Fall has fully embraced Ireland, and winter seems to be approaching fast. Experiencing this cold wet weather has us creating our own form of hibernation. We don’t seem to have the urge to venture forth, onto the muddy pathways and walk the ruins, or investigate the lesser known forests. We’ve slipped into "what can we do indoors” mode. Yea, yea – we’re lightweights. But we also figure when spring bounces into Ireland we too shall bounce back and go forth. And, that’s Okay!
We took a train ride into Galway, just to refresh ourselves with this marvelous & exciting town and to actually see the route taken by the Macnas Parade. Trains can be wonderful adventures, but we’ve had a tough time of figuring out the seating. We both dislike to ride backwards, but can’t seem to find a formula to guarantee we’ll ride forward. Alas, alas this trip was no different. I specifically reserved the exact same seats for both the coming and the going (just to test the system – figured I’d have a 50/50 chance) and I’ll be damned - both ways we sat backwards!! Obviously, different cars each time. I suppose we could be like the locals and just buy our ticket, be first in line to board and take our chances to find that perfect seat. However, since we board in Athlone – which is half way through the journey in either direction it’s not likely we’ll get a good seat on our ‘going’ part of the trip. Coming home should be alright, so perhaps next time we’ll challenge ourselves and do like the locals do.
I like Galway; its right on the Atlantic, has a great bay, lots of boats and numerous beaches to visit (when the weather is better). There are several small streets in Galway, many pedestrians only. It’s easy to get turned around and lost on them, which we’ve done a couple of times, but I’m getting better knowing which way is which. Also, many tourist type stores along with your ‘normal’ department stores. Galway likes to host lots of events and festivals. There always seems to be something going on and always street entertainment (buskers).
Later this month they’ll have their Christmas Market in Eyre Square. This is a large park in the middle of the city, adjacent to the train station (easy to find). Also, adjacent to the park is a large indoor mall which was incorporated in and around the old Medieval city walls. Makes for pretty cool architectural features, but 'll never get used to finding a butcher in a mall.
This trip was primarily reconnaissance for the Christmas Market which will be a nighttime adventure – on the train.
