Galway Nights

Not very impressed! Last night I went down town to find a pub where I could hear some of that fabled Irish music. Unfortunately, all I found was huge crowds of pretty drunk individuals chanting those meaningless tuneless football grunts in order to make sure everybody knew that there was one of those much hyped games going on at Wembley stadium about 600 miles away. Every pub, it seemed, had jumped on the band wagon with the obligatory 52 inch TV, connected to a suitably ear splitting HiFi system. Not a chance for detecting the sounds of the tuneful whistles, flutes and guitars from the back room of a cozy Irish pub. Hopefully tonight a multitude of sore heads will allow this little Irish town to return to normal. I am not quite sure what is normal now in the quaint streets of Ireland. 
Anyway, its quiet on the streets today, though somewhat cool still. 

Galway on Sunday morning

Took a bus tour this morning to catch a glimpse of Galway. I suspect that there are lots of pleasant places to see around here but not enough time for any real exploration. 

the Spanish gate

 The Spanish Gate dates back to the 16th century when Galway was a favourite haunt of the Spanish traders. There is even evidence that Spaniards settled here. 

The days of the traders, and fishing boats, are over now with a harbour that is mostly used by private boats. Tourism is Galway's most important industry but there is also a large university campus bringing in some much needed business. 
The visitors to this town are so numerous in the summer that the locals call it the silly season.  Hopefully not as silly as last  night!

Sunday morning

Mural. Spanish connections not forgotten

A music pub

I hope that tonight I might get to hear some music at the above pub. Its Sunday and lots of people left the hostel this morning which is, I hope, a sign of better things. Still cold but the forecast looks much better on Wednesday. D