HOLIDAYS in IRELAND

 This is the oldest building in Galway City, the town i was born and reared in, and historically a really important one. It is St Nicholas's church in the center of the town,and eventhough it is now an Anglican Church, it was once upon a time the main Catholic church in the city, but changed hands after Oliver Cromwell  came  to Galway and ousted the Catholics from all over Ireland. We were most fortunate that he did not totally demolish this church, as he did with so many abbeys and convents and churches throughout Ireland.

When Columbus began his journey to discover the New World, his last stop before heading off into the Atlantic, was the port of Galway, as they had to load their final supplies of food and water, and Galway was the last and nearest harbour on the west of Europe. They celebrated mass for them in this church, so that in itself is of great significance. They say that after taking over Galway, Cromwell stabled his horses in this church. I always feel a sense of loss when i see this church as i know its history. As a boy i clearly remember sneaking in to see the interior for myself. This was seen as being somehing you were not supposed to do, as people would say that it was a sin to enter a protestant church. Thank God that things have progressed a long way since those day. There were supposed to be marks on the floor in front of the main altar which were made by the hooves of Cromwells horses. We did see marks but God only knows what they were. I must go back in and see if they are still there. 

Here you can see the wall plack with the name of the church and the numbers 700 denoting the age of this church. That was long before Columbus discovered the USA. I bring many of my clients to stay in Galway for a night or two while we are on tour. Galway to me, is the nicest city in Ireland. It is a small city, population somewhere around the 85000 thousand people, and all of the main points of interest are located in and around the city center and can be accessed on foot. It is renowned for its great music pubs and its variety of wonderful restaurants. It is located right on the shores of the famous Galway Bay, and i have never had anybody touring with me who would not have liked to stay another night or two. 

Come and see for your self. I might even bring you on a tour of all the places relevant to my youth,. where i lived, where i went to school, where i was baptised and confirmed, and the great pubs related to my early days in the music world, the first pub i played in a band, the great dance halls in  those rock and roll years. What wonderful times we had back then. I somehow sadly feel that the world, my world, has lost so much since then, and i wish that my own kids and now grandchildren could have had the same experiences in a world that was so much safer, and friendly and simple. I know that you are going to agree with me about that. See you soon. 

If you want to come or are just interested in exploring the idea, just message or call me.

I have some more lovely pictures of Galway city which i will show you  again very soon.