Where do you depart from?
We depart from Steamers Quay, Waterside, Woodquay, Galway City. This is near the Commercial Boat Club (H91FH61) on the opposite side of the river from Galway Cathedral. There is no office or ticket desk at the dock.
Are there toilets onboard?
Yes we have a gents and ladies toilet on board. Toilets are not wheelchair accessible.
Where can we park a car?
We are only allowed park buses/coaches on the dock. There are on street car parking spaces on the Waterside and Riverside streets and also in Woodquay. There are also large car parks nearby at the Cathedral and Dyke Road with 500+ spaces and these have cheap daily rates if you are staying in Galway city after the cruise.
Is the cruise suitable for young children?
Yes, the cruise is suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.
Can I bring drinks on Board?
No drinks either alcoholic or otherwise may be brought on board. Baby/toddler drinks can be brought on board.
Do you serve food on board?
We serve some confectionery/snacks but no substantial meals on our daily sightseeing sailings. You are welcome to bring your own sandwiches onboard. We can provide scones or sandwiches for group bookings 20+. We can also provide catering including finger food, hot food, desserts etc. on our Private Hire cruises.
Can you accommodate wheelchairs?
We welcome wheelchair users and carry passengers in wheelchairs regularly. However there are some restrictions to note. Access for wheelchairs is on extendable wheelchair ramps. The angle of the ramps is quite steep but our crew can assist you onboard. These are not suitable for all wheelchairs particularly some electric wheelchairs. Wheelchair access is to the lower deck only. There is some space outside on the lower deck. Once on board the deck is flat and passengers can move about. Please note our toilets are not wheelchair accessible and would require assistance to use. There are no toilets on the dock either. The standard cruise is 1.5 hours long an evening cruise is 3 hours long.
I have mobility issues, can I travel?
There are four quite steep steps to get on the boat. Passengers with canes or difficulty with steps may need assistance to get on board. We have wheelchair ramps but these are unsuitable for mobility walkers. Once on board the seating is comfortable and the deck is level.
Is there a stop on the cruise or can we go ashore?
No the cruise does not stop, it is a round trip. The only dock available is at Glenlo Abbey Hotel where we can pick up Hotel Residents on request.
Do you go to Ashford Castle?
No our cruise is on the River Corrib and what is called the lower lake. Ashford Castle is on the upper lake and is too far to go on our daily sailings. No boat tours go from Galway City to Ashford Castle. Annaghdown pier is the furthest we travel on our evening cruises or longer private hires.
Will I get seasick?
No, the river and lake are very sheltered and shallow so waves do not build up. The cruise is very smooth. Occasionally, on a very windy day, we will not go out on the lake or turn a little earlier to ensure passenger comfort.
What clothing is advised?
The majority of the sightseeing cruise on the river is sheltered so if you are outside on the upper deck, clothing you would normally wear out walking on that particular day is suitable. The lake is more open and there can be more of a breeze which can be cool particularly if the wind is Northerly so having an extra layer is advisable. The lounge is fully enclosed and heated so any normal clothing is suitable.
Do you go if it is raining?
Yes the lower deck and lounge is enclosed and heated so we can go out in all weathers. We can dry seats upstairs if there is a brief shower of rain and passengers can move between the upper and lower decks as weather and capacity permits.
Do you cancel due to bad weather?
As the river is very sheltered we are not generally weather dependent and can usually operate all days of the summer. We do have minimum numbers to put on a cruise so demand may be lower if the weather is poor and a trip may be cancelled. Bookings will be fully refunded if we have to cancel.