Galway Atlantaquaria
| Galway Atlantaquaria | |
|---|---|
Interactive map of Galway Atlantaquaria | |
| Date opened | 1999 |
| Location | Salthill, Galway City, Ireland |
| No. of species | over 170 |
| Volume of largest tank | over 150,000 litres |
| Annual visitors | 118,500[1] |
| Owner | Liam Twomey |
| Director | Liam Twomey |
| Website | https://nationalaquarium.ie/ |
Galway Atlantaquaria is an aquarium in Salthill, Galway, Ireland. It is Ireland’s largest aquarium, containing over 170 species. It is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria.[2] In 2011, it became the home of "Dessie", a 70-year-old lobster and Northern Ireland's largest lobster.[3] It has many years of expertise in wildlife rehabilitation.[4]
History
In 2017, it began plans to build Ireland's first "Penguinarium", a penguin exhibit.[5] However, the plan was rejected by Galway City Council.[6] In 2024, it was visited by former NASA astronaut Steven Swanson, and a starfish was named "Steve" in his honor.[7] It has hosted an exhibition in collaboration with University of Galway on using algae for the controlled release of medicine.[8]
References
- ^ "Annual Visitor Attractions Survey" (PDF). www.failteireland.ie. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-10-11.
- ^ Kelly, Briain (August 3, 2018). "Galway Atlantaquaria joins European Association of Zoos and Aquaria ahead of Brexit".
- ^ "Big Dessie is Northern Ireland's 70-year-old lobster". BBC News. September 16, 2011.
- ^ Reporter, Our (April 5, 2025). "Turtle 'stunned' by cold Atlantic waters undergoes rehab in Galway".
- ^ McSorley, Anita (February 24, 2017). "Ireland could be getting its very first penguinarium". Irish Mirror.
- ^ Murray, Sean (March 26, 2019). "Appeal lodged after council rejects plan for a penguinarium in Galway". TheJournal.ie.
- ^ Mannion, Teresa (2024-10-07). "Former US astronaut visits Galway as part of Space Week". RTE.ie. Archived from the original on 2025-02-14. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
- ^ "Marine Meets Medtech at Galway Atlantaquaria". afloat.ie.