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If there’s one city I could immediately revisit in Ireland, it would have to be Galway City. I’m going to show you all the best things to do in Galway for an amazing day in the city. With one day in Galway, you can experience so much that this lovely destination has to offer.

After spending three weeks in Ireland, I kept mentioning one city again and again when telling my friends about this trip. While I adored so much of Ireland, but I felt such a strong connection with Galway. I could see myself living there.

Yes, there are many fun things to do in Galway, but it’s the overall vibe of the city that stole my heart. Have you ever been to a place like that? One where in the middle of your travels, you could simply settle down, unpack all of your things, and stay put?

With 24 hours in Galway, I’ll show you all the best things to see and do. But, make sure to take the time to absorb your surroundings.

Listen to the music emanating from talented artists on every street corner. Wander the cobblestone streets that continually lead to interesting discoveries. Appreciate the random bursts of color on homes and fences.

One Day in Galway: The Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is a picturesque area of Galway that I couldn’t help but fall in love with. The main street is called Quay Lane, and it’s is a pedestrian area lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. I went for a walk here and noticed so many little details.

There are flags waving in the breeze from every rooftop and streamers floating across the streets. The Latin Quarter is a very lively spot. Appreciate this bustling atmosphere and poke your head into the local shops on the way.

There are many talented musicians performing on various street corners. It’s organized very well in that only one artist plays at a time, or the musicians are far enough apart so the songs don’t compete in any way.

This is also a wonderful area for its street art. There are beautiful murals painted on some of the buildings and even just splashes of color everywhere. If you’re searching for what to see in Galway, you don’t want to miss walking the streets of the city center.

If you’re a fan of walking tours to familiarize yourself with a new place, check out this Galway Legendary Small Group Walking Tour. You’ll learn more many intriguing stories from your local knowledgeable guide.

In the evening, there’s another walking tour called the Dark History Walking Tour of Galway. You’ll hear about the dark side of Galway on a nighttime stroll. Mysteries, murders, hauntings…this is Galway like you’ve never seen it before.

Lunch at The Lighthouse Cafe

I dined at a cozy vegetarian restaurant called The Lighthouse and suggest you check it out. It’s a coffee house, tea room, and vegetarian/vegan lunch spot.

When I arrived, I didn’t realize that lunch wasn’t served until noon. However, there were slices of cake and dessert with coffee ready to go, so I had my dessert before my meal. Hey, what’s a girl to do?

I didn’t eat the entire slice of cake before lunch as I didn’t want to totally ruin my appetite. The slice of chocolate/cardamom/orange torte was delicious, but the veggie burger I ordered was just as tasty. I highly recommend trying their butter bean and parsley veggie burger with herb tahini, hummus, and fresh tomato salsa.

Along with their small menu, there are daily specials written on a blackboard. Whether you’re looking for coffee and cake or a light lunch, stop by The Lighthouse for a yummy and satisfying meal to begin the day on a full and happy stomach. Here are more vegan and veg-friendly restaurants in Galway.

Best Things to Do in Galway: Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop

Are you a fan of independent bookshops and libraries? I love finding quaint and unique bookstores on my travels, and Charlie Byrne’s is a shop you can browse for hours.

In a labyrinth of rooms, you’ll find 100,000 books of every variety and genre imaginable.

The knowledgeable staff meticulously organizes the books by subject matter, and there’s even a section devoted to Irish literature. If you’re seeking any books about Ireland or local history, this is one of the best places to visit in Galway.

Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop is a pretty iconic spot with books stacked all around its front entrance ways, so don’t forget to snap a few pictures of its exterior. If you’re seeking what to do in Galway for a day, definitely pop by Charlie Byrne’s to take a peek.

Things to Do in Galway: Coffee or Tea Break

After walking around the city, it’s time to take a coffee or tea break. When I visited Galway, I stopped at the beloved local spot, Cupán Tae. Unfortunately, after 12 years, their tea room in Galway has closed, although their online tea shop is still operational and they ship their tea worldwide.

In looking for a replacement tea shop to visit next time, I stumbled upon The Secret Garden Galway, which looks like a delightful establishment.

The Secret Garden is a family owned and operated tea shop in Galway. They serve over 100 types of tea from around the world, including herbal, fruity, green, oolong, white, yellow, black, Rooibos, Mate, Moroccan and blooming tea.

For the coffee lovers, they can also make a mean cappuccino, latte, or espresso beverage of choice. On top of that, The Secret Garden offers delicious desserts and pastries with vegan, raw, and gluten-free options available.

One Day in Galway: Eyre Square And #WhatLiftsYou Mural

Continue walking around town by taking a stroll past Eyre Square. Many streets all intersect at this large park. The Quincentennial Fountain features a sculpture depicting Galway Hookers, traditional fishing boats used in Galway Bay. In December, there’s a small Christmas Market at Eyre Square.

We also stumbled upon a pair of #WhatLiftsYou angel wings on a wall near Eyre Square, as painted by street artist Kelsey Montague. Similar wings exist in Nashville and all over the world. These ones are just outside of O’Connells Bar and they’re perfect for a photo opportunity.

I didn’t plan to match my sweater to the art as this find was a complete surprise – it just worked out that way! With so many awesome free things to do in Galway City, there are so many chances to take beautiful photos along the way.

As an update, the angel wings look a little more colorful these days in Galway. Kelsey Montague has painted a newer pair of wings over the old ones that are more vibrant than ever. Be sure to see the new and improved wings when you go to Galway.

What to Do in Galway: Walk on the River Corrib

The River Corrib is the shortest river in Europe, spanning only 6km in length from the lake to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a pretty powerful river with rushing waters.

In fact, it’s the fastest flowing river in Europe. Definitely embark on a walk here between the city center and the university as it’s super pretty.

There are many picturesque homes in this stretch as well with brightly painted doors and greenery growing up the walls. All in all, it’s a very photogenic area of Galway, so don’t forget to snap a few pictures while you’re here.

Discover Galway’s Street Art

Galway is a very vibrant and eclectic city, and it’s apparent in its street art and colorful murals. There’s even more street art to see beyond the Latin Quarter. Some of the best street art is across the River Corrib between the city center and the university.

Wander up and down the side streets and alleyways to admire unique works of art. It’s one of the best things to do in Galway City, and something different if you’re seeking what to do in Galway for a day.

Places to Visit in Galway: The University Grounds

The National University of Ireland Galway has stunning old buildings that look straight out of a film. Out of all the things to do in Galway, this was one of my favourites.

Vines and leaves creep around each structure, and it’s worth a peaceful and quiet walk around the property. If you have lots of time in Galway (more than one day in Galway like I had), you might even sit on a bench for a while and read a book.

Top Things to Do in Galway: The Long Walk

After checking out the university property, walk back into town and down to the waterfront. The Long Walk is one of the most iconic Galway attractions. It’s a stretch of houses facing the water near the Spanish Arch.

Galway used to be a medieval walled city, but very little remains of its fortifications. Built in 1584, there are two remaining arches from an old city wall that used to protect Galway’s quays.

They were partially destroyed in 1755 from a tsunami created from an earthquake in Lisbon. This area certainly belongs on any list of places to visit in Galway.

Once you walk through the Spanish Arch, you’ll see a long stretch of colorful homes and the river. Take a stroll down to the end and back.

There are lots of swans and seabirds along the waterfront, and I suggest taking the time to relax as the sun starts to go down. It’s one of the most beautiful places to go in Galway, and one that will evoke great memories of the city when you look back on your trip.

Hall of the Red Earl

On our way back to the city center from Galway’s waterfront, we stumbled upon the Hall of the Red Earl. This is the oldest excavated building within Galway’s medieval walls, dating back to the 13th century.

It was built by Richard de Burgo, the grandson of Walter de Burgo who founded Galway in 1232. Richard de Burgo was the third Earl of Ulster. This hall was once Galway’s primary municipal building, used as a town hall, courthouse, and tax office.

This building was used until the 15th century until the “Tribe” families of Galway seized power from the De Burgos and forced them to leave town. The Hall of the Red Earl fell into ruin. In 1997, it was rediscovered and excavations began.

You can visit the Hall of the Red Earl for free (though donations are welcome). It’s open from Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm, and it’s located on Druid Lane, off Quay Street.

Pizza for Dinner at The Dough Bros

Looking for the best pizza in Ireland? The Dough Bros makes one of the best pizzas I’ve had in a long time, and it’s quite an institution in Galway.

It’s recently been awarded the title of #15 pizzeria in the world! They use wood fired pizza ovens and the pizza is outstanding.

They have a few vegan pizzas on the menu, complete with vegan cheese. I ordered the Buffalo Soldier (Buffalo mozzarella, balsamic red onion, portobello mushroom and basil) along with garlic bread.

The restaurant has lots of 80s and 90s nostalgia through its decorative memorabilia. Naturally, I adored the restaurant even more for its Super Mario and Nintendo decor.

More Galway Attractions and Tours

There are so many things to do in Galway, more than you can possibly experience with only one day in Galway. If you decide to spend a couple of days here, here are even more suggestions for what to do in Galway.

Galway City Museum

For the local history lovers out there, check out the Galway City Museum. It’s 100% free to visit and has three floors of exhibitions relating to local history about the city. This is one of the best free things to do in Galway for sure.

Lynch’s Castle

Step inside Lynch’s Castle, a four story fortified medieval house that was home to the powerful and influential Lynch family. It’s decorated with gargoyles, carved mouldings and distinct windows. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth admiring from its exterior (this building is now home to the AIB bank).

Lynch Memorial Window

The Lynch Memorial Window is a little slice of morbid history in Galway. This was where the town’s mayor hung his son from the window after he killed a Spanish visitor. This is where the term, “lynch mob” originated.

Galway Cathedral

The Galway Cathedral is a modern cathedral with a large, green dome that features a mosaic of JF Kennedy. It’s not an old church that you’d typically see in Ireland; rather, construction began in 1958. It’s often dubbed, “the last great stone cathedral to be built in Europe”.

Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas

The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas is a medieval, 14th-century Anglican Episcopal church with beautiful architecture. It’s dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of seafarers, as Galway is a port city.

If you’re looking for a couple of short getaways from Galway, I recommend hiking the Burren, visiting the iconic Cliffs of Moher, going to Doolin, or spending a day or two on the Aran Islands. Ennis is another cute town, not too far from Galway.

Where to Stay in Galway

After you’re finished exploring all of the things to do in Galway, you need a place to get a restful night’s sleep. I highly recommend that you check out the Connacht Hotel. Even though it’s not right in the city center, there are many reasons why you should stay there.

First, the hotel is clean, comfortable, and has everything you need for a great overnight stay. The Connacht Hotel offers a luxurious stay at an affordable price.