We left Dublin early on Monday morning, heading towards the town of Galway and the west coast of Ireland. I was able to use my debit card to take out euros at a service plaza. The exchange rate seemed pretty good– 1 euro was equal to $1.24 U.S. Surprisingly, there were no fees at the ATM, nor did our bank levy any. Upon arriving in Galway, the driver dropped us off at Eyre Square. Allie led us on a short walking tour of the Latin Quarter, ending at the River Corrib. Then we were free to shop and have lunch.
Galway is an old town, having obtained its Royal Charter in 1396. Fourteen merchant families or “tribes” controlled the city for the next 200 years. Dennis’s ancestors were from one of those families, the Joyce family. Flags with the family crests and names were posted along Eyre Square.
I had one goal in mind for Galway. I wanted to buy a wool sweater for myself. I knew it would be expensive, but I was determined to find the perfect one. I also wanted to visit Thomas Dillon’s shop, the first maker of Claddaugh rings. Dennis and I had great fun shopping, although I have to admit he spent more than me. However, I did find a great sweater!
Making our way back to the bus, we stopped at GBC (Galway Bread Cafe) for lunch. It was a busy place, but the sandwiches were filling and the restrooms were nice. Next stop: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
March 26, 2018
It’s one of my dreams to go to Galway! I am so jealous. It looks like ya’ll had an amazing time!:)
I haven’t been to Ireland yet and this blog post makes me want to visit the country! Thank you for sharing this!
I really never get tired of seeing your beautiful pictures to Ireland especially around Saint Patricks Day it just gets me in the Irish mind set.
I think there’s something magical about rainy days! I hope to visit Ireland one day soon.
I enjoyed your blog & nice photos from Ireland. No atm fees is great!
Wow, Galway looks amazing! I do hope to make it out there sometime over the next year. I’d love to see the sweater you found!
Beautiful and fresh photographs and a great trip.
I have visited Ireland, I love the place. Capturing it in its rainy moment is definately catching Ireland in its essence. It’s so rainy there but never detracts from its beauty.😁
I have been to Ireland before but never to Galeway it looks like an amazing place , I’m going to have to add it to my list of places to visit
Galway looks like a pretty town even when irit raining! And your morning seemed to be amazing!
Such a fun trip! Now you got me wanting to go there!!
Wow, Ireland looks amazing! I love viewing places people have visited, so cool that we can share our adventures through our blogs. I hope one day maybe my husband and I can go to Ireland, as his family originated there:) your photos are great, thanks for sharing!
Love this! We were in Galway in May right before their crazy “EdFest.” I enjoyed Galway more than Dublin!
Oh your trip is just amazing!!! I so wish I had made it over to Ireland last time we were across the pond. My husband has a family line from (Gainertown) now known as the Granard Territory I believe, so we have aspirations to make it back over soon.
I was there years ago! I loved all the shopping.
Mrs. Cleland this is Julie. I got on your blog because I was curious of what you’ve been posting lately. I love reading your blogs; they entertain me a lot.