Harbours, such as the docks in Galway Bay , have a reputation for being dirty uninhabited wildernesses, full of diesel, noisy boats and rusting bikes. And while this sometimes may appear the case, old-fashioned Harbours such as the Claddagh in Galway are as rich with marine life as anywhere else in Ireland . Swans and Ducks live year round in the Claddagh, both in the river and on the coastline. Dozens of different species of fish such as Mullet, Whiting, Pipefish and Cod live round the Claddagh shores, and Salmon, Sea Trout and Common Eels pass the Claddagh each year on their way to or from their home of the River Corrib.

Even the Galway Docks are by no means devoid of life, and are inhabited by Conger Eels, Grey Mullet, juvenile Whiting, and various invertebrates such as Hermit Crab, Starfish, Sea Urchins and Shrimp. Indeed, you will be hard-pressed to find any marine Harbour in Ireland which isn’t full of some variety of sea-creatures!