Let’s Hit the Hostel

Back to the web to find our next stay in Galway. To make things easier, we look for ‘family accommodation’ under Bed and Breakfasts. I found a very reasonably priced listing €80 per night so we booked it. It wasn’t until we got there that we realized it was a hostel- a very old building very close to the centre of town. Our room was on the fourth floor – no elevator with very narrow hallways and tricky staircases. Two sets of bunk beds greeted us with a mini en-suite bathroom.

A very obliging young host helped carry Sheila’s bag up the stairs and told us of a good place to eat with good prices, a short walk into the old town. On our way back we passed a pub with live Irish music and fought our way in through hoards of people in a tiny space. Couldn’t believe our luck when the crowd thinned and we found a bench to squeeze in on between some folksy old Irishmen. Then we realized that the music had stopped and the band had left. Oh well, still on our bucket list.

The next morning we had our breakfast at the hostel – cereal, toast and coffee then headed out to Doolin to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher. Out tickets were 10€ for the combo- tour boat to the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Island-Inishmaan. What a day- pouring rain and rough seas. Despite that, there were quite a few people on the small passenger boat.

Doolin ferry to the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands

Cliffs of Moher

Inishmaan- Aran Island

We had a couple our hours to walk around the island. Very quaint but very wet. Had tea in a tiny cafe run by a local man and his young wife from county Mayo.

We returned to Doolin, wet but exhilarated from our wild Atlantic adventure and our Irish coffee in the pub while waiting for the return ferry.

Sweaters and Dinner

We just had to stop and look at the Aran sweater shop and what better day to sell traditional fisherman knit sweaters than when your cold and wet.

Stan found a pub around the corner that advertised prize winning food and live music. The place was pretty busy but we found a great table and nestled in. It was only when the waitress told us that our table was reserved for the band that we noticed the big “Reserved for the Band” notice above the table- best one in the house. We agreed to be finished before the band arrived and enjoyed our Atlantic salmon, mashed potato, sweet potato and bean dinner.

Back to the cell phone to find the best deal on a B and B in Doolin so we could go back to the pub for some live music. Ended up that accommodation was much cheaper in the neighbouring town of Lisdovarna. The Ravine House Hotel was €109 for a family room with breakfast.