The long way back to Galway?

cryogenine · Veteran Member

The long way back to Galway?

Michele Erdvig · Host

JB,

Whose there? Your journey would be much too long if it included Connemara. That is an entire day trip in itself. You might consider a visit to Strokestown Park House & Famine Museum (a bit north of Roscommon) or Clonmacnoise (south of Athlone). You could do either of those on your way back.

My condolences concerning your uncle.

Michele

cryogenine · Veteran Member

Thanks Michele, for your insights and condolences...

I've avoided Clonmacnoise because I can't quite figure out how to pronounce it but welcome seeing it, if it is now in our strike zone. I will check it out. Is it really pronouced just as it is spelled clon mac noise?

Ahh, tis never easy making choices. Given we have one day, which can be a Sunday or Monday, shall we tour Connemara or go the the Aran Islands? We had tentatively set Sunday aside for the Aran Islands (which Island is another question and all suggestions welcome) and Monday we had planned to maybe do a walking and/or bus tour of Galway and see the town.

If Connemara is a full day, might there be a chance to see some of Galway on a morning tour and then head out to see Connemara, all on a Monday, so perhaps those other "tourists" are fewer in number?

Again, your help and perspecitve is invaluable. The best times I had in Ireland last time were when we were not under pressure to "hurry up and have fun."

Slainte,

jb

Michele Erdvig · Host

JB,

Clonmacnoise is pronounced just as you think. Why not let the weather determine the Aran Islands versus Connemara? Skip the islands if the weather is bad.

You could see Galway on the afternoon after Roscommon instead of Clonmacnoise. It is too easy to get distracted and spend the whole day in Galway instead of just a few hours. Maybe do it at the end of the Connemara day?

Michele

Jerilyn Mc · Veteran Member

jb
I went to Clonmacnoise a couple years ago. It was our first stop after arriving in Dublin. I had never heard of it, but my dad really wanted to go. (I went with my parents and my three 40 something sisters, quite a trip!) I actually really enjoyed it. Seeing the high crosses was almost magical, tho, I have to admit, I did see them after the long flight and then the drive to Athllone, so I might've been 'slightly' tired. I'd recommend going to Clonmacnoise if you like visiting the past.
I think you're doing a great thing for your uncle, how very kind of you.
Good luck with your travels.

cryogenine · Veteran Member

Thanks Jerilyn!

My uncle loved Ireland, visited there many times and his passing, at the age of 85, has a happy continuation: I have 3 first cousins, all sisters, who grew up in New Jersey and now live in Florida. In my 56 years, we have never met and we will now do so, in Ireland. Every one of us is very excited and looking forward to our visit. We will add Clonmacnoise to our itinerary and I'm sure, having read your experience, it will be most soulfull and a befitting place to tour after we scatter some of his ashes in Roscommon.

Blessings,

jb

Jerilyn Mc · Veteran Member

WOW. What a great experience you'll have. Your uncle would be so pleased that you and your cousins will be getting together...for his sake. If you're a writer, will you consider writing about your trip? Your story has touched me. Thanks!

Michele Erdvig · Host

JB,

I second Jerilyn's request for a trip report. We would love to hear back from you when you return. I am sure you will have some wonderful experiences to relate.

Michele

cryogenine · Veteran Member

Dear Michele & Jerilyn,

OK but be careful what you wish for...I'm half-Irish and half-Russian; thus, genetically prepisposed to a long wind rather than a gentle breeze.

Saol fada chugat,

jb

Michele Erdvig · Host

JB,

No problem. There is plenty of room on the "Trip Report" section of the forum. You will notice that many people give long reports and we just eat them up with a spoon!

Michele

Jerilyn Mc · Veteran Member

I'm half Irish, half Norwegian. Does that make me predisposed to drink Irish coffee? Or do Jameson's jello shots? or eat "pickled" herring? I won't go on (but I could...THAT definitely would be the Irish in me).