Galway County Seascapes. Produced as part of the Galway County Development Plan 2022-2028. 

See www.galway.ie for further details.

The sea is a dominant factor in the determination of landscape character in the Atlantic Region of Galway. Views to and from the sea and adjoining coasts are a material consideration in land use planning. 

The geology of Galway has resulted in an interlacing of marine and terrestrial areas in much of the western part of the county. The majority of the county’s coastline comprises of sea loughs, where sheltered, shallow tidal bays stretch inland. These gradually join with the fine-grain patterns of freshwater lakes and stream systems that also occur throughout the county’s Coastal Region. 

The following are the main types of seascapes. Each are defined by their relationship between the land and the sea:Fully Enclosed Coast This Seascape type includes shorelines that are adjacent to marine or transitional water but have no view of the ocean horizon. Landscape Character of adjoining lands will be dominant. Sea loughs are common throughout Atlantic Galway.Semi-enclosed Coast This Seascape type includes shorelines that are adjacent to marine or transitional water which have no more than a 50% view ocean horizon.Open Coast This Seascape type includes all sea areas for a distance of up to 5km off shore with a view which is at least 50% ocean horizon. Views from these waters will feel that the land is the dominant feature.Offshore This Seascape type includes all water between the edge of the Open Coastal Waters boundary (5km from the shore) and the Open Sea boundary (20km from the shore). Views from these waters will feel that the sea is the dominant feature.Galway County Council provides this information with the understanding that it is not guaranteed to be accurate, correct, or complete. Galway County Council accepts no liability for any loss or damage suffered by those using this data for any purpose.