Swimming Spots - Blackrock, Galway

Blackrock diving boards

Any time I visit Galway, a trip to the diving boards at Blackrock is pretty much compulsory.  Blackrock is at the end of the famous Salthill Prom, a pedestrian path along the shores of Galway Bay that is very popular with runners, speed-walkers, rollar-bladers, dog-walkers, strollers, and anyone looking for some exercise and fresh air.  The Prom is almost 2km long, with a fabulous view of the Bay, County Clare, and the Aran Islands.  A promenade is completed at Blackrock with a kick of the wall at the end of the pathway, and an about-face for the return journey.  Except, of course, for the swimmers.  These people, usually with a small bag under the armpit and a firm gaze to seaward, take a left turn and head for the diving boards.

Changing area

Blackrock is very well set-up for swimmers.  There are benches at a changing area with hooks on the wall to hold your towel, and a roof over your head that offers protection from the wind and rain.  There are toilets, a fresh-water shower and lots of steps and ladders into the sea.  There is a constant stream of swimmers arriving, changing, swimming, chatting, departing - no matter what the time of day, the tide, or the season.  There is always water for swimming, there are always swimmers for the water.

The Rocks

Achievement is measured by rocks here.  Along the Salthill Prom a number of rocky outcrops separate the different beaches.  A swim to the First Rocks is a round trip of 250m, to the second and back is 450m, to the Fourth Rocks,  Ladies' Beach and back home is about a kilometer.  Of course nobody is counting the distance, just the number of Rocks.

Bird's eye view of the Rocks

 The next time you're in Galway, stroll down to Blackrock and come for a swim..