Galway sights, movies and catching up Tuesday 3rd June

Galway is not a place for a lengthy stay unless you have something special planned.  The Connemara region takes a whole day and then the sights of the city probably could be done in 6 hours before driving on to stay in another area.  The Cliffs of Mohar are a fair drive away though, through the rugged Burren if you plan to visit this part in the future.

But  we managed to fill in our day. The city has 75000 residents, and like a lot of medieval cities, has a city wall.  In days gone past, there were the 14 merchants who ruled the city, and we have links to the Blake and most of the others, because you could only marry a fellow tribe member.

The centre of the city holds Eyre Square.  The flags represent the crests for each of the tribes.

Our trip around the city was on a little tram and it took us around the most important parts and back down to Salthill where we are living.

Holding a conversation with Oscar Wilde

Sandy beach at Salthill

16th century door and window still stands in Eyre Square

The Blake family castle in town in Galway now home to Costa coffee

Another Tribe member Lynch - his castle

We were particularly looking for Menlo Castle, home of the Blake family for 100's of years, until it burnt in 1910.  It took us three goes to get there, then John had to climb over a 6 foot fence and walk to the river to get the photos.

So, at great expense, here they are, I don't have copyright on my photos, I believe they are powerful memories to share.

The entry gate and they owned all the lands around as well

Menlo Castle all that is left

and the view over the lake

After our trip and discovery of the Castle, we went to the newest shopping complex to the Eye Cinema and watched the film, Jack's Hall, based on a true story about the difficulties with the people, the Catholic church, the police and the landowners.  Don't think it will be everyone's cup of tea, but it reinforced what we have been learning while on this trip.  And guess what, Jersey Boys is a movie, we saw a preview!!!

We collected our laundry, and headed to the next seaside village for dinner at an interesting restaurant overlooking the Burren and Galway Harbour, but we won't be able to see the sun set over Galway Bay because it is raining!   Up to Northern Ireland tomorrow, into Armagh.   Lots to find hopefully in that region.