Chauffeurdriven vacations in Galway and the West of Ireland

Today we visited the historic city of Galway, known as the city of the Tribes. The Tribes were 14 wealthy merchant families as Galway at that time was very active in the wine and spirits trade with mainland Europe. Here we have the family, Terry, Ted, Kaitlyn, Michael and Erin, posing on the banks of the river Corrib, with the famous Spanish Arch, a gateway in the old wall which surrounded the city, in the background. The wall was horseshoe shaped with the river as its boundary on the western side. The spot where the family are in this photo was actually inside the city walls

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Another view of the river with the Claddagh Church in the background. The Claddagh was outside the wall and it was there that the fishermen lived. The world famous Claddagh ring was designed by a goldsmith from the Claddagh.

The Browne family were one of the Tribes and here you can see the preserved main entrance door to the Browne residence. This now stands in Eyre Square in the centre of the city. The large building in the background is the Meyrick Hotel. This originally was the Railway Hotel. The banners on the flagpoles carry the crests and names of all of the Tribe families (You can only see a couple of them here.)

The Saturday market in the city centrem with St Nicholas's church in the background. This church is the oldest building in Galway city and it was here that mass was celebrated for Christopher Columbus and his crew before they set sail on their final leg to the New World.

Back in Kinvara again after a happy days shopping in Galway. Here we are on the harbour front with the ancient Dun Guaire Castle in the background. It was begining to get a little chilly as you can see from this picture.

Sitting on the wall at the harbour in Kinvara.

Michael, proudly showing off his new Ireland rugby shirt. We have a new fan for our great rugby squad. Maybe he will play for Ireland some day. With a name like Sullivan he would have no problem in qualifying.

Kaitlyn, really having a great time, as you can see. She sends her regards to all of her pals back home.

I thought that this poster deserved inclusion. It was displayed in a shop window in Kinvara this evening and, me, being with the Sullivan's, i just thought that it was appropriate. This lady obviously teaches Irish Sean Nos dancing, the old traditional style of our dance.

Examining the menu in the Pier Head restaurant on the harbour front in Kinvara tonight. 
Terry was having a quiet night so here we have just Ted, Michael, Kaitlyn and Erin. They were having a real struggle with their choices, as the selection on the menu was just wonderful with great steaks, fish, cod and salmon, lobster, scallops and prawns and mussels, roast duck and chicken, rack of Irish lamb, and tempting starters like garlic mushrooms, tiger prawns, and a delicious selection of desserts if you have any room left. Michael however was having no trouble at all as he was once again waiting patiently for his special favourite, sausages and chips (frenchfries).

Later tonight they will be looking for some traditional Irish music in one of the local pubs. 
Another great day in Ireland.

Tomorrow, its off to Killarney, and more fun.