Flying to Ireland
Even though I’ve been fortunate enough to travel a little in 2022, this would be my first (non-US) international trip since the pandemic began. (My 2021 Birthday flights notwithstanding since I never left any airports!). With this in mind I did arrive at the airport a bit early just to be safe. Breezing through security I had a few hours to spare airside in the airport, so I hit up the Maple Leaf Lounge to grab a quick bite and take in the great views of the apron.
Air Canada Flight 804
A few minutes before boarding, I received an email that an upgrade I requested into premium economy had cleared. Happily, I start making my way to the gate to collect my new boarding pass. Getting upgraded at the gate is always a pleasant surprise before any flight. It really set a positive tone for the trip ahead! With my new seat assigned, boarding began soon after. The flight was completely full. And while I wasn’t by a window, the aisle and the upgraded seat gave me all the room I could want! Boarding went smoothly, and after a short taxi we were in the air!
Once we reached cruising altitude, the flight attendants started the in flight service which consisted of one main meal and drinks. Everything was tasty and I have no complaints! However, I think my only issue throughout the flight was actually getting to sleep! I’m not sure if its because of the afternoon departure, but I just couldn’t get any continuous hours of sleep. Seeing as its a “red eye” to Ireland, I was hoping to get a few hours to feel somewhat human on arrival, but sadly I only caught a half hour of sleep here and there.
Getting to Galway
Upon landing in Ireland, I groggily deplaned with my fellow passengers and did the zombie walk to Irish Immigration and customs. After waiting in line a short while, the border guard gave me the approval stamp in my passport and I had arrived in Ireland! Sadly my travels were not over for today. I would immediately leave the airport and get on a bus for a two and a half hour bus ride to the west coast city of Galway. I pre-booked this transfer with GoBus. I’d like to say I have photos of the bus, the bus stop or even the journey on the bus, but in my “walking dead” state I must have forgot. I’d also like to report that I slept the whole way there, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Even though I was tired, trying to sleep on a bus just wasn’t happening so I would drift in and out for the next little while until our arrival at Galway!
The Lane Boutique Residences
My next stop would be to check into my accommodations for the new few nights, The Lane Boutique Residences. This is a small hotel that is in a quieter part of Galway but still central to everything. They were quite affordable and I have nothing but good things to say about this place! My room was clean and well appointed for a solo traveller. The staff are very friendly and made good recommendations when I asked for them. The only thing I noted is that there is no air conditioning in the room. Since its the fall, there isn’t a need for it. But I could see it being problematic in warmer temperatures.
Exploring Galway
It was mid afternoon, and after settling in a little, I had two choices. I could succumb to my fatigue and crash (likely resulting in a way too early morning wake up). Or try to power through and explore Galway a little, grab some food then crash at a somewhat respectable hour. I went with the latter option and I’m glad I did. Galway is a very charming city! It doesn’t feel like a big city and once you get into their pedestrian only areas, it feels touristy but also traditional? There are buskers everywhere playing all kinds of music. Pubs line the streets with great patios and there’s a buzz around it which I found to be very cool! Galway is also intersected by a few riverways that feed into the Atlantic, which makes for some great “waterfront” views as well.
Eventually I found myself along the south coast in their South Park which made for some great landscape views as well!
All in all, I really enjoyed strolling through Galway in the afternoon. It’s a very walkable and compact city, so you can totally explore most of it in a day!
The Quay Street Kitchen
On the recommendation of a few blogs and my hotel front desk, I dropped into The Quay Street Kitchen for dinner. When I saw there was a beef stew available, I didn’t need to look at anything else. A traditional Irish beef stew is something I was hoping to try on this trip! I ordered a side of veggies and my first pint of Guinness as well! Everything tasted really good and my only regret is that I probably ordered a little more than I had room for. I didn’t anticipate the portion sizes, but it is a note I would tuck away for the rest of my trip! I also have to say that while Guinness is my favorite beer of choice in general, it just tastes different (better) in Ireland. And I love it!
With a little food comma happening and after an exhausting travel day, I head back to my hotel. After a shower, I get ready for tomorrow as I will visit the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher. I jump into bed in the “mid” evening? and pass out right away. Tomorrow promises to be another long day!
A thumbs up for your endurance through the lack of sleep! So glad you had a great 1st day at Galway. Now I have that on my bucket list too! Your blog has become my guide book for my future adventures!