Must do in Galway in a day

Edit: somehow I saw Glasgow in the question, but it’s now clearly Galway. So I withdraw my original suggestions, but consider Glasgow, Scotland on a future trip!

P.S. Hopefully it won’t be raining for your one day in Galway, but be prepared, in case it does.

I think there's some confusion re: the post by Cyn. The gallery mentioned is in Glasgow (Scotland), not Galway (Ireland).

The RS Guide says you can see Galway's sights in three hours, "but without an evening in town, you've missed the best." "The joy of Galway is the street scene." There are two HoHo bus companies and there are walking tours by two operators: Galway Walking Tours and Liam Silke.

Galway - at least the old town - is very walkable. I would take a walking tour to hear the history. You used to be able to pick up a free one (tip only) in front of The Skeffington on Eyre Square. Then spend time in the old town area. There is a nice museum near the Spanish Arch. Lots of street performers and good pubs in the old town. I especially like The Kings Head for food - the Irish stew and the fish and chip are both delicious. Tigh Neachtain’s pub serves a great pint of Guinness and has some good music in the evenings. I have been to Galway several times and never found the need for a HOHO bus. I stayed busy in the old section. (Maybe I missed something??? 😳). Enjoy!!

Edited to add that you might also like a visit to the historic St. Nicholas Church and if you are there on the weekend, check the market that springs up around the church. Again, this is in the old town.

Thank you all for your swift replies, very helpful. I can't wait for my 3 weeks in Ireland.

I really didn’t like Galway itself. I would vote for a day tour out to the Aran Islands.

I highly recommend the 90 minute (or more) walking tour by the Galway Civic Trust. It focuses on medieval buildings and architectural remnants you might otherwise miss all over the old center. It meets at Hall of the Red Earl. Check for days and times. It is by donation -- the donation goes to the Civic Trust. I also enjoyed walking to Salthill and then along the beach promenade. You can also take a bus one or both ways.