Galway

The photos- A part of an immense walled garden behind the Doorus House hostel, which was part of the old estate belonging to Yeat's friend the Count Florimund de Basterot. The garden is now a community garden, organized by a Kinvara sustainable living group. The old steps cross a rock wall into the cemetery near Doorus House, where count Basterot and friends are buried. In the cemetery is the remains of an old friary(?) with the steps going up to what is left of the bell tower.

Yesterday I caught a ride into Galway, about an hour away- and spent half a day wandering in the touristy town with lots of young people. Many school-agers were there in groups on tour, and lots of college-aged kids seemed resident. I was in need of a good raincoat, as it was raining yet again, and I had whittled my possessions down perhaps a bit too far. The lady in the info booth pointed across the street, saying there was a Pennys in the mall. What mall? It looked like any other old street lined with small markets. But cleverly tucked in a doorway was an entrance to an inner immense shopping mall, including Burger King and McDonalds. I like that these were hidden. On the lower level is a reproduction or reconstruction of a castle, blended in with the food court. I believe there was a real castle there at some time. Or three, at least, back in the 11th century. The origins of the name Galway (Gaillimh) means 'stony river'. The city was a thriving sea port in the middle ages, but succumbed many times over the centuries to feuds and religious wars, civil wars and famines, as well as fires and tsunamis. It has recovered some in the last century, but probably nothing like its glory days as a shipping port for Spain and France.

There are several streets that are pedestrian only, with lots of interesting shops, more touristy stuff. I checked at the tourist information office about bus tours of the Connemara, the area north and west of Galway. I decided against the rental car idea, again, mostly because of stories I have heard about peoples credit card being charged in the neighborhood of $1500.00 for scratches. The roads around here are so narrow, with no place to escape as not only are there hedges with brambles, there are rock walls- within inches of the edge, and when a bus goes by the other way not even that much. The insurance to cover such things as scratches almost doubles the rental rate.

I took the bus back, and picked up the latest schedule. Bus schedules vary by the day, the season, and subject to change. I can get a bus within a mile of the hostel (3 KM)but only at 7 in the morning, to Galway. At the crossroads 5 KM away is a bus to Galway or Cliffs of Moher every couple of hours, but not after 5.

I have plans now to go to the Cliffs tomorrow, along with a ferry tour to the Aran Islands, and have to catch the 9 o'clock bus from the crossroads.