I spent most of 7 weeks in Galway. It's really nice as far as cities go, but I don't so much know about what to do. The pubs are great, of course, and there's a nice park along the Corrib where you can read a book, drink beer, and generally have a good time. And it's a wonderful town to wander around.
A lot depends on when you're going, too. When I first got there on May 1, it was almost perfect. Tourist season hadn't really started yet, so it wasn't overrun, and I was lucky enough to arrive during a festival (This was in 2004, and Ireland held the EU presidency while 10 new countries joined, so I was there for the Accession Day party) which was just amazing. By the time I left, it was mid-June, and whenever I went into the centre of town it was mostly foreigners. So, go early in the season, and check the events calendar for the best experience.
Aside from what Galway itself offers, you'll almost certainly have to pass through to get to some of the best spots in Ireland - Connemara and the Aran Islands - so you might as well spend a night or two.
galway is the best town in the country - the aran islands are magical - if you would like some more proper insider knowledge on the island gimme a shout - my father is from the island and I spent alot of my childhood there so its a home from home. Great guinness and chowder - wouldn't mind some of it now!!!
