Galway

 

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The day started cloudy after overnight rain, but promised better things to come! After a lengthy discussion with our B+B owner, Bridie, and patting her golden retriever (still a puppy at heart), we headed off to a craft village in the town of Spiddal.

The Celtic 'coin' jeweller entertained us with his stories of his visit to Australia, and laughter all the way to the bank! The basket weaver tried to impress us by saying that he gave one of his baskets to Prince Charles a few weeks ago.

The popular coffee shop had an array of fresh baked, including some scrumptious sausage rolls with relish. We were darkly told that the owner was actually a kiwi!

 

By the time we drove back to Galway Central the sun was out, as were the crowds and the buskers. First up we met Declan "you can see me on YouTube" (Declan Walsh Entertains ! with spoons, Galway). If you watch the clip you will understand why I placed him next to the statue of Oscar Wilde.

Next we came across a group at probably the best busking location in town, doing 'folk rock' in the Amercian parlance. Instrumentals okay; vocals possibly requiring a little more work. The bass player doubled up with his foot symbols! (Cool)

 

 

I was really taken with the puppeteer! Very clever with a classical music background.

By this time our pockets were much lighter!

 

 

 

 

Then Serendipity came into play. As we approached St Nicholas church we heard beautiful singing. As we entered a steward asked "which language do you speak?" We were lucky enough to catch the end of a concert by a touring Amercian choir. They were very appreciative that we had come to listen!

 

 

The church has many interesting features; built in 1320, it is dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra (now Turkey - we saw other monuments to him last year in Turkey). Christopher Columbus worshipped here in 1477, and the church includes a Knight Templar 'Crusader's Tomb'.

Having recently visited the Western Front, we were drawn to the WW1 monument.

 

 

 

 

The catholic cathedral is 50 years old and is an impressive modern rendition of classics architecture. The internal stone work took my breadth away; quality workmanship with an intricate pattern. I tried to understand the sequence; I was sure there must be one, but it was too complex! Some of the large stones had embedded sea shells clearly visible.

The floor, altar, et al are beautiful marble from various locations. The green dome is visible from much of the town. It shows what can be done in the 20th century with a big budget!

 

 

 

 

 

As we crossed back across the river from the cathedral, we spied a number of fishermen plying there great skills as fly fishermen, right there in the middle of the town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soon I was also noting the sea shells embedded in the pavement stone, and then a series of stones with fossils of large worms with clearly distinguished heads; up to 20cm long and as thick as a large finger.

 

Yes, there is much to see in Galway!