Galway to Lahinch

Galway to Lahinch

Lunch at Ballyvaughan

I'm home!  County Clare feels very much like home to me as once again I sense the presence of my forebears. This time it's on my Dad's side. We go back 5 generations here. The Curtin family migrated from Lahinch in the late 1800s and there are still Curtins living here on the original farm. And I'll be having dinner with them tomorrow night.

But let's retrace today's journey first.

The good news was that the fog lifted and I could see the lovely view from my hotel room...

View from Galway hotel room

The bad news was that the rain replaced it. Actually, I was a bit lucky, because most of the rain happened whilst I was in the car. I went into Galway town for a look around this morning and I just got back in the car when the rain started.

I was not sure about driving in Galway town, but the receptionist at the hotel assured me there were plenty of car parks. So I just headed for town and chanced my arm. And I ended up parking in the Cathedral car park. As soon as I saw the Cathedral, I remembered how beautiful it was from my last visit. And it didn't disappoint  this time..

Galway Cathedral

Inside Galway Cathedral

Inside Galway Cathedral

Inside Galway Cathedral

I'm a bit disappointed with my  pics - they don't really capture how good it was. It has real feeling of prayer when you walk in and it was just another of my many "wow" moments. I lit another candle - haven't done that for  a few days and said my prayers again. I especially was thinking of our St Clare's girls on their Tours of Learning Day (and the teachers too!!)

Walked into town then, which wasn't very far, and had a look around. I like Galway... there's something quirky about it... Here's a few pics...

Galway

Oscar Wilde statue

Galway

Galway

View of Cathedral over the river

The next part of the journey was the drive between Galway and Lahinch.  It really could've been the Wild Atlantic Way, but the Atlantic was very subdued today. I have done that drive before and the sea was really belting in, but today there was barely a ripple. The wind has not really been a big factor in my journey... apart from  Slieve League and Grianan of Alieach. But that was  up high... the normal stuff has been very calm.

The route weaves between the Atlantic Ocean and the Burren... a rugged rocky range (how's that for alliteration!!!) that looks really barren and formidable. I wasn't able to stop and get the better pics, but you might get some idea from these ones..

Drive between Galway and Lahinch

Drive between Galway and Lahinch

Drive between Galway and Lahinch

I hope to  catch up with my relatives tomorrow night. They have a family funeral to attend to tonight and tomorrow morning,so I will do the usual tourist things then.

I was going to call in on the Cliffs of Moher  on the  way through, but just as I was getting close that wretched fog closed in again. I could literally see it moving in on top of me.... So  I thought it was not worth the effort to go there this afternoon because they may not be visible. I might try tomorrow, depending on the weather.

After I checked in at my B&B which my cousin had booked for  me, I went back into town and just had a wander around...

This is Lahinch - my home country..

Lahinch

Lahinch

Lahinch

These are just the beach views . I'll try and getsome of the village tomorrow. It was a bit dark this afternoon by the time I got to go in and wander..

But tonight was the  highlight of my day.

Last time I was here I was staying at another B&B and every night I would go down to the Shamrock Inn for dinner. And they would serve real food! My stomach loved the Shamrock Inn! And the manager there was a guy called Declan and because he knew I was related locally, he really looked after me.

So tonight when I rocked in again, he was still there and greeted me like a long lost friend. He even gave me a free half pint of Smithwicks to welcome me back.

Here's Declan

Declan at the Shamrock Inn

And it was the best meal... I had Roast Turkey and Ham (recommended by Declan - he thought the Beef might've been a bit overcooked!) and mashed potatoes and real  veggies.... The another highlight was the nicest Irish Coffee I have had since the last time I was in Lahinch!

So, that was my  day. It's good to be here in Lahinch and feel once again the presence of my ancestors. I'm looking forward to just wandering tomorrow and getting the feel of the place. It really does feel like home.