A shopping and sightseeing day in Galway City.
The narrow streets, open to only pedestrians, lead down to the quay or small port.
Lots of interesting reminders of Galway's past.
Buskers entertain the public all year round but especially in the lead up to the Galway Festival
Buskers of all persuasions
and musical tastes.....
Irish always have an original turn of phrase
At the port there is a residential section by the pier called the Claddagh Village. These originally were all thatched cottages and homes to the fishermen and their families when the industry was viable.
In the more modern section of the harbour there are some expensive modern craft.
The Galway Hooker Festival is a highlight in the national calendar
Houses on the quay called The Long Walk.
Anoyher historical reminder along the quay.
The port has a mixture of modern apartments and others still in keeping with traditional finishes.
A protective mother seagull with her growing chicks.
Spanish Arch at the port dates back to 1584 when trade with Spain was the basis of the Galway economy.
The canal with its locks is not operational anymore but it used to be used to transport goods from a lake north of Galway, Lough Corrib, near where we are staying in Menlo.
The canal forms part of a river walk through the town, with adjoining parks.
The fast flowing River Corrib, which feeds the water to the canal.
In the centre of the city is Salmon Weir, where fishermen stalk the shoals of salmon swimming upstream.
Crossing the Salmon Weir Bridge to the cathedral. The large building was built in the 1960s.
The cathedral is built of limestone and has local marble flooring.
They have weekly organ recitals during the summer months.
Very modern stained glassed windows.
In Market Street is Lynch's Window. Legend has it that in the sixteenth century, the mayor of Galway hanged his son on this spot when he was found to be guilty of murdering a Spanish visitor.
Irish music in many pubs after 9.30 every night.
Great atmosphere in this pub. The management encourages new talent and community bands to play.
My boots have been re-stitched, postcards sent, hire car organised, washing done. We are off travelling for a few days up the north-west coast, staying in the charming-sounding Killybegs, before heading south to the equally charming-sounding Dingle. We begin our Kerry Way walk on Thursday, 9th July. It's been a cloudy day with misty rain. We are so grateful that the sun shone for us over the last few days in the Aran Islands.
M&M
2/7/2014
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