DAY 9: Galway Has Gone to the Dogs

Observation of the day: Galway, Ireland is a great place to be a dog. Their variety of owners -- whether man or woman, young or old, well-to-do or struggling artist -- clearly love their furry beasts. And the pups are a happy, obedient bunch. Many are off-leash & gleefully come over for a free butt scratch, but quickly run back to their owners with just a nod of their heads.

We had a lovely Easter day in Galway today. After everyone slept in, we had a late start to the day deciding to head to “our” town of Salthill for coffee before walking the mile or so to Galway. Luckily, we ran into our landlord and upon his recommendation, we headed to Salthill’s local version of a Starbuck’s, Arabica. In my opinion, Arabica was much better. After being fortified, we walked along the beach promenade towards Galway.

Even 13-year-old Dudley was out getting his exercise.

Despite the overcast day, it was still a beautiful stroll and we couldn’t get enough of all the cute dogs out for their morning romps on the beach and the promenade.

We couldn't meet this energetic gal as all she cared about was chasing her ball.

JM searching for rocks upon a special request from home.

Arriving at the Claddagh.

We enjoyed meeting this fellow & purchasing a handcrafted
plaque in Gaelic with a saying which translates to "The Traveller Has Many Stories."

We made it to Galway around noon, with no agenda in my mind except HM wanted to find a jewelry store she read about. We stumbled upon a local artisans outdoor market surrounding St. Nicholas’ Church & enjoyed looking at their crafts. They had some beautiful items. We bought some lovely mementos featuring some famed Celtic imagery and really enjoyed talking to the artists about their work and their town.

After, we explored St. Nicholas’ Church built in circa 1320. It is said Christopher Columbus most certainly worshipped here in 1477 and may have been inspired by tales of St. Brendan the Navigator, a monk who is believed to have sailed to America in the 6^th century. 

Beautiful pews in St. Nicholas Church.

Supposedly some early Celtic writings have been found in Virginia which are St. Brendan’s. JM and I had never heard this. We decided Columbus had a better PR machine.

The Latin Quarter was filled with color.

We meandered some more and enjoyed watching & listening to the many street performers also as known as buskers in what they refer to as the “Latin Quarter,” a pedestrian-friendly area filled with pubs, restaurants and shops. Of course, it all reminded our family of Disney!

We loved watching this beautiful Irish
lass perform her "street river dance."

Delicious!

McCarty clan: Galway edition.

Upon the recommendation of one of the artists we met, we popped in to a well-known local pub called Tig Coili to hear some traditional Irish music. Although the place was cozy, we were lucky enough to find seats & enjoy our first Guinness in Ireland! We also enjoyed meeting a Belfast couple seated next to us who were in town for the holiday weekend. It took awhile to understand his accent, but as I drank the Guinness, it seemed to become a bit easier!

Tig Coili was filled with locals and tourists alike.

Afterwards, we strolled down near the water to check out the Galway Food Festival. The girls indulged in some fresh-cut “chips” (fries) and JM and I had delicious fresh calamari. This was a VERY small food festival, but it was fun to pop in and watch one of their local chefs doing a “cooking for kids” demonstration which EM particularly enjoyed. We took the recipes home with plans to convert the measurements to stuff we understand!

By now, we decided we were ready for linner and found a delicious local bistro called The Quay Street Kitchen. Girls opted for steak, JM had lamb (his favorite) and as I never was able to sample Indian fare in London, I got a traditional Irish chicken curry! It was yummy.

After a full day of exploring, we headed back home along the promenade to do some laundry, rest & get ready for Monday’s adventure – the Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle.

Beautiful landscape walking from Salthill to Galway. Photo creds: HM

HM: As I begin my blog entry I have one important thing I need to say: there are SO many wonderful doggos in Ireland!!

Black swan in Galway Bay. Photo creds: HM

After a wonderfully slow start to the morning, the Carty Clan had a delicious meal at a small café called Arabica. I had the best bagel with crispy bacon and cream cheese EVER. (Like it was out of this world.) We then took the short walk to central Galway. A path wound us around the windy coast, which was scattered with doggos, seagulls, and swans! The view was gorgeous.

Ireland is now well-presented on HM's fingers!

Once we arrived to the central area of Galway we set out on the hunt for Claddagh Jewelers. Unfortunately, because of the Easter holiday the shop was closed. Luckily though we stumbled upon an artisan market and walking through the market, I found three Celtic rings—one of them being the gorgeous Claddagh ring. The Claddagh ring is a ring worn by Irish girls. (The ring tells whether the girl is single or not.) The other two rings I purchased are Celtic knots.

With direction from one of the artists at the market we went into a local pub, which held festive music, friendly faces, and delicious beverages. Chatting with a couple from Northern Ireland, we swapped stories of Fort Lauderdale and Ireland before parting ways.

We ended the day with a delicious meal and a wonderful walk home to our flat. Overall, it was a beautiful and relaxing Easter in Galway.

Hoppy Easter everyone!

EM: It was fun to meet all the doggies in Galway. I also liked learning about “hurling” from a kids’ show I watched on TV. It is an Irish sport similar to lacrosse. I found some souvenir hurling wooden 

EM was happy to be back on track with her steps - nearly 20,000 today!

sticks at the local market. And I like my ring that dad bought me. It means friendship, loyal to the crown and love the heart.

Random pics of the day

Ireland is so Catholic even the manhole covers feature crosses. Photo creds: HM

There are no railings around the water, these water rings were placed all along the Quay with signs that say, "A Stolen Ringbuoy - A Stolen Life." Hate to think they ever have to use them, but at least everyone heeds the warning.

Scenes of Galway -- these young gentlemen were stumbling out of
the pub at noon. It looked like it was an all-nighter with some crazy stories.

Pretty sure this pub owner wouldn't welcome the McCarty felines.