Andrew's Blog

Tuesday, 18 March 2008

St Patrick's Day, March 17 2008

St Patrick's Day dawned fine and calm, which was a good start to the day. Thomas was fired up to take part in his second St Paddy's Day parade down Louisburgh's main street:

The parade started at around 12:30, after Mass. It started outside the secondary school and proceeded through town, turned around and went back again. Now it wasn't what you would call a grand spectacle, but the parade had a relaxed atmosphere and community spirit that was nice. Here are some shots of the parade.

Monday, 25 February 2008

Galway, 24 February 2008

Well, we have been in Galway for three weeks now, so here are some pics of our new surrounds. Our flat is very nice, and is up on the hill above the Bay.

Our Flat (the four windows on the left)

We can't quite see the sea from our flat, but can walk there in about 10 minutes. The nearest seaside suburb to our flat is called Salthill. The promenade along the seafront there is a very popular walking path, and a local tradition is to "kick the wall" when you get to the end before turning around:

Me Demonstrating the Correct Technique for Kicking the Wall

At Salthill there is a diving platform built on a rocky point. I will be trying that out in a couple of months. As you can see there are a few brave men around who go for a dip in the frigid waters all year round:

The River Corrib rushes through Galway before discharging into Galway Bay. From its source in Lough Corrib to the sea is a distance of only six kilometres (it is said to be the shortest river in Europe). The white water rapids in the middle of the city are quite impressive; you certainly wouldn't want to fall in.

Me in Front of the Wolf Tone Bridge over the Corrib

Marian in front of the calmer River Corrib near the river mouth
View Towards the Eastern Bank of the Corrib from The Claddagh

Quays on the Western Bank

View North up the Corrib Toward Galway Cathedral

The main pedestrian thoroughfare of Galway, Shop St, runs down into Quay St which leads to the eastern bank of the Corrib. This is a busy lane lined with shops and pubs.

Quay St Looking Up towards Shop St

Liquid Refreshments

Tuesday, 5 February 2008

Winter in Mayo, 3 February 2008

When we arrived back in Ireland from New York we were greeted by freezing temperatures and snow flurries. Here is what Croagh Patrick looked like with a dusting of snow, and a similar view taken last summer, for contrast:

Monday, 4 February 2008

New York, 28 January - 1 February 2008

Broadway and Times Square

Me and Bull, Financial District, near Wall St
On Pier 17, Lower Manhattan
The View Towards Brooklyn Bridge from Pier 17
View East from Top of Empire State Building (UN middle Right)Top of Empire State Building