Galway Bay

Treasures of Ireland:
Galway Bay
(Dispatch #15)
Story and photos by Tom Weber

Galway Bay

traddling the border between counties Clare and Galway in the province of Connacht, Galway Bay is a 50 km X 30 km (30 mi X 18 mi) inlet brimming with oyster and mussel beds and surrounded by layer upon layer of spectacular scenery. Like Kinvara, a colorful seaport village with, purportedly, the most photographed castle on the Emerald Isle, Dunguaire.

Dunguaire Castle at Lake Kinvara

Normally an obligatory photo-op stop for tour operators, our motor coach, with the intrepid "band of merry media" aboard – 18 travel writers and photographers invited by Insight Vacations to sample a portion of its Treasures of Ireland itinerary – just zips by the iconic 16th century tower-house and past small fishing boats and colorful cottages, as Eugene, aka The Quiet Man, puts pedal-to-the-metal around the bay and guns it to our next port of call: Galway City.

Steeped in history – her roots go back to the early 12th century – Galway is a prosperous bohemian, artsy cosmopolitan city. Widely considered the Emerald Isle's cultural heart, Galway, in a word, is COOL.

How come?

For openers, the sixth most populous city in Ireland is considered one of the "sexiest cities in the world," one of the "great cities of the world," one of the "best travel destinations in the world," and, the foam atop a pint of Guinness, the "friendliest city in the world." The latter according to readers of Travel + Leisure.

Admired for her vibrant lifestyle, colorful storefronts and pubs, exceptional dining and overall festive nature, Galway plays host to a burgeoning calendar of organized events that attracts visitors from around the globe.

oyster

Designated a UNESCO City of Film, she hosts the annual Galway Film Fleadh, the International Arts Festival and the Tulca Festival of Visual Arts. There's also the International Mussel and Oyster festivals, and the Gathering of the Boats festival, featuring 100+ uniquely Irish craft: the Galway Hookers.

another view of Galway Bay

Why, there's even the Dip in the Nip, the first-ever skinny dip for charity.

And, that's just the tip of the iceberg for the city considered by her peers to be the "most Irish" of all.

One of the most scenic and lyrical spots in all of Ireland, Galway Bay was immortalized in the eponymous song penned by Dr. Arthur Colahan and turned into an international hit by Bing Crosby.

Galway Bay sunset picture with lyrics from a song about Galway Bay written by Dr. Arthur Colahan

Pure melancholy for Irish immigrants who longed to return to their homeland after settling in America, Galway Bay seems like the perfect tune to quietly bring the curtain down on our short stay in Galway City along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Insight Vacations brochure

For complete information on Insight's 100+ premium and luxury-escorted journeys around Europe, including the Treasures of Ireland itinerary, just click HERE, or call toll free 1-888-680-1241, or contact your travel agent.

Pardon the cliché, but as the sun slowly sinks in the west our man Eugene is at it again, making fast tracks for today's final destination: Ashford Castle. If we don't shake a leg, a piper in full regalia, waiting patiently at the front gate, just might let the air out of his bagpipes.

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Let Tom know what you think about his traveling adventure.

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Feedback for Destination Bosnia: Inside Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope

Spent time in Sarajevo in the fall of 1973…beer was excellent!

--- David

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Hi Tom,

I must say, you're photographs are always amazing. They are top notch. You bring so much class to Traveling Boy. It's photographs like yours that make me want to go out and do my own traveling. Please don't get tired of sending us your amazing adventures. It's such a delight for the soul.

--- Raoul, Whittier, CA

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Hi Tom:

I'm also an American living in Italy. I've read with interest your blog and articles. I'd like to speak with you regarding residency and citizenship for Americans in Italy as you do seem to have a great deal of knowledge on all of these subjects. Would it be possible to give you a call on the phone? If so, please let me know how to reach you. If not, I can ask my questions via email.

Thank you!

--- David

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Hey Tom – Wow! Love those photos – they are so super that they make me A) Want to start eating NOW. B) Go there myself. C) See all that pristine beauty that looks so restful and peaceful. Great story, superb pix!!! Bravo!!

--- John, Los Angeles, CA

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Feedback for Destination Southwestern France: Saint-Émilion

Good job, Tom, and timely info. St. Émilion is in the list of places Jim Hayes and I will visit in September 2014. If we get the chance, we will exploit your experience to enhance the trip!

--- Bobby Harper, Dameron, MD

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I lived in Vicenza for 4 years in the U.S. ARMY from 1963 to 1967. A wonderful place to explore. Palladio’s works are amazing. Have been back twice since and find new places to visit. My favorite is MONTE BERICO where I have some wonderful photos of my family.

--- Dr. Albert Pizzi, Hanover, MA

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I liked the new TB particularly the Vicenza article that took me back as a youth when we lived in Naples and travelled up there for a baseball tourney (U.S. Military Bases dependent schools played each other.)

Took me back to the plaza.

--- Bill

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Very interesting note. I have wedroned which route the early pre-Christian and Christian pilgrims travelled to Rome from England. Is it still possible to travel the Francigena trail?

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You can find out more info on walking tours of Via Francigena at this site: http://www.compagniadeicammini.it/en/. Thanks for stopping by and commenting..

Tom

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Good article, enjoyed reading it. Saved your recommended sights for future use.

--- Dardenne Prairie, MO

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You're going to be great at this Tom. Congrats.

--- Donna Vissa -Montreal

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