Galway - The west is most definitely best.

Okay, first and foremost I am so sorry that I have put off writing another blog post for so long!
(I know you've been crying yourself to sleep at night, I've been watching from your wardrobe.. by the way, is it the smartest place to put *those* magazines?)

Anyway, a few exciting developments have occurred and will be the greatest source of inspiration for the blog over the Summer! So rest assured, I am like a stubborn fungus, or the chlamydia from the student dorms, can't get rid of me that easily!

During the academic year I live on the west coast of Ireland in a county called Galway. I live in the capital, called Galway city. (More original than a Seth MacFarlane spin off show). If you, like so many other people have this presumption that Galway is some sort of wool wearing, weed smoking, existentialist talking, liberal Nirvana. You're half right, there is this aspect to Galway, however there are so many others. All depending on what you are looking for.

Some facts about Galway:

- It is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland.
- It is called the "City of the Tribes" after the 14 Anglo-Norman merchant families who inhabited in during the Norman period.
- It is one of the main centers of culture in the country due to the amount of festivals and parades that take place.
- It is a bilingual city. (Tri-lingual on student nights; English, Irish and Drunk)
- "Galway is amazing." - Every person ever.

Basically it is really difficult to encapsulate all the different facets of Galway. There really is something here for everyone. Whether you want to wind down and have a stroll on Salthill Promenade, go shopping on Shop Street, expand your cranium in Charlie's bookstore or the museum, or party like a first year Arts student with no repeats in Carbon. You're bound to find something here that will suit you! The best way to describe it is, you know that myopic orphan dude who was left with abusive guardians and then ran away to this weird shady private school that was pretty lax on security. The one with authority issues who would literally listen to nobody except this guy with a long white beard that kind of looked like Santa? No? Well he found this mirror called erised and it pretty much showed you what you wanted. Galway is like that.

Howard..
Henry..
Harold Porter! Yeah that dude! That's his name... right?

I've made a quick compilation to the best places in Galway, depending on the type of person that you are:

You know who the Vitruvian man is: ( and no it wasn't that guy who was trying to shift you last night)
- Charlie Byrnes bookshop (this is an amazing second hand bookstore), the museum, and Java's (for some of the nicest crepes there ever was!)

If your jeans look like they have been painted onto your legs: (10 extra points if they actually have been)
- The Roisin Dubh Pub, The Blue note, (some really sweet bands play here), There are so many music shops in Galway, if you are so inclined, that you can visit too!


Your boggart is an empty grinder: (I am just killing it with the HP jokes. Haha! Killing it harder than Snape killed Dumble.. too soon? Yeah sorry about that..)
- The secret garden: Probably one of my favourite places in Galway. A really laid back coffee shop that specializes in teas from around the world. Amber: You need candles or incense? That is where you need to be!

Now, time to tell you about the wonderful national pastime. Sparching. ^ This is the Spanish Arch, named as such because hundreds of years ago many Spanish, Italian and French sailors would dock here and sell their goods. The Spanish Arch is lovated in the Latin Quarter of Galway. (Which is one of the best places to head to for some late night banter!) Anywhooo, Spanish arching or Sparching is a way of life in Galway. It really means heading down to the Spanish Arch with some friends, some cans and sitting down and having a laugh. (Optional features include sunshine, a pizza slice from pizza Napoli, a picnic and your imaginary Canadian camel).


This is by no means a comprehensive list, if anything it is just a tiny glimpse into life in Galway.  Actually I'm going to do a completely separate article on the festivals and fleadhs that take place in Galway. Being the cultural heart of the country I can assure you there is always something going on.