Traveling to Galway & Cork

[Mr_Flibble]

Back in 2010 I did one of those 10-day bus-about tours of Ireland with a friend. I had the time of my life (despite being the oldest guy on the bus, after the driver and a lady from New Zealand)!


In August we'll be heading back there again for a short week; Flying to Dublin, traveling by train to Galway and then to Cork and flying back home from there.

The flights are booked, but nothing else planned so far.

We've only been in Galway for two nights on the first trip, but we didn't really see much of the city (except The Quays Bar ). And neither of us has ever been to Cork before.

So we've already been doing a little internet research on what's to see when we get there, but we'd also love to hear what RFF Readers consider the absolute places to be, to see, to photograph and eat at in these two cities.


Help us plan an awesome holiday

[Sanders McNew]

Head up to Clifden, in Connemara -- when I lived
in Ireland in the 1980s it was a beautiful town and
a magnet for traditional Irish musicians. It's close
by Galway and worth a visit.

[Mr_Flibble]

Thanks for the tip. We will probably stick to using public transport, I hope that's not be a problem to get to Clifden.

My friend and I both love folk music, both traditional and more modern variants.

[andersju]

In Cork, you might want to check out Camden Palace Hotel - a big building that provides space for artists of all kinds. Theatre, dancing, music, filmmaking, etc. - lots of events going on - and they even have a serious darkroom that looks pretty sweet! I haven't been to the building yet, but one of my Irish cousins has worked there since the beginning in 2009 and I can't wait to check it out.

[Sanders McNew]

Originally Posted by Mr_Flibble

Thanks for the tip. We will probably stick to using public transport, I hope that's not be a problem to get to Clifden.

My friend and I both love folk music, both traditional and more modern variants.

When I lived in Ireland, I hitched my way around the country. I don't
know if that's still possible but hitch-hiking was widely-accepted when
I was there.

[mrtoml]

If you want music in Galway I always used to go to Tig Coili's bar (pronounced 'Coley's') on Mainguard St and The Crane on Sea Rd. Coilis has lots of B&W photos on the walls of old Irish musicians. Coilis is a great place for impromptu performances springing up out of nowhere depending on who's in.

Roisin Dubh has a lot of music and often gets recommended, but I didn't like the place.

My favourite restaurant was a small place called Nimmo's near the Spanish Arch. If it is still there have a look.

Outside Galway I would head out to the beach at Spiddal if the weather is good. Or Kinvara in County Clare. Also you could check out the Kilfenora Ceili (also in County Clare) and the Burren. The landscape around Connemara is stunning and not very far. The Arran Islands can be reached also. There are tours to the islands organised from Galway.

[sevo]

Originally Posted by Sanders McNew

When I lived in Ireland, I hitched my way around the country. I don't
know if that's still possible but hitch-hiking was widely-accepted when
I was there.

The eighties are long gone, and Ireland has been motorized to the point that the old Irish habit of sharing whatever car was available (back in the days you did not actively have to hitch-hike - the rare passing car drivers habitually stopped to offer you a lift, unless they were already overcrowded way beyond legal limits) is very much a thing of the past.

Public transport isn't quite as excellent as it was any more either, but it still is average by European standards (i.e. considerably better than in most of the US).

[Mr_Flibble]

Thanks for all the great pointers so far! I'll keep hitch-hiking in mind as an emergency option.

[peter_n]

Connemara is the place to go in Galway. It's very spare and beautiful; stone, gorse, heather and mountains. It takes a long time to go from Galway City to Clifden by bus so see if you can rent a vehicle of some kind, even a scooter. I was in Clifden last year and it has changed beyond recognition from the 80's, and there is development around it particularly along the very aptly named Sky Road. Sad in a way. Try to get to Glassilaun Beach and you must go to the Twelve Bens (pic below).

[Mr_Flibble]

Beautiful photo Peter. We went through Connemara in a day back in 2010. Visited the Fjord. Weather was quite poor unfortunately.

[peter_n]

Poor weather is good weather in Connemara Rick!

[Chuck Albertson]

Stop off in Kinvara on the south side of Galway Bay, then head over the Burren to Ballyvaughn. Nice bar/cafe on the pier.

[Mr_Flibble]

Trip so far is a blast. A music-filled night in Dublin, a Connemara & Cong Bus Tour from Galway. Hopefully got some beautiful shots with the M3 of all the lakes, the fjord and Kylemore Abbey. (The Epson R-D1 serving as digital a back-up).

Heading up to Cork later today. Got the Gaol on the list for a visit. Maybe visit the graveyard where the Lusitania victims are buried. We'll see if there's a daytour around Cork as well.

Weather is at a comfortable 20C with some showers (better then the 35C + weather they're having on the mainland right now )

Cheers,

[topoxforddoc]

See if you can get down to Kinsale (about 25km from Cork). Beautiful small seaside town with a pretty harbour and nice restaurants too.

Charlie

[peter_n]

Down to Cork. Sounds like you're having fun! Not going to Ireland this year but definitely going next year. Instead this year Ireland is coming here!

[raid]

I had the chance to apply to spend one semester st the university in Cork some years ago, but my Chair denied it due to some faculty members having retired at that time, and lack of Instructors for the ourses offered here. I did a lot of reading about Cork then. Take with you rain gear and money.

I have often wondered how I would have liked taking photos there.

Originally Posted by Mr_Flibble

Back in 2010 I did one of those 10-day bus-about tours of Ireland with a friend. I had the time of my life (despite being the oldest guy on the bus, after the driver and a lady from New Zealand)!


In August we'll be heading back there again for a short week; Flying to Dublin, traveling by train to Galway and then to Cork and flying back home from there.

The flights are booked, but nothing else planned so far.

We've only been in Galway for two nights on the first trip, but we didn't really see much of the city (except The Quays Bar ). And neither of us has ever been to Cork before.

So we've already been doing a little internet research on what's to see when we get there, but we'd also love to hear what RFF Readers consider the absolute places to be, to see, to photograph and eat at in these two cities.


Help us plan an awesome holiday

[David Hughes]

Hi,

I'm not sure when you're in and out of Dublin but this week the "Tall Ships" are there at the docks and might be worth a slight detour. I'll be there, with luck and the Ricoh RI...

Regards, David

[Mr_Flibble]

Nah, Cork is our last stop before the flight home I'm afraid.

[David Hughes]

Never mind, almost anywhere in Ireland's a perfect place to relax and enjoy life.

Enjoy the holiday, David

[Mr_Flibble]

Thanks David, we sure did







Scanner doesn't do them justice

[peter_n]

Nice one of Kylemore Abbey!

[Mr_Flibble]

Cheers. Would've been great if we had a bit more sunlight that day. The abbey, church and the Victorian Garden were still wonderful to visit.

[peter_n]

Yes the light does look a bit flat. I hear the school there closed down a couple years ago.

[jpa66]

Nice and useful thread! I'll be traveling there next week, but adding the Connemara for a few days to the mix. A lot of good info, and sounds like I'll have a great time.

[peter_n]

You will have a great time, but take an umbrella!