Gosh. My home town. It's so damn wet; the rain from the Atlantic a constant in my youth. Rain, rain, rain. It's lovely when the sun shines. But the rain... I don't live there anymore, but visit regularly. It's sufficiently far from the capital that it has an independent cultural life of its own. And some brilliant bookshops (Charlie Byrne's in particular), and some great art galleries. And great food. And terrible traffic. And lots more. But the rain...
“Galway is one of those cities where sound carries along the breeze like the faintest whisper of prayers you never said, muted but present." I felt this when I was there. Love this line.
Irish myths are full of so much blood and tragedy. I am not familiar with the Book of Lecan, but did delve into the Fir Bolg, Tuatha dé Dannan and Fomorian stories as translated from the Book of Leinster. I love them!
Claire Fullerton's description could be applied more generically to the west coast of Ireland. I could relate to it in the context of Sligo, Donegal and County Clare too.
I haven't been back since 1989, but was there for 14 years before that. I know it has changed a great deal since then, but I'd still head for the west coast without a second thought.
Oh afterthought: Did you know Galway sets up an 'Elf Town' at Christmas? I only know this as I know people who do the setting up. It looks worth a visit if you were there around that time!
Ever wonder why many towns are planned around obelisks? This is where animals were found to heal, and why churches were built on these types of hills/ mounds, due to the regenerative magnetic field:
Another perfect piece to end the day. The map has splendid detail. There are hunters and deers. Ships. At least three places of worship. But best of all, check out the white space above the main entrance. There is a jousting tournament in progress.
Gosh. My home town. It's so damn wet; the rain from the Atlantic a constant in my youth. Rain, rain, rain. It's lovely when the sun shines. But the rain... I don't live there anymore, but visit regularly. It's sufficiently far from the capital that it has an independent cultural life of its own. And some brilliant bookshops (Charlie Byrne's in particular), and some great art galleries. And great food. And terrible traffic. And lots more. But the rain...
😂😂😂 I can only imagine! Hope I did it justice! (Even if I did neglect to include the rain!)
Wonderful piece to read - ty!
Thoor Ballylee is on my list of places to see. I love Yeats. My favorite of his his poems is A Drinking Song, inspired by his unrequited love.
Wine comes in at the mouth
And love comes in at the eye;
That’s all we shall know for truth
Before we grow old and die.
I lift the glass to my mouth,
I look at you, and I sigh.
🥹
“Galway is one of those cities where sound carries along the breeze like the faintest whisper of prayers you never said, muted but present." I felt this when I was there. Love this line.
Sometimes a sentence is like a breath of wind on your face
Irish myths are full of so much blood and tragedy. I am not familiar with the Book of Lecan, but did delve into the Fir Bolg, Tuatha dé Dannan and Fomorian stories as translated from the Book of Leinster. I love them!
Claire Fullerton's description could be applied more generically to the west coast of Ireland. I could relate to it in the context of Sligo, Donegal and County Clare too.
Hoping to explore a bit more of Ireland next year, have only really visited Dublin and Belfast before
I haven't been back since 1989, but was there for 14 years before that. I know it has changed a great deal since then, but I'd still head for the west coast without a second thought.
Oh afterthought: Did you know Galway sets up an 'Elf Town' at Christmas? I only know this as I know people who do the setting up. It looks worth a visit if you were there around that time!
I love a good myth and a city with a mythical origin story?? Even better.
Krakow has a really good one too. That one has a dragon
What a unique and enriching substack! So glad I found this.
Thank you!
My home! Enchanted and full of life.
Hope I did it justice!
Ever wonder why many towns are planned around obelisks? This is where animals were found to heal, and why churches were built on these types of hills/ mounds, due to the regenerative magnetic field:
https://romanshapoval.substack.com/p/the-1-emf-we-cant-shield
Love the cartography!
Thanks, Roman!
For sure! Thank you so much for your work.
We spent part of our honeymoon in County Galway! A beautiful place, famous for its music.
Sounds lovely
Another perfect piece to end the day. The map has splendid detail. There are hunters and deers. Ships. At least three places of worship. But best of all, check out the white space above the main entrance. There is a jousting tournament in progress.
Can you imagine the cahonies it must have taken to do jousting? I like to think I could have done it but I may be kidding myself
Do you remember the arcade video game Joust where you flew around on an ostrich? That works just fine for me. Jousting was insane.
Wonderful. Thank you.
You’re very welcome, John
Lovely post. I've never been to Eire but those quotations make me feel as if I'm standing there in the soft rain.
Always feel the pressure to make sure I pick the right ones to include - makes it even harder when I know the place and want to do it justice!
in music (the best craic):
https://youtu.be/i3V-oXwCWL4
Ed Sheeran has got nothing on that!
he's still a baby, has to learn how to do it properly 😂