Galway Triathlon Club

New To Tri Evening

Francis Yates — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:55:42 +0000

Galway Triathlon Club will host its annual New To Tri Evening

Commercial Boat Club, Woodquay

Tuesday, February 3rd from 7:30pm – 9pm.

The event is designed for those considering taking up triathlon, as well as anyone interested in swimming, cycling, or running who would like to build new skills, meet new people, or train as part of a group.

With nearly 200 adult members, Galway Triathlon Club is active across all three sports with weekly training sessions held across the city. From coached pool sessions and fully supported sea swims, to group bike spins, indoor cycling, strength and conditioning, and both long-run and track sessions, the club offers training opportunities for all levels — from complete beginners to experienced athletes.

Whether you’re already an avid swimmer, cyclist, or runner — or haven’t sat on a bike or dipped a toe in the sea since childhood; Galway Tri Club’s friendly, social environment helps new members achieve their first triathlon goal with confidence and support.

Speaking ahead of the event, Claire Heskin, the Club’s 2026 Beginners Officer, said:

“The New To Tri evening was where it all began for me, and for a lot of club members. It’s a chance to meet people who were once in the exact same position; curious, a little nervous, and wondering if they could actually do it. But we’ve had people who couldn’t swim a length become confident triathletes and complete their first races within a season. If you’ve ever thought about giving it a go, this is the perfect place to start.”

The New To Tri event is free to attend and open to anyone interested in joining the club or learning more about the sport. The evening will include a general introduction to triathlon, training tips, demonstrations, and an opportunity to speak with club members and coaches.

To join us on the night, please RSVP here

2026 Membership Now Available

Francis Yates — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 20:28:24 +0000

Join Galway Triathlon Club in 2026

Whether you’re a complete beginner or transferring from another club, Galway Triathlon Club welcomes you. Join over 200 members who train together, support each other, and make lifelong friends while chasing personal goals.

Join Now for 2026 – From €100
New to Triathlon? Start Here →

Why Join Galway Triathlon Club?

Expert Coaching Across All Three Disciplines

Year-round coached sessions in swimming, cycling, and running led by Triathlon Ireland and Swim Ireland qualified coaches. From track sessions to open water swims, we’ve got you covered.

Built for Beginners

Most of our members started with zero triathlon experience. We offer dedicated “New to Tri” programmes, beginner-specific sessions, and a new members’ officer to guide you every step of the way.

Performance-Focused Training

Competitive athletes also thrive here. Our coaches and members include competitive age groupers and elites. With a dedicated Performance Officer and structured training plans, we support athletes aiming to improve year on year, smash PBs and achieve podium results.

A Real Community

Monthly social events, an epic annual Bake-Off Championship, end-of-year celebrations, and friendships that extend far beyond the pool, bike, and track.

Award-Winning Club

We hold Triathlon Ireland’s Gold Evolve Club Standard and were shortlisted for Club of the Year 2024—recognition of our supportive, inclusive community.

Equipment You Can Rent

Access to 12 Kickr Core smart trainers (perfect for winter training) and 4 bike bags for race travel. No need to invest heavily upfront.

What’s Included in Your Membership

Your €100 membership gives you access to all of this for the entire year:

Year-Round Training

Weekly coached track sessions for all paces
Weekly group rides (2-3 pace levels)
Weekly long slow runs to build your base
Strength & conditioning sessions

Seasonal Highlights

Summer open water swimming with kayak support
Pool swim training (October-April)
Bike time trial series (summer/autumn)
Aquathlon series for race practice

Member Perks

Equipment rental: Turbo trainers and bike bags
Race discount codes to save on entry fees
Club gear store with performance apparel
Social events: Coffee meetups, parties, Bake-Off

Optional Add-Ons (Small Additional Fee)

Coached swim blocks: Pool-based (winter) and open water (summer) for Improvers, Intermediate, and Advanced swimmers
In-person strength & conditioning with qualified coaches
Additional turbo and strength training via Zoom

That’s less than €2 per week for year-round coaching and community.

Your Year-Round Training Calendar

Not sure what happens when? Here’s your overview:

Winter (January – March)

Track, tempo and endurance running, group rides, pool swimming, indoor strength & conditioning, turbo sessions

Spring/Summer (April – September)

Group rides, Track (stops in the summer months), tempo and endurance running, open water swimming, time trial bike series, aquathlon series, longer weekend rides

Autumn (October – December)

Track, tempo & endurance running, group rides, pool swimming, indoor strength & conditioning, base building

Social Events

Spread throughout the year—monthly coffee meetups, club nights, and our famous end-of-year celebration

“I’ve Never Done a Triathlon Before. Is This For Me?”

Absolutely. Here’s why you’ll fit right in:

Most of our members started exactly where you are. Some couldn’t swim 25 meters, others had never clipped into bike pedals, and plenty thought they “weren’t runners.”

Here’s what we do for complete beginners:

New to Tri evenings: Orientation sessions where you’ll meet other newcomers, ask questions, and get the full club overview
Beginner-specific training: Dedicated sessions for bike handling, open water confidence building, and run pacing
Personal support: Our new members’ officer is your go-to person for anything from “where do I show up?” to “what should I wear?”
No pressure to race: Many members train purely for fitness, friendship, and personal challenge. Racing is optional.
Supportive culture: Faster athletes regularly circle back for slower members. No one gets left behind.

Your first triathlon? We’ll help you get there when you’re ready. But there’s zero pressure—come train, have fun, and see where it takes you.

Simple Pricing Breakdown

Club Membership (Annual)

Adults:
€100

Juniors/Students/Unemployed/OAP:
€50

Valid until 31 December 2026

Plus: Triathlon Ireland License (Required for Insurance)

You’ll also need one of these Triathlon Ireland licenses:

License Type	Best For	What’s Included
Training License	Club sessions only (no racing)	Personal accident cover, 3rd party liability, club training access
Full Race License	Club training + racing events	All Training License benefits + race entry eligibility, race series access
Swim Plus License	Enhanced swim access	All benefits + Swim Ireland events and additional swim perks

All licenses include personal accident cover, 3rd party liability, access to Triathlon Ireland race series (where applicable), member discounts, and Turbo & Talk sessions.

Total Annual Investment:

Check current license costs at Triathlon Ireland

Learn more about license options at Triathlon Ireland →

How to Join

1. Register through Triathlon Ireland’s membership portal

2. Select Galway Triathlon Club as your club

3. Choose your membership type (Adult/Junior/Student/OAP/Unemployed)

4. Select your Triathlon Ireland license level

5. Start training! Check our full calendar for session times and locations

What to Expect at Your First Session

Come to any session that suits your schedule—check our training calendar for times and locations.

Introduce yourself to the coach at the start. They’ll help you find the right pace group or give you modifications if needed.

Bring basic gear: Runners for track, swimwear for pool, bike and helmet for rides. We’ll cover specifics like bike handling and open water gear as you progress.

Ask questions: There are no silly questions. Everyone was new once, and we love helping people find their way.

Expect a warm welcome: You’ll likely be invited for post-training coffee by someone within your first week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be fit already?

No. We have members of all fitness levels. Coaches offer modifications, and you progress at your own pace.

What’s the time commitment?

Most members train 3-5 hours per week across 2-4 sessions. You choose what fits your schedule—there’s no minimum requirement.

Do I need expensive equipment?

Start with basics: runners, swimwear, and a bike (any bike works initially). We have turbo trainers you can rent. Upgrade equipment as you progress and know what you need.

I’m a competitive athlete looking to improve my performance. Is this club for me?

Absolutely! We have a dedicated Performance Officer and many competitive age groupers and elite athletes in the club. We offer structured training plans specifically designed to help athletes smash PBs and achieve podium results. Our coaches bring competitive racing experience and can support you in reaching your performance goals.

I work shifts/irregular hours. Can I still join?

Yes! We offer morning and evening sessions across different days. Check our calendar to see what works for you.

Do I have to do all three disciplines?

While triathlon combines swim, bike, and run, you can focus on what you enjoy most. Some members only come to certain sessions.

What if I’m transferring from another club?

You’re very welcome! Many members have transferred from clubs in other counties or countries. The membership process is the same—just select Galway Tri Club when registering.

When is the best time to join?

Now! New members join year-round. January is popular (New Year motivation), but we welcome members in any month.

Can I try a session before joining?

Still Have Questions?

Email us: beginners@galwaytri.ie

Attend a New to Tri Evening: Check upcoming dates →

Meet the Team: Learn about our coaching staff and committee

See Where We Train: Training locations across Galway →

Join Galway Triathlon Club Today

Make 2026 the year you challenge yourself, find your community, and discover what you’re capable of.

Join Now Through Triathlon Ireland →
Questions? Email Us →

Celebrate HER Outdoors Week with Galway Triathlon Club

Francis Yates — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 10:43:35 +0000

Join us for HerOutdoors Week at Galway Triathlon Club from August 11th 2025 although we are starting a day early! This is a celebration dedicated to empowering women through outdoor sports and activities. All events are open to non-members also and we would encourage any women who you know are thinking of joining the club to participate.

EVENTS:
Sunday, 10th August – Leap into the Open Water with Aisling Lynch

Come along to an empowering and exhilarating experience with Aisling from Into the Blue Aquatic Wellbeing. This unique event invites women to embrace their strength and courage by taking a leap off the iconic Blackrock Tower in Salthill – you can choose the steps if you prefer. It’s more than just a dip in the sea – it’s a celebration of empowerment, wellness, and community.

Saturday, 16th August – The Secrets to Running Success with Miriam: Running Skills & Drills

Ready to take your running to the next level? This expert-led session is designed to help you run smarter, stronger, and more comfortably. Led by experienced GTC coach Miriam, you’ll learn dynamic warm-up drills and skills that can help prevent those dreaded niggles and injuries. Discover how to build distance, improve your pace, and strengthen your running mindset.

Sunday 17th August – Bringing it all together: The Mini-Aquathon

Wrap up #HEROUTDOORSWEEK2025 with an exciting triathlon taster that brings together the skills you’ve built throughout the week! Put your open water confidence from Aisling’s swim session and running techniques from Miriam’s workshop to the test with a fun and supportive mini aquathlon: a 200m swim followed by a 2km run.

Committee Member

Francis Yates — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:44:23 +0000

Francis Yates

Contact Me

Bike Co-Ordinator

Francis Yates — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:34:47 +0000

Mike Mcdonagh

Contact Me

Run Co-Ordinator

Francis Yates — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:31:20 +0000

Andy Ainley

Contact Me

Celebrate HER Outdoors Week with Galway Triathlon Club

Francis Yates — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:26:11 +0000

Galway Triathlon Club will host a number of events during HER Outdoors week aimed at encouraging more women to get moving and enjoy the benefits of being physically active outside. With a variety of events taking place across the week there are lots of opportunities to try something new and fun whilst being actively inspired. From an outdoor yoga session, to a trail run, alongside mindfulness exercises by the sea to a motivational talk there is a great line up to choose from.

On Monday 12th August at 7am in Salthill an early yoga session will set you up for a productive week, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, the inclusive and gentle guidance will help you connect with nature and yourself in a profound way.

Tuesday 13th August at 7pm will see Jane Walsh Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Galway take centre stage alongside Guinness World Record Ultra Runner Sophie Power. This insightful motivational session will provide expert knowledge, personal stories, and practical advice to help you overcome challenges and pursue your dreams with confidence and determination. A donation of €10 for SheRaces is requested at the time of booking

Thursday morning at 7am Galway Triathlon Club coach Miriam Wall will lead a trail run in Cappagh Park, allowing you to connect with nature and rejuvenate your spirit before facing into your day. Miriam will guide participants in mindfulness exercises, encouraging you to be present in the moment and fully appreciate the natural beauty around you.

Rounding out the line-up of activities for HER Outdoors week is the opportunity to take the plunge and jump off the iconic Blackrock Diving Tower on Wednesday 21st August at 7am. Experienced swimming coach Aisling Lynch will be on hand to guide participants to embrace their fear to take a leap off the Tower into the waters of Galway Bay.

These events are being delivered by the Galway Triathlon Club supported by funding from Galway Sports Partnership, if you can’t attend please let us know so we can reallocate your place. To join the waitlist for fully booked events, please email womensofficer@galwaytri.ie

Tribesman Triathlon

Francis Yates — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 23:50:17 +0000

After a 6 year hiatus, triathlon racing returns to Galway City on the 16 June 2024

The Galway Triathlon Club proudly hosts the Tribesman Triathlon, featuring a stunning Sprint Triathlon. The swimming segment unfolds in the picturesque River Corrib, one of Europe’s shortest rivers at just 6km in length. As the fastest-flowing city river in Europe, participants can anticipate impressive personal best swim times. Following the swim, competitors embark on a fast flat bike out and back route, that leads towards Moycullen and along the new bypass, ultimately returning to the University of Galway. The race concludes with a scenic run, weaving through the captivating grounds of the University of Galway and alongside the banks of the River Corrib.

More details can be found on the race website HERE

Swim Block – March / April 2024

Francis Yates — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 10:35:00 +0000

The next block of swimming (March-April) will go on sale Wednesday, 21st February 2024 at 10 am for GTC Members – Sessions will start Monday, 26th February 5-7 weeks (depending on the session)

NO SESSION ON 17th and 18th March (St. Patrick’s Day) and 31st March and 1st April (Easter Sunday / Monday). Sessions will take place on Good Friday. The block prices are €48.75/€68. Bookings can be made via the GTC Memberzone by selecting “Make A Booking” -> “Swim Block” and selecting the appropriate session.

Pool sessions are dependent on demand, if the signups are two low, we cannot put the session on.
Pay-as-you-go option in place on sessions that do not sell out.
Please choose a session suitable to you based on your swimming ability. If you do not choose the right session for you, you will be moved to a different session (if space) or refunded. This is so you and your fellow swimmers get the most out of each session.
There is a new coach for Wednesday evening in University of Galway Kingfisher – Claudia McNicholas
If you cannot swim front crawl continuously and comfortably for 100m without rest, then you are not at the required ability to attend any of our swim sessions. Please contact swim@galwaytri.ie if you would like recommendations for private swim lessons.
Please check your emails in advance of each session in case of any important updates

Timetable:

Day	Time	Location	Level	Coach
Monday	7am-8am	Ocean Fitness	Improvers	Patrick
Tuesday	7am-8am	Ocean Fitness	Intermediate	Brendan
Wednesday	7am-8am	Ocean Fitness	Advanced	Patrick
Wednesday	7:30pm-8:30pm	Kingfisher NUIG	Intermediate	Claudia
Thursday	7am-8am	Kingfisher Renmore	Improvers/Intermediate	Jonathan
Friday	7am-8am	Ocean Fitness	Intermediate/Advanced	Brendan
Friday	7am-8am	Kingfisher Renmore	Intermediate/Advanced	Jonathan
Sunday	6pm-7pm	Ocean Fitness	Intermediate	Patrick

Improvers:

For swimmers who require a lot of stroke correction and enjoy a little more rest
Not speed or endurance focussed, sessions will cover up to 1k total distance

Intermediate:

For swimmers who are comfortable swimming and can swim sets of 100m @ 1.50/1.55
Sessions will generally cover 1.5k+

Advanced:

For swimmers who like longer sets with less rest and can swim sets of 100m @ 1.30/1.40
Sessions will generally cover 2k+

Intermediate&Advanced

Sessions cater for 2 abilities with greater differences in times/distances across the 2 lanes.

HAPPY SWIMMING!

New Members Evening 2025

Francis Yates — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 20:35:18 +0000

Our new members evening for 2025 will take place on Tuesday, 4th February 2025 at the Commercial Boat Club (Commercial Boat Club, Riverside, Woodquay, Galway, H91 Fh61) – Please RSVP to receive updates/reminders about this event

Loading…