County Galway - our new favourite home away from home

So we packed up and went down to breakfast before leaving Doolin. Pearce had told us there were some other Aussies in. Not only Aussies but from Bangalow, Rob Parkes brother no less and his inlaws from Teralba (Newcastle ties). So an hour later after breakfast and a chat we headed out.

We left Doolin behind and in minutes crossed a geological border into The Burren. It takes it's name from the Irish meaning Stoney or Rocky place and is a barren, windswept and rough landscape, quite intriguing and attractive in a funny way. It was formed 320 million years ago and is a limestone plateau.   There is little grass and arctic types flowers in tiny crevices. We saw brave and hardy sheep  and lambs, hairy horses, donkeys, rabbits and plenty of birdlife.

On to Galway with a mission to do the washing - nearly out of undies. So we found a laundry but the little old ladies wouldn't let us do it ourselves - so we left it all and headed out to find our accomodation - an airbnb establishment - so we were a little apprehensive. Walked the way we would have to drive because there were heaps of one way streets in Galway and found the place - we must have looked a bit shifty because a guy approached us and luckily it was Fergus - the guy we were staying with - so he showed us in early. We went and picked up the car and drove to the complex and parked - and left the car there for the next couple of days. We met Audrey who was a wonderful host and Fergus very knowledgeable on Galway and it's history.

Our townhouse is the only B&B in Galway's historic medieval area, the Latin Quarter! It is located in a quiet gated area along the River Corrib, overlooking the riverbank and well away from noise and traffic. Beautiful views out the window - we have a double bedroom and ensuite in the loft area. Ross spent quite a bit of time watching the kayakers trying to make headway up the Corrib.

But we are also just steps away from the entertainment of Quay Street and Shop Street, the Spanish Arch and the pedestrianised and cobblestone old town, the promenade along Galway Bay, and scores of  cafés, pubs and restaurants. We ate at a Morrocan/ Irish cafe both nights. Ross went down to the old town and got croissants for breakfast and then headed out for a haircut, when he came back we headed out to explore.

We both voted Galway the most friendly, easy and enjoyable city in Ireland so far.