The Ballyconneely peninsula is virtually ringed by beaches - from the Coral Strand at Derrygimla, west and north to Knock, Mannin, Dunloughan and Truska, and east and south from Keeraunmore, Aillebrack, and Ballyconneely Bay to Calla, Dolan and Murvey. As well as being ideal for bathing, some of those beaches provide excellent bases for shore fishermen.
Gurteen Beach, located in Roundstone, lies back-to-back with Dog's Bay. The two beaches were formed by a sand spit and tombolo which now separates the two bays known as Gurteen Bay and Dog's Bay. The name Gurteen derives from the Irish Goirtín meaning small plot or small field. The area is internationally important for its rare and interesting ecological, geological and archaeological features. The sand and grassland habitats are of particular interest. The sand was formed from shells.
Located between Salthill and Barna, just to the West of Galway City, Silverstrand has a safe, shallow, sandy beach of approximately 0.25km bounded on one side by a cliff and the other by rocks. It is particularly popular with and suitable for young families. It faces directly into Galway Bay giving spectacular views. There is a promenade with parking capacity for about 60 vehicles. It is suitable for swimming at low tide but the beach is largely covered during high tides.