Train to Galway

It appears there is only one type of train carriage in Ireland or at least we only saw one on all eight tracks at Heuston Station. The two hour and twenty minute ride to Galway is comfortable, relaxing and gives us a time to catch up on reading and writing. The prediction is to run into rain heading west and so we do.

We walk downtown Galway in a light rain.  Two pubs provide periodic respite from the rain as do shops and the Galway Cathedral. At the lunch pub, CJ enjoys the first bangers and mash.

 

 

There is an interesting river and canal network that picturesquely runs through the city. Although difficult to see, this canal drops to two different levels; rapids on the right and a falls to a lower level on the left. In the lower picture, the right branch crosses over the left and they empty into the river as a rapids and a falls.

 

Soaked through we seek sanctuary at our hotel.

Shortly after being seated for dinner at Artisan, Chef Steven comes to greet us.  We met him dining outdoors in Seville.

 

Dinner is superb.  Some courses are ordered because they sound weird. Each is excellent. Who would think a rosemary and pink peppercorn crème Brule would be good? It was incredible. We were supposed to give up our table at nine. When we offered to vacate, the hostess tells us to enjoy our wine and the table is ours as long as we like. Guess it pays to have connections. We're able to dine while being entertained by the residents of Galway and tourists passing by on the street below.

Another taxi returns us to the hotel.  Carol repacks for our one day change of venue tomorrow.