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Westward Bound

Going all the way in (to) Galway

By Carl Fisher

August 5^th, 2017

galavantn in galway

After adventures to the north of Dublin, it was time to go West. Ireland is an island after all and it didn't take long to hit the other coast. Galway is quite the bubbling little town. The shops are quaint and the people plenty friendly. We had some good eats at Ard Bia at Nimmos. I highly recommend it.

I actually did manage to get some culture during my trip to Ireland. Galway happened to be the pinnacle. Oh Dublin tried, but it fell far from the mark for me. For emotive, in your face drama the Druid Theatre was the ticket. It was fortunate that five short pieces were being performed by up and coming artists. With seats secured in the front row, I was a little worried that I might get sprayed upon or pulled into the action in some participatory skit. Fortunately I was able to sit back and enjoy the show without being accosted. Afterwards, it was definitely time for a drink (or two).

Much as I enjoyed store hopping during the day, the real fun began when the sun went down. Things really started to hop. Or at least that's the way it felt after downing a few pints (I'm a light weight). The bars were certainly buzzing and the streets were filled with fellow bar hoppers. One street attraction were horizontal bars about 7 feet in the air that people were challenged to hang from while doing a pull up and holding for 3 minutes. The prize? Cash money. It looked easy, but no one seemed able to do it. Until I stepped forward..... and kept on stepping down the street. I felt no need to impress anyone with my athletic prowess and I didn't need the money that badly (that's my story anyhow).

Made me want to come back in the summer when it's hot (or at least more shorts worthy)

Traditional Claddagh jewelery was just a few steps away.

View of the River Corrib from Ard Bia at Nimmos.

water works

There had apparently been quite the thriving fishing industry going on in Galway, but the only vestiges that I saw was a lone fellow dipping his pole into a stream. I don't think he caught anything, but cudos to him for trying.

I didn't see any fish, but it's can be a relaxing diversion for some.

oh buoy

Since we were on the coast, it was not too surprising to find a few boats in the vicinity. Many of them were stuck up on the sand due to the tide, but what they lacked in bobbing, they made up for with nautie names.

horse play

Those Irish sure aren't timid. Getting close to the locals is something that comes naturally to them.

Marketing

One of the things that I often seek out close to home are farmers markets. Luck would have it that there was one happening the very morning of our departure. While the quality is usually exceptional, I have the same feeling when I leave that I do departing Whole Foods, much lighter in the wallet and with far fewer things in my bag than I was expecting to have. Still, the freshness and authenticity is hard to beat.