Our house-sit is about 40 minutes by bus to Galway and we realised we could visit Galway and be home in time to walk our energetic charge.
Just before Easter we had a trial and it was well worth it. As part of the ongoing “Lets visit the Tourist office” “Why do we need to?” – we did and as always I ate my words – always worth a visit. Not only did we find all kinds of information for our ongoing trip a walking tour of Galway was about to begin and we signed up. Lucky us – we had a very experienced and informative Gerry Bourke
One of more entertaining stories about the endless attempts throughout history to keep the Irish separated and oppressed – an early bylaw that “Neither O, ne Mac, shoulde Strutte ne Swagger, throughe the Streetes of Gallway“.
Another memorable story was in St Nicholas where a burial plaque describes the death of an 11year old James Kearney who lost his spinning top in the street and was run over by a horse and cart. Below the plaque was a low squat door by our standard but thought to be average for the short, squat people of early times – maybe my heritage!
On a recommendation from Gerry we headed to McDonaghs Fish and Chip Bar. As we waited in the long queue Chris contemplated having a pie or chicken – the woman in front of us turned and informed Chris dramatically that was he to order anything other than Cod and Chips she would take him outside and pelt him with rotten apples! Chris ordered Cod and Chips as did I – indescribably delicious – moist, thick white fillets of cod perfectly cooked with a bonus treat of sitting with the two women in front of us – mother and daughter. Lots of laughs as the daughter described living in Melbourne and the mum described reeling her in – back to Ireland.
Before heading back to the Coach station a quick diversion and of course a couple of purchases at Sheridan Cheesemongers fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your cholesterol level!) popping up opposite St Nicholas Church on our tour.
The old part of the city is as one expects – much of it is pedestrian only with lovely small streets lined with the many eras of older buildings that includes the oldest the Lynch Castle once belonging to one of 14 powerful families forming the Tribe now a bank which has in the foyer a detailed map dating from 1600’s, the original building may have been built in the 1400s. Other famous buildings including the house Nora Barnacle grew up in and James Joyce met Nora’s mother in this house. And Tigh Neachtain the public house in the building once owned by the man who worked to have laws introduced preventing cruelty to animals and the beginning of the RSPCA.
More interesting facts about Galway’s history and buildings HERE
Two more quick trips to Galway each time exploring a little bit more of the city and bay.
A walk across the bridge to Claddagh and the lovely park spreading out to the bay. Looking back on a lovely row of older houses across the river with swans in various poses on the river making a photographers dream.
Time listening and watching the many buskers of Galway from a endlessly energetic Irish dancer, a fiddler on a tightrope and many talented musicians.
For our final visit I had a very pleasant and successful visit to Foot Solutions where the lovely Katie fitted me with a perfect pair of travel walking shoes. Such a lovely shopping experience given some of the difficulties of the past. A cup of coffee to celebrate and again we encountered a friendly experience at Cafe Temple “A new social café in Galway focusing on using the best local and Irish suppliers. All of our profits go towards supporting local charities”. Delightful setting, excellent coffee and chatty enthusiastic staff.
