Galway 2009

So we're back. We haven't been to Galway since 2006, but it feels like we never left. We arrived in Shannon around 8 a.m. on one of the smoothest flights I've ever been on. Dan slept the entire time, which was good since he had to drive first thing in the morning.

Our first order of business was to grab some rashers and coffee/tea. Nothing makes bacon taste better than salty bacon!

We were half delighted and half disappointed that we had a FIAT - it's even smaller than my Golf, but with less street cred! There was NO traffic and the new bypass took us around the towns so we were in Galway in 45 minutes. I actually would have preferred to drive through the towns though - you miss a lot with the new road.


Surprisingly, our room was ready when we arrrived in Galway at 11:30 a.m. We grabbed some lunch at Fagan's. It was good, but way overpriced. They have completely redone the interior there and it's a bit too swanky now. I preferred it when it was just a pub, and apparently so did everyone else considering it was completely empty. Dan suggested that Gordon Ramsey show them how to turn around their business with "simple, fresh foods" and non of that "pretentious shite" that they seem to be shelling out. :)

We ended up in the Quays for dinner - lamb stew and fish and chips - nice and hot and filling. We finished off the evening with some pints at Garvey's and then at the hotel bar. Probably a bad idea because Dan is not feeling too well this morning! I've already had to make the cracker and coke run and it's only the 2nd day.

It is absolutely freezing cold here - well not freezing, but very cold. It's only about 10 degrees celsius (around 50 something I think) - and very damp. Neither of us brought coats or umbrellas so I suppose our first order of business today will be to suit up appropriately.

This blog will surely be more interesting as we get out of the hotel - I hope! More to come soon.