...Galway!

the cliffs of moherphoto credit: my girl, laurine! — the cliffs of moher
photo credit: my girl, laurine!

Last year, during a 20-question interview, I was asked:

“Where have you always wanted to go, that you’ve never been?”

“Ireland.”

Apart from Africa (we’ve been planning our upcoming trip to Africa for the last two years and it’s finally happening!), I’ve also been dreaming of going to Ireland. This desire hit me most when, years ago in grad school, our class did a semester of period dancing; jigs, waltzes, folk styles and the like. I remember a beautiful fife playing in one of the songs and somehow, it transported me to the lush green fields of Ireland, a country I had never been to, but upon hearing the music, felt an innate connection to.

This is when the term ‘Kin Country’ meant something different for me:

My personal definition of a ‘Kin Country’:

a country you’ve never been to before, but, when you experience any aspect of its culture, you feel a familiar, soulful connection to it.

Having a strong African and Irish ancestry, this may very well be the reason why these two places have intrinsically moved me.

So.

We planned our trip to Africa. Check ✅.

Then, earlier this year in March when the opportunity came about to audition for the world premiere of a smartly-written, hilarious and touching play called ‘Epiphany’, in Ireland, I didn’t hesitate. (Talk about divine alignment)!

After booking the gig, I learned that ‘Epiphany’ would take me to both Dublin and Galway and I simply couldn’t wait to experience both. Needless to say, I had an absolutely magical time (and more travel guides for Ireland are coming soon) but first;

Galway!

Nestled on the west coast on Ireland, overlooking the vast Northern Atlantic Ocean, is the one of the most darling European cities you’ll ever find; Galway. Known for its delightful festivals, untouched scenery and rich culture, Galway will quickly become one of the most unforgettable places you’ll visit.

I happened to be there during one of its most exciting times: the Galway International Arts Festival; a two-week time of artistic splendor, overflowing with an epic collision of social events, food, live concerts and shows.

Meant to be experienced, instead of described, I could see why people travel worldwide, each summer, to visit Galway during this time.

a 90-sec taste of the wonder of GIAF!

Our show, with Galway’s renowned Druid Theatre (known for presenting fresh and cutting-edge projects), held residence at the Town Hall Theatre - a popular and well-known venue for many things including music, dance, theatre and more! We performed every night while there, so it was all about what we were able to see and do during the days once the show opened. I was able to still see and do so much each day - so, I’m sharing them with you below!

Here is a list of my Galway favorites!

Where to Eat

The Black Cat - {the Black Cat Pasta (w/ black spaghetti and fresh seafood) is divine and addictive}.
Handsome Burger - {I don’t eat burgers often, but when I do, they need to be this good. They even have a vegan burger that’s so scrumptious}.
Il Vicolo - {a charming hole-in-the-wall with hearty and flavorful dishes, live jazz every Sunday + decorated with Michelin and Food Awards Ireland accolades}.
Oscars Seafood Bistro - {loved going to this elegant spot on my birthday and the seafood is out-of-the-world fresh}!
Gourmet Food Parlour - {shout-out to this all-day spot that boasted allergen-free options, traditional Irish breakfasts and American pancakes. Bless you, Gourmet Food Parlour...}.
Ard Bia, Anair + Kai Cafe - {I didn’t get a chance to personally hit these up while there, but, I’ve heard nothing but spectacular things! Next on my list when I head back to Galway again someday}.

the glory on my face for american pancakes @ gourmet food parlour!

Where to stay

The Jameson Court Apartments - {I found this to be such a gorgeous place to stay - right by the ocean-side}!
The g Hotel - {definitely a contemporary hotspot! With eye-catching, snazzy decor and their spa in the middle of a zen-like garden, count me in}.
Hotel Meyrick - {a 4-star hotel smack dab in the heart of Eyre Square in Galway City. A €12m renovation, antique furnishings and a rooftop hot-tub, make this one of the most popular hotels in Galway}.

on the ocean-front, a few steps from jameson court apartments in salt hill, galway!

What to do

The Galway International Arts Festival - {if you make it in the summer during this time - unforgettable}! Not to mention, traipsing around Eyre Square and Galway City is so lovely for shopping, eating and seeing the beautiful architecture.
The Cliffs of Moher + The Burren - {these are sights to see, in person, that one could never adequately describe or capture}.
The Aran Islands + Cliffs
Connemora, Cong + Kylemore Abbey
Coole Park - {I mean, stun.ning}.
These majestic sights are like no other. I highly recommend scheduling day tours to see them in their entirety. The Cliffs of Moher, alone, took my breath away!

a taste of galway culture

Although there’s no way not to feel the Irish atmosphere steeped in centuries of magical traditions, to help to get even closer to it, these spots will certainly do the trick!

The Crane Bar - {a well-known music pub consisting of two floors, great drinks and live traditional Irish music 7 nights a week}!
An Púcán - {what’s a visit to Ireland with a pint of Guinness and a little ‘craic’? Both handled handsomely, here at the An Púcán Beer Garden}.
Dunguaire Castle - {this place is magical. They even offer Medieval Banquets with king tables, locally sourced food and storytelling from April - October}!
The Corrib Princess Cruise - {a delightful guided cruise along the Corrib river stocked with Irish history and architecture. A little traditional Irish dancing may take place here too}!