These 4 bowling alleys in and near Galway are worth the sore arm!
The first time I tried bowling, I wasn’t 100% ready. Being athletic in other sports, I thought I could casually grab the ball and make it roll down the lane without any consequences—my mistake.
Because the next day, I realised I pulled a muscle and got a sore arm (with fever)! My friends told me I should’ve warmed up more, but I got too competitive because I wanted the bragging rights.
But if you think one sick day can prevent me from beating my friends again, you’re wrong. I’m in it for the love of the game. Here are the bowling alleys in and near Galway that you should check out at least once to destress.
1. Planet Entertainment Centre Galway
Media credit: theplanetgalway
Website: http://www.planetgalway.ie/
Address: Galway Shopping Centre, Headford Rd
Contact Details: +353 91 562 820, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday -1 PM to 11 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
Fees:
- Adults
- 1 Game – €9.50
- 2 Games – €16
- 60 Minutes (max of 6 people per lane) – €49
- 90 Minutes (max of 6 people per lane) – €71
- 120 Minutes (max of 6 people per lane) – €87
- Bowl ‘n’ Beer (2 games with a drink of your choice from the bar) – €21
- Bowl ’n’ Cocktail (2 games per person with a cocktail each) – €25
- Under 14s or Students
- One Game – €8.50
- Two Games – €15
- Interactive Darts (max of 6 people)
- 1 Hour – €25
- Half Hour – €15
- Laser Quest (must be pre-booked 24 hours in advance; max of 6 people)
- Adults – €11
- Under 14s or Students – €10
- Space Kidz
- Per child per hour (needs parent or guardian supervision at all times) – €10
- Birthday Parties (min of 10 and max of 20 kids)
- Soft Play – €18
- Soft Play & Bowling – €19
- Soft Play & Laser Quest – €20
- Bowling & Laser Quest – €20
- Soft Play, Bowling & Laser Quest – €24
- Teenage Parties (min of 8 and max of 20)
- 60 minutes of bowling + 30 minutes of Laser Quest + check online for food options + BYO cake (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only) – €22
- Pool
- Per game – €2
Planet Entertainment Centre Galway offers the city’s biggest indoor entertainment hub, including a 10-lane bowling alley, interactive darts, and Laser Quest.
There are many ways to enjoy the sport. You can bowl by the game (with 1 or 2 games), by the hour for extended fun, by drinking beers on the side, and even by including the little ones. The lanes glow in the dark with lively music and lights, too!
On top of that, you can celebrate birthdays and corporate nightlife in the alley. For the kids, bumpers, 6-lb balls, and dinosaur ball ramps available. There are soft play areas for them, too, as well as arcade and pool tables for the adults—a win for all!
Pro tips:
- Having a party at Planet Entertainment Centre Galway? Download its vibrant invites on its website for a creative way to urge family and friends to join.
- Check out its special deals or student discounts before booking. These are often available midweek if you can make time.
2. Rock ‘n’ Bowl
Media credit: rocknbowlmullingar
Website: http://www.rocknbowl.ie/
Address: Lynn Rd, Ballinderry, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
Contact Details: +353 44 933 3300, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Fees:
- 10 Pin Bowling Alley
- Midweek Special
- Per Lane/Hour – €28
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Per Lane/Hour – €28
- Standard Rates
- Off-Peak Per Lane/Hour – €31
- Monday to Thursday – 6 PM to 8 PM
- Peak Per Lane/Hour – €40
- Friday – 6 PM to Sunday – 9 PM
- Includes bank holidays and mid-term breaks
- Off-Peak Per Lane/Hour – €31
- Midweek Special
An hour and a half from Galway, Rock ‘n’ Bowl’s 10-pin bowling alley offers bowling for all ages, making it a place for the ultimate family fun.
The best thing about this place is that it’s open every day, and it even offers midweek special discounts. Just remember to check the specific fees during peak and off-peak times.
This indoor spot is also great for rainy days and birthday parties—there’s a play frame, bouncy castle, and teddy stuffing machine, so the kids can make the most out of their experience.
Friendly reminders:
- If you’re taking the kids in tow to Rock ‘n’ Bowl, be sure everyone is wearing proper bowling shoes. This helps all slide smoothly and maximise safety against injuries.
- Also, it’s good to be more considerate when taking pics! We understand that it’s fun to show off your strikes, but try not to block lanes or distract other bowlers there as well.
3. KBOWL
Media credit: kildareautismnetwork
Website: http://www.kbowl.ie/
Address: Unit W8A/B/C, Ladytown, Ladytown Business Park, Co. Kildare
Contact Details: +353 45 408 144, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Fees:
- Per Hour (up to 6 per lane)
- Off-Peak – €39
- Peak – €44
- Per Half Hour (up to 6 per lane)
- Off-Peak – €28
- Peak – €33
- Per Game Per Person (available all week, but Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays are from 6 pm only)
- Off-Peak – €8
- Peak – €9.50
- Family Deal (2 adults and 2 children for 1 hour bowling + 4 small soft drinks + bowl of popcorn)
- Off-Peak (Monday to Friday) – €49
- Peak (Saturday, Sunday, and bank holidays) – €54
- Two Game Special (with popcorn or chips and soft drink)
- Off-Peak (Monday to Friday) – €17 per person
- Peak (Saturday, Sunday, and bank holidays from 6 pm only) – €19 per person
A little over two hours from Galway, KBOWL provides 12 ten-pin bowling lanes. It’s where you can enjoy the sport and games, since this alley backs onto an arcade.
This spot is open daily, so it’s quite easy to plan a fun day out here whenever you’re available. Friends who want to paint the town red can also visit for nighttime bowling.
On top of that, you can get unlimited popcorn and juice as you bowl—perfect for whenever you feel peckish! But if you’re a parent who just wants to chill, you can grab a cup of Joe and watch your little ones use the soft play area.
Smart advice:
- It’s wise to bring cash before coming to KBOWL—you’ll need a pocket full of 1 and 2 euros so you can play in the arcade without interruptions.
- Also, consider booking your lanes online, especially if you want to arrive on weekends, rainy days, or school holidays! This takes away long queue times from your day out.
4. Leisureplex Blanchardstown
Media credit: leisureplex_ire
Website: http://www.leisureplex.ie/
Address: Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
Contact Details: +353 1 822 3030, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Fees:
- Bowling (1 game per person)
- Monday to Thursday
- Adults – €11
- Children under 12 – €9
- Friday to Sunday
- Adults – €11.75
- Children under 12 – €9.50
- Monday to Thursday
- 2 Games Special (2 games per person)
- Monday to Thursday
- Adults – €19
- Children under 12 – €15
- Friday to Sunday
- Adults – €22
- Children under 12 – €17
- Monday to Thursday
- Family Game Special (1 game with 2 adults and 2 kids or 1 adult and 3 kids)
- Monday to Thursday – €36
- Friday to Sunday – €38
Leisureplex Blanchardstown is welcoming to both adult and kid bowlers. It’s got kiddie ramps and ball walls, so everyone can focus on the fun.
And if you’re really feeling it, you can even join one of the competitive bowling leagues available year-round. You and your crew can find out which one can top the monthly leaderboard. Besides bragging rights, there are cash prizes too.
Of course, there are other thrilling things to do for the kids. Kids under 6 can enjoy the indoor zoo—it’s a big, colourful play zone with lots of flower and insect decor. Do note that each slot at this playground lasts for 3 hours.
Good to know:
- If one of the games at Leisureplex Blanchardstown doesn’t work, don’t panic! Just politely inform the staff, and they’ll give you a refund.
- Feeling hungry? Why not have food delivered to your lane? You can just scan a QR code (from Mao & Dante’s Pizza) right there, so you don’t have to lose your focus.