County Galway, in the far western part of Ireland, is in the heart of Connaught, which is one of the "Four Green Fields" often sung about in the old Traditional Irish Ballard about its four territories. The other three being Munster, Leinster, and Ulster, making up all of Ireland. Ulster is now part of the United Kingdom and called Northern Ireland.
Galway has a traditional cultural pride that is proven by its many Gaelic schools where many Irish youngsters from all over Ireland are sent to learn the Gaelic language and old traditions, including the boat making and sailing of the unique Irish sailboats with the red sails. They have competitions and races, which are sights to see out in the Galway Bay from the shores.
I think that Connemara was my first real Irish experience on my first trip to Ireland. It was the area that we explored first, and while traveling on a remote back road, we came across a friendly donkey standing in the middle of the road. When we stopped he came to our window and poked his head inside, we scrambled to find him crackers and leftover bread as we bolted outside of the car to pet him. He nuzzled against us and even gave me a kiss. What a great welcome to Ireland that was. The second experience was stopping for the first time in the pub called Keanes, which was in Maam Bridge called Joyce Country. What a welcome we had there, where we had our first Guinness and cup of hot Irish tea. We were told by the locals that the original Irish cottage used in the movie the "Quiet Man," with John Wayne and Maureen O'Sullivan, was nearby, and they were very proud of that.
Galway has a traditional cultural pride that is proven by its many Gaelic schools where many Irish youngsters from all over Ireland are sent to learn the Gaelic language and old traditions, including the boat making and sailing of the unique Irish sailboats with the red sails. They have competitions and races, which are sights to see out in the Galway Bay from the shores.
I think that Connemara was my first real Irish experience on my first trip to Ireland. It was the area that we explored first, and while traveling on a remote back road, we came across a friendly donkey standing in the middle of the road. When we stopped he came to our window and poked his head inside, we scrambled to find him crackers and leftover bread as we bolted outside of the car to pet him. He nuzzled against us and even gave me a kiss. What a great welcome to Ireland that was. The second experience was stopping for the first time in the pub called Keanes, which was in Maam Bridge called Joyce Country. What a welcome we had there, where we had our first Guinness and cup of hot Irish tea. We were told by the locals that the original Irish cottage used in the movie the "Quiet Man," with John Wayne and Maureen O'Sullivan, was nearby, and they were very proud of that.
Quick Tips:When you go to Co. Galway, especially the Connemara region, prepare to stay for at least 2 to 4 days. Granted, you will need ample time to take in the true spirit of Galway, starting with Oughterard, which is nicknamed "The Gateway of the West." Galway is right on Galway Bay and has a good population of students and residents, but it is a bit of a challenge to get into the city center after attacking a number of round-a-bouts. I found myself going around and around one in particular until I was sure I chose the correct exit.
I loved Galway, the city; it was charming for its larger size, and the shops and restaurants on Quay Street and in Erye Square were great fun to visit. It is also the home of the first and original "claddaugh ring."
But nothing can beat Connemara and its bare mountains, valleys, bogs, and streams. The coastal area is an array of changing colors, so many blues that shift back and forth as the clouds move over the mountains and the sea. Gorgeous. Bring lots of film or memory cards, because you will want to take lots of photos. I would recommend going to Spiddal, Carna, Cashel, Roundstone, Ballyconnelly, Cliften, Maam Cross, Oughterard, and Leenane. And it will take a few days to see it all properly.
Best Way To Get Around:Actually, besides renting a car, you can take the bus from Galway to places like Rossaveal and then take a ferry to the Aran Islands, and you can do it all in 1 day. It leaves Galway early, around 6:30am, and you will get back around 7:30pm or so. But it's worth every minute. Once you get out to the island, you can rent a bike or take a tour, which will bring you around the island to all the well-known sites. There are also pubs, cafes, and gift shops to visit.
Trains can be taken from the major cities like Limerick or Dublin to Galway. This can also be a fun experience.
0 comments:
Post a Comment