I spent my weekend as a "Galway Girl" in, as you could assume, Galway and surrounding areas. I went with a trip organized by the International Student Society and I'd rate it 10/10. Here is a breakdown of what my weekend looked like.
Kilbegan Distillery
Our first stop was at the Kilbegan Distillery where we learned about the history of this famous Irish whiskey, toured the exhibit and had a taste. We even got to keep the glasses!
Clonmacnoise
Next, was a monastery in County Offaly. This area has historic significance and known to be seat of the Kings of Connacht who were buried here.
Walking Tour of Galway
From there, we went to Galway and our guide led us on a walking tour of the area. We learned little tid bits of history around the Eyre Center and the surrounding areas.
This photo was taken later that night.
I highly recommend the pub The Quey (pronounced the key) for anyone going to Galway! There was live music in several pubs each night.
Connemara
Saturday morning we headed over to Connemara. Along the way our bus driver told us of several Irish beliefs, showed us the old potato farms from the famine that are still visible on the hillsides, and where to look for the lambs. We drove along the mountains, rivers and lakes listening to old Irish songs like Red is the Rose. We made some stops throughout the day.
To the right is a Fairy Tree. The Irish will not cut down an Fairy Tree as it is believed to be a passageway to the underworld.
Village of Cong
This was a quiet village we wondered around coming across ruins of an abbey and natural beauties. Anyone recall the movie The Quiet Man? The film starring John Wayne was filmed here.
The photo to the right is the remains of a monk's fishing house.
The remains of an abbey in Cong.
Kylemore Abbey
Located in County Galway, the abbey is currently under construction. We were able to tour a few rooms in the abbey, the Victorian Walled Garden and the Gothic Church Mitchell Henry built in memory of his wife (not visible in this photo).
Along the way somewhere..
Our bus driver let us take a quick stop at this old castle. Kayla, Mackenzie and I liked to think we found "Castle on the Hill". (song by Ed Sheeran)
Sunday I packed up from my first hostel and prepared for some walking.
We stopped at a beach area where a scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was filmed. Later, at the Cliff of Moher, we could see the cave from a scene in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
The Baby Cliffs of Moher as our bus driver called them.
Lunch in Doolin. I highly recommend stopping here to eat on the way to the cliffs! Best chips and fish I have had so far! Our bus driver had great recommendations and liked to joke around which really made the trip great.
The Cliffs of Moher
We had perfect weather! Beautiful day and views! :)
From the cliffs we headed back to Dublin.
The student center hosted a Super Bowl Party..aka FREE FOOD! Considering the time difference, the party was 10 pm to 4 am, but I just stayed around long enough to eat some greasy typical American food!
Now, for those wondering (Dad), I do go to class. It took awhile to get things sorted out, but it's official now! I have five classes Tuesday through Thursday. Woohoo! Four day weekends! I do enjoy most of my classes. I take Economic History, Dairy Production, Food Diet and Health, Agriculture Policy and a Horticulture course. Mondays have never been so great!
Thanks for taking time to read! :)
