How to Spend a Day in Galway Like a Local

Planning a trip to Galway and want to experience it like a true local? From hidden coffee spots and bustling markets to scenic strolls and food markets, Galway is packed with charm, character, and culture at every turn. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this guide from Sheena Dignam of award-winning Galway Food Tours will help you spend a perfect day wandering around the city…

The perfect Saturday morning in Galway

My first stop is always a browse through Galway Market, taking in the hustle and bustle, as people gather their vegetables, bread, cheese, and various treats.

Listening to the “howya’s” from stallholders and the “sure how would ya be” from customers (a solid Irish answer, meaning there’s nothing to complain about), who catch up like old friends after a week apart- stall holders gathering the customer’s order from memory as they continue the chat. The market always brings a great atmosphere to the city’s streets.

After weaving my way through the market crowds, I head straight to Charlie Byrne’s book shop, my favourite bookshop in Galway, full of a mixture of old and new books- there’s always a new book to pick up!

Next, I head over to Magpie bakery to grab a loaf a sourdough, buttery pastry, and a cup of Calendar coffee and find a little cosy corner to sit down, savouring my coffee and pastry while reading my new book.

Once finished, I head back through the market, grab my groceries (I always get the groceries on the way home so I’m not lugging heavy bags around all morning!)-eggs, cheese, veg, hummus, sundried tomatoes and of course a bag of “Danny doughnuts” from Danny at Boychick Donuts, who has been serving the city’s best donuts for more than 20 years.

Then I head home, and I unpack everything and make a delicious lunch from my market haul-rounding it all off with a steaming hot cup of tea (Barry’s of course), a “Danny Doughnut” and reading another chapter or two of my new books!

Explore the ‘hidden’ part of Galway

As much as I love the hustle and bustle of the city, sometimes I just want to enjoy some of its quieter parts.

Galway is full of hidden gems, from walks by the canal in the Westend, to hidden benches facing the Corrib at Woodquay – places you can sit for hours with your favorite book or just appreciate the coming and going of nature (we’re spoilt really!).

One of my favourite scenic routes I take (on a quiet day) starts down in the Westend. I’ll grab a coffee (keep cups for the win) in Plámas and a slice of Hapi Bakery cake to go!

From Plámas, I’ll walk down along the canal toward the university, take a right towards the Cathedral once I reach Ward’s and cross over the Salmon Weir Bridge. Once I get to the end of the bridge I cross the road (to meet the salmon wood carving) and then follow the waterfront along to Woodquay (you’ll know you there once you see the rowing club!).

Then I just pick a bench to sit and enjoy my coffee and cake, take out my book and let the world pass by.