Monday, February 7, 2011

Galway, Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher

After this weekend I can check more off of my "must see" list! There were 14 of us that took a bus to Galway City this weekend and it was a blast! The weather was aweful on friday when we left, the bus was swaying back and forth because the wind was so horrible. We got to Galway and walked around the streets and went to little shops, got some grub and then got ready to go out for a night on the town. We went out to a couple local pubs then to the big named ones. It was a pretty chill scene but never the less, a blast. Then we woke up on saturday morning and took a bus to Connemare where our ferry was leaving for the Aran Islands!


The seas were really rough and I was so sea sick that I stood outside on the upper deck while it was raining to the islands, but it was totally worth it the view was beautiful. Got to the islands and there was a tour guide there to pick us up and drive us around the island pointing out really beautiful areas. The scenery was gorgeous! 3000 miles of hand built rock walls were lined everywhere and built 400 years ago. The walls divided each of the farmers lands but they were all relatively small sections so there were sooooooooo many rock walls!! The entire island's ground is limestone and the farmers had to make their own grass by planting seaweed and sand! We finally got to a little town with a cute cafe (most amazing homemade scone I've ever had in my life :)) then we hiked up to the Fort of Dun Aengus which is located at the edge of a cliff and there were more rock walls everywhere and cows and lots and lots of limestone! Keep in mind, this entire time it was raining so we had umbrellas but the mist off the ocean added to the scenery and there were plenty of puddles to jump in.
When we got back to Galway later that day Melissa, Colin and I went to the Bugaloo Burger Bar and got a HUGE burger! So fantastic! The Irish beef is a bit different than ours but still really good. Then we went out to a couple pubs again but tonight was more of a dancing night! Enjoyed some great Irish music, there was a band there with a famous Irish singer and they sang such fun songs! There was a big dance floor too so we were swing dancing for sure.


Sunday we woke up and got on the bus for the Cliffs of Moher! It was raining still (the fourth day in a row) but when we finally got to the cliffs the rain stopped and the fog just cleared so we could see everything perfectly! Pictures really don't do justice for how huge these cliffs are. It's amazing the earth can just end like that, a 700 foot drop off. Well, I definitely took enough pictures of that because it has always been my dream to see them. 

Got back from the amazing weekend just in time to see the Packers win the superbowl! SO AWESOME! To my surprise the bars were packed here! During the national anthem everyone started singing the Irish anthem and then for 10 minutes chanted USA USA... I don't understand these people lol. Needless to say it was a perfect end to a perfect weekend! GO PACKERS!!

Love you all!!!!!

3 comments:

  1. ahhahhaa... that is too funny! the USA chant was to mock American chauvinism and the fact that we think we are the best country ever.
    .
    Also - AMAZING photos. So glad you are enjoying yourself :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Monica, It looks like you are taking it all in and making the best of your time there. Did you do the tour of Trinity College when you were in Dublin? The library there is truly amazing with some of the oldest books known to man. Love the pictures. Thanks for keeping us all posted. Enjoy your adventure and, as always, stay safe. Love you, Cathi

    ReplyDelete
  3. Monz, love the update. Can't wait to see all the pics!!! LOVE U!!

    ReplyDelete