Spent most of Monday sightseeing around Galway City - just a fantastic city. It has a great vibe - street performers on every corner. We did a brisk early morning walk around the harbour which leads out to Galway Bay. Didn't see too many early morning walkers - I think it was probably too cold for the majority of people. The wind blowing off the bay was perishing. Can't remember the last time I felt SOO cold. Had morning tea at a beautiful little teahouse called "CUPANTAE" (which is Irish for cup of tea)! Reminded me so much of Clarinda's in Edinburgh. The selection of cakes/slices was mouth watering and we felt very much like the landed gentry, sipping our tea out of antique fine bone china teacups.
Just so much history in this city. Buildings dating back hundreds of years - just so much to take in.
After leaving Galway we headed north west to the little village of CONG. This was the site of the 1940's movie "The Quiet Man". The whole village is just like a miniature film set.
Found a bush walk that led us to Ashford Castle so we snuck in the backway and didn't have to pay the $20 entrance fee. Very Downtown Abbeyish I think!
Finally arrived at Alan's family's farm and Strawberry Hill, Co Galway and were warmly greeted by Anne and Noel.
The farm is set in picturesque open fields with lush green pastures and a scattering of white farm houses and stone fences close by.
Tuesday we headed off to Carrick on Shannon to the north and then skipped across to Westport on the Atlantic west coast. The weather at Carrick was FREEZING and the wind literally chilled my bones. Luckily, by the time we arrived at Westport - the sun had come out and it was a lovely sunny afternoon.
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