Galway


Photographs with Commentary by Debra Jan Bibel
 

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If central Dublin can be thoroughly walked in some 6 hours, Galway can be covered in merely 2 hours.  Compact but charmingly attractive on the Atlantic coast, it is a tourist favorite.

 

On my second bus trip to Galway via Ennis, taken by Derek Browne's taxi from Tuamgraney, the bus stopped at this quaint town.    

Other buildings. A wider view of the plaza.
From the Galway bus station I walked up the hill to my lodging, located near Yeats College and City Hall.		 Along a row of similar B6Bs, St. Judes Lodge has two floors of rooms and busy with guests. A French tour was staying at the same time. Breakfast was buffet and so-so in quality. My room was on the second floor looking out at the lagoon, Lough Atalia.  It was well lit and comfortable.


Beginning a panorama of the view from my room.


The large building belongs to the Department of Defence.

The ocean beyond.

End of panorama.

My walking tour of the city begins.

Eyre Square is the main park.

Heading along the harbor and waterfront. Looking back toward the city and at the left the exit of River Corrib. At the mouth of the harbor some fisherfolk. Another man fishing, looking out at the bay and the distant shore of County Clare.
An Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Irish Navy. It belongs to Samuel Beckett Class of ships whose members are LÉ Samuel Beckett; LÉ James Joyce; LÉ William Butler Yeats; and LÉ George Bernard Shaw. The navy's tasks are to control fisheries and prevent smuggling, while the Irish Coast Guard is focused on marine safety and rescue.		 In the lagoon and here in the Atlantic are swans.

A new building erected on an old one, once of the Limerick Steamship Company.
Some sailboats and motor craft.		 The tourist district is but few streets filled with bars, restaurants, and shops.
On weekend, the area is crowded, but on Monday I found the streets rather empty.		  I had a sandwich of Irish smoked salmon and prawns. Like Scottish salmon, the Irish preparation is delicious and not salty.

As usual, bars have live music but busking occurs too. This chap had an excellent voice.


I love this public sculpture at Eyre Square based on sails.

 Heading north along the river, is this pleasant spot. Galway Cathedral is across the bridge on Nuns Island. A close-up view. River Corrub. Returning, I look into this alley.

 

   © These experiences of interactions and observations in Ireland have instilled an improved yet meager appreciation of the ethos within the music. When I listen to my recordings of Irish music, it will be with new ears.

As I encountered by bus each new village, a sign near the village name says Fáilte  — welcome. That social spirit also is within the music.
I could not refrain from photographing this fun pull toy in the window of a shop. Evening and rest. Looking out my room window.

The rain at last stopped to allow the moon to set.

 This spectacular rainbow as I set out on my bus trip back to Dublin (3 hours) and then home to Oakland.  

 

 

      

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