from University of Galway, Atlantaquaria, Clean Coasts, and marine NGO CuriOcean.
The children also learned to juggle, as part Circus 250’s ‘Fishy N’ Dishy’ ocean awareness workshops.
“Our beaches are important natural assets, and biodiversity habitats, with varied marine and coastal life,” said Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard.
“Galway City is privileged to have such great amenities on our doorstep, with the coast playing an important role in the lives of people of Galway City.
“It is wonderful to see so many local schools involved in Love Your Beach 2026, as this engagement really nurtures an appreciation of our coastal habitats in our younger generation,” he added.
As part of Love Your Beach 2026, a Toy Library was constructed on Grattan Beach – in the process delivering one of the outcomes of the recent ‘Salthill Litter Study’’.
This circular initiative, led by An Taisce’s Climate Ambassador Programme, and supported by Galway City Council, helps reduce plastic waste and unnecessary purchases.
The motto of “Borrow, Play and Return” allows unwanted toys to be reused – thus preventing them from being abandoned or thrown away...or ending up in the ocean.
Galway City Council’s Environmental Awareness Officer Fergal Cushen described Love Your Beach as ‘a great opportunity to showcase our wonderful city beaches’.
“These events capture the imagination, especially for younger students, and enable them to be the future custodians of our beaches,” he said.
To wrap up a packed three days of activities, the final day of Love Your Beach 2026 featured a community yoga session at Silverstrand Beach, which for the second year running, drew a significant crowd of participants – taking in the sights and sounds of Galway Bay, with the sand between their toes.
The session was led by Eva Du from Rise Awild and welcomed people of all ages and experience levels.
After three packed days, the team at Galway City Council who organised the programme would like to thank all the schools, students, teachers, volunteers, and partner organisations who took part in any or all aspects of this year’s Love Your Beach event.
"These three days showcased the very best of community spirit, environmental stewardship, and appreciation for Galway’s coastal beauty,” said a spokesperson.