TRAIN VIEWs…..
Just like Dublin, there are plenty of pubs to visit while in Galway. Pictured below is the inside of ‘The Quays Pub’ which from the outside appears to look like every other pub but upon entry it looks more like an old church. Some of the interior was imported from a French medieval church - stained glass, carved wood, Gothic arches and pews. ‘Galway Cathedral’…. Another great church in Ireland, although I didn’t expect to find one this grand in such a small city.
As I began to upload photos for this post, I realized this could have easily been a ‘food blog’ post. I didn’t expect to find Michelin star restaurants in Galway but there were indeed a few to choose from. We visited Loam, which was literally around the corner from our hotel. They offer tasting menus using locally sourced ingredients. We had dinner plans elsewhere so we stopped in for wine and cheese prior and thoroughly enjoyed it. I can only imagine dinner would be just as good.
American Vintage Apothecary - The Tasting Room…. this place is a must for an aperitif which offers unique twists using elixirs, syrups and tonics made in-house by owner, Claire Davey. It was recommended by our waiter at Loam which uses some of their products. Ms. Davey was actually there and we were able to ask questions about her creations. They offered up a little tasting which resulted in us walking out with a couple of items.
Aniar, another Michelin star restaurant (not pictured below) also offers tasting menus, owned and operated by JP McMahon and Drigín Gaffey. A duo that is also responsible for, Tartare Cafe + Wine Bar and Cava Bodega. We had dinner at Tartare and brunch at Cava. We were impressed with both places, food and service alike.
Ard Bia at Nimmos…. a cozy Michelin star restaurant, housed in an iconic 18th century building towards the ‘Long Walk’, past the Spanish Arch in the Claddagh area. This quote I came across from Michelin guide inspectors pretty much sums it up, "Buzzy, bohemian restaurant where tables occupy every nook and cranny. They sell homemade cakes, bread and artisan products. Menus blend Irish, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences; the provenance of the ingredients takes precedence."
RoadTrippin in Ireland…. We rented a car and drove towards, Connemara. Although it was a rainy day, it didn’t put a damper on our plans! Even in the rain I managed to capture some amazing roadside pictures. In fact, it made a visit to Kylemore Abbey that much more magical. The castle was beautiful but I have to say the grounds are what truly impressed me. I felt like I was on a movie set, it was surreal.
Clifden…. a coastal town in the region of Connemara with some cute little shops and restaurants. We indulged in a seafood lunch at Mitchell’s Restaurant and as a seafood lover it left me speechless. I might even be bold enough to say it was one of the freshest and tastiest seafood meals I have ever eaten!
IRELAND and its picturesque backdrop, I look forward to seeing more some day!
