I took a stroll on the old long walk...
Coming through the speakers: Could it be anything other than Galway Girl by Steve Earle? I mean, c'mon...
Too much driving. That’s the best way to sum up the end of the trip. There was just so much to see and do and I made the mistake of trying to see and do it all.Through Donegal Town and the river-side castle, over to Ballyshannon and its Rory Gallagher statue and microbrewery and discount Ireland jerseys, down to Sligo and its shut up abbeys and pedestrian-packed thoroughfares.
I tried to watch the sunset in Westport, but it was another in a week-full of misses. That didn’t keep me from enjoying a can on the seawall before barhopping through the town square. Live acoustic sessions filled each of the bars as they seem to do across the island. The emphasis the Irish place on music and conversation is inspiring! Even Matt Molloy of the Chieftains was in his namesake bar filling the space with his flute.
More driving ahead though, now past the throngs of tourists in Connemara. County Galway is often listed as a top tourist destination, but I wouldn’t have traded it for Donegal. Don’t tell the tourists that though -- a nice secret between you and me.Finally, Galway City. Everyone says “You gotta go to Galway.” Yeah, well, they’re right. I made the mistake of rushing around the city center, trying to see the main points. That’s not Galway. Galway’s a stroll by the Spanish arch and a pint in a pub and a total surrender to the West Irish charm. By evening, I figured it out, walking aimlessly through the streets, peeking into pubs, and enjoying the last of my Irish adventures. In 36 hours, I would be on a plane headed back to the States. Unbelievable.