Back to Dublin

Galway was en-route to Dublin for us. Being a large city I was really expecting to see something similar to Dublin – but, what a surprise! The city centre has kept it identity and it was lovely to walk around this city and soak up the atmosphere. Yes, they do have large shopping malls and designer shops but they have been integrated into this city so much so you hardly notice they are there.

 A typical street scene in the city of Galway.

Enjoying a glass of wine in a Galway Pub.

Galway is located on Galway Bay and the Aran Islands are close by. We have been very lucky weather-wise again and were able to walk most places here. The city is located on the River Corrib and a small river called Friars River. Both are very picturesque with lovey walkways along both rivers. Sadly this was a short stay due to some changes in our travel plans but we did drive and have a look at Galway Bay. It is a very popular holiday area and there are many large hotels, B&B’s and holiday apartments right along the bay.

Friar's River in Galway.

Our next stop was Athlone in the midlands. Again this was a short stay and we were not sure what to expect. Athlone was another surprise, situated on the upper reaches of the Shannon River (the largest in Ireland). There is a large weir there and several locks that are used each day. Athlone is a popular area for all types of watersports on the river and a couple of large lakes. The town is a popular holiday destination with large hotel chains located here, plus all types of other holiday accommodation. Athlone Castle was one of the best castles we have been too. They have spent a lot of money investing in excellent audio visual displays and interactive activities to suit all ages. You leave this Castle knowing that you have learnt a lot about the history of this town. Again the history is a violent one like most of Ireland and you learn what a large part the Shannon River has played over the centuries.

The Shannon River at Athlone.

Athlone Castle - an excellent place to visit.

St Peter and St Paul's Cathedral at Athlone, located on the Shannon River.

Our last day was spent in Dublin again, and we did go back into the city. I still think the city centre lacks a soul but we did walk further along the river and discovered a really interesting group of modern statues depicting the ‘Great Irish Potato Famine’. The faces show sheer misery, as did their frail thin bodies – over 1 million people died during the famine whilst English aristocrats were still exporting grain crops from Ireland. These statues were donated to Ireland by the Canadian Government with plaques saying how much the Irish immigrants helped the early settlement of Canada.

Statues depicting the ‘Great Irish Potato Famine’.



Statues depicting the ‘Great Irish Potato Famine’.

Ireland has been wonderful to visit. There are so many places we did not have time to see … oh well, perhaps another time!