Galway City, Co Galway, Ireland

We have been moving around like madmen at a breakneck pace. Shannon, Limerick, Dingle, Cork City, Waterford, Cahir, Cashel, and now here in Galway. This town is more like a city than all the rest. Right on the water at Galway Bay, it's almost like a Jersey Shore resort town. Plus there are two colleges, so there is always something going on. Quay Street is a commons area with shops, pubs, and restaurants, almost like New Hope, PA. Brian and I spend the evening at the Crane Pub. My kind of place. Some musicians came in and sat in the booth next to us and played most of the time we were there. We also chatted up some locals while I enjoyed a few damn fine pints of Guinness. On our way here from Waterford we drove the southern midlands and stopped at a few castles. Cahir Castle was particularly impressive. And the views from Cashel Rock were simply amazing. Near Cashel Rock is the disputed "birthplace" of Guinness. It seems Arthur Guinness father was a brewer there and may have concocted the brew that Arthur took to Dublin and made famous. Of course I stopped and had a pint. In Waterford we toured the crystal factory and saw some true craftsmen at work. It's spellbinding, watching those men work and shape the molten crystal. We also had lunch at a fantastic pub attached to a hotel right on the quay. Before Waterford we were in Co Cork where we toured Blarney Castle, which has absolutely beautiful grounds. All this after seeing the beauty of Slea Head and the drive from Dingle the day before. My heart and eyes are full of joy and beauty, all with five days left to go.