Galway Judo Club
Galway Judo Club trains at Ireland's only purpose-built judo facility.
Galway Judo Club is located at Galway, H91 DN29, Ireland.
Galway Judo Club trains at Creaven House, a dedicated facility located at Claddagh Quay in Galway City. This venue is recognized as the only purpose-built judo club in Ireland, offering a safe and specialized environment for all members. The club features a specially designed sprung floor to support training and reduce injury risk.
Athletes have access to modern amenities including changing rooms, showers, a sauna, gym facilities, and a conference room. These resources enhance both physical development and educational aspects of judo practice. The facility supports a strong community focused on growth, discipline, and performance.
John Creaven, a 2nd Dan and NCTC qualified tutor, serves as chief instructor with over 25 years of leadership. He began his judo journey in 1967 and has been instrumental in shaping the club. His experience includes coaching abroad in mainland Europe, leading U.C.G. judo, and founding the R.T.C. Judo club.
Senior classes are guided by Derek Conway, a 1st Dan, multiple judo champion, and international competitor with a Level 6 Fetac qualification. He co-leads the senior program with his brother, Brian Conway, also a 1st Dan. Mina Ishihara, a 1st Dan trained in Osaka, Japan, adds depth to the coaching team.
Ellie Dennis, the national women’s coach, has led special programs such as the 2019 Easter Training Camp. Guest coach Sebastien has also contributed to provincial training sessions. The club offers classes for Juniors – Under 6 and Juniors – Under 12, ensuring early engagement in the sport.
Galway Judo Club is highly regarded as a top destination for martial arts training in the west of Ireland. With a perfect 5/5 rating from 10 reviews, it is praised for offering a variety of classes throughout the week, making it a convenient and useful option for those interested in martial arts. The club is recognized as "the home of judo in the west," highlighting its central role in the local judo community.
Attendees note the extremely high quality of judo instruction and appreciate the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The club also offers Capoeira, adding to its range of martial arts programs and increasing accessibility for diverse interests. Reviewers consistently highlight the positive environment and the sense of community, emphasizing both the skill level of the training and the camaraderie among members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo sourced from the club's public listing.












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Address
Galway, H91 DN29
Ireland
Phone
Website
