Gaillimh

Spring Break '09 happened! My first Guinness in Ireland....it was a happy moment. I visited my friend Emily in Galway (Gaillimh). She is studying there for the semester and offered up her couch for me to sleep on. I haven't seen her in a year, so it was nice catching up!

I arrived Saturday afternoon after a flight and a bus ride. It was great to be able to spend a larger amount of time somewhere, rather then jetting off to the next destination. I stayed in Galway for 6 days and actually got to know a little piece of Ireland!

A lot of the time was spent relaxing and having her show me what she's been doing the last few months. We did go out a lot to the pubs, which was very fun. I have to say, that was probably one of my favorite parts of the entire trip. The atmosphere of an Irish pub is just friendly, fun, inviting, and relaxing. I felt comfortable, slightly at home, and not at all intimidated with just sitting around, chatting, listening to Irish music and hanging out all night.

While she did show me around Galway and the area, we took a bus tour to the Cliffs of Moher - all I have to say is incredible. I got to see my castles and beautiful Irish countryside as well.

The Poulnabrone - a tomb that is 5800 years old. That is older than the Egyptian Pyramids!!! There are about 30 persons burried under that as well. They were constructed by Neolithic farmers.
Several of these types of tombs dot the landscape on our way up the Burren mountains towards the coast. These mountains are made out of limestone carved by the glaciers.
Galway Bay
More of Galway Bay
Me!
Kilfenora Cathedral and Crosses which are Celtic Crosses that ardorn the 6th century monastery







Leamonagh Castle
The dome on the Cliffs of MoherCliffs!







Dunguaire Castle/Kinvara. This is a 16th century castle!


Ballyalban Fairy Fort - A prehistoric ring fort or ancient farmers homestead is now believe to be inhabited by little men with orange beards and green hats! So they say....

At The Crane - Monday night, Emily and I decided to go listen to some Irish music. There were originally 3 people playing when we walked in. Throughout the course of the 2hrs we were there, 6 more people showed up and began playing. It was awesome!
At the Bierhaus, we decided to enjoy another Guinness.
The river running through Galway near Emily's school
Taaffes - one of the well-known bars in Galway

I took this picture because it said Cheesemongers!!!!

I fell in love with Ireland and really hope to go back one day. I even managed to get my french paper done while there. I liked getting to know a city a litte bit better and after 6days in Ireland I felt relaxed and ready for Prague!