Alone in Galway

A few years ago I attended a wedding for a friend of mine at a vineyard on the coast of France. It was a beautiful ceremony, and I had an amazing time. Following the wedding was two days in Paris with a few friends that preceded about four days in London with some other friends. All wonderful.

Post London I took a train to Wales where I caught a ferry to Dublin. I felt home as soon as I was alone, feeling lighter on the train. The ferry ride was full of wonder that accompanied a comforting mix of bliss and gentle gloominess. I read, watched the water, and ate dinner alone. The day was gray and raining.

It was late when we arrived on the docks of Dublin, and a cab took me to an Airbnb. I had a room in a three bedroom single bath house. I showered and slept comfortably while the host spent time with (who I assume was) the other housemate.

I woke up early and walked a mile or so to the train station. There was a family that sat across from me on the ride to Galway, and I noticed many gray stones in the fields we passed. It was very green.

Once in Galway, I walked around the docks for a while, admiring the water and subtle dreariness until my room in the next house was ready. I stayed with a mother and her son (and a few other varying guests) for a few days.

Two weeks prior, I spent 20 minutes learning how to drive manual in the work parking lot so that I could save $250 on a rental car in Galway. I sat on the right side of the car, drove on the left side of the street, and the clutch was in my right hand. I stalled at least 7 times trying to get out of the parking lot.

I bobbed and weaved between sheep on thin winding roads until I got to Connemara national park. It took me at least 4-5 hours, and it was incredibly beautiful. I remember feeling like the path could’ve led me to Heaven.

Another day I got a tattoo and then drove to the Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs were so breathtaking that I had a hard time processing the experience. I remember feeling like people shouldn’t have been there.

Other days I spent more time reading and exploring the town and shoreline. I loved Galway. Some other highlights were seeing a seagull take a girl’s ice cream cone, having homemade scones in the morning with the host and other guests, and the time an elderly man in a golf cap cursed at me for walking to close to him on the sidewalk - “fook outta me way!”

The last morning I woke up early and drove the car to the airport. I was proud that it wasn’t until then that somebody honked at me for stalling out. I either did well or the Irish are a patient lot. Likely the latter considering how long it takes to drink a Guinness.