JUNE 2014 : IRELAND : Galway

        

           We took a bus from Dublin to Galway - two hours.

       

          Leaving the classic architecture of Dublin to the more modern port town of Galway.

         

            We are staying with friends just out of the centre of Galway in Menlo.

       

          There are remnants of a castle nearby

          

          

              Menlo is near a lake. Fishing is very popular here and in the river, where there are large salmon

         

               In John's shed we found a nest of swallows.

        

           Chicks being fed by diligent parents

                                    

         

            Maugie swims daily in the ocean winter and summer. Despite only being 17o many locals out frolicking in the sea as if it were a heat wave.

          

             All signage in Gaelic and English. Galway is recognised for a large community which either speaks or promotes the use of Gaelic. There are several Gaelic schools here.

        

           Galway has a population of 250,000. It is an attractive small port, is a university town and has a thriving tourist industry.

        

           There are cobbled streets with many restaurants, pubs and cafés. Live music everywhere.

        

          One of John and Maugie's favourite pubs.

          

          We are in the west coast of Ireland for the next few weeks and look forward to exploring the national parks and small towns before walking the Kerry Way in the south-west.

M&M 

27/6/2014