Éirinn go Brách

     I'm going back to Ireland in May! I just wired the deposit to the owner of the cottage we're renting, so it's official. I'm so excited to go back - I've been there twice before with my mother and we always gravitate to my favorite city, Galway. I feel very much at home when I visit there. My first trip was 10 years ago on a bus tour, hitting several cities in a one-week span. It was enjoyable, but very fast-paced and we were on an assigned schedule. My second trip was 7 years ago on a bed-n-breakfast tour. Slower-paced as we drove to selected cities of our choice. Both times, Galway was the highlight of our trips. It sits on the eastern part of Ireland, near the waters of Galway Bay. Several scenes of "The Quiet Man" movie (classic John Wayne flick) were filmed in Galway. It's also a shipping destination as well as a college town with a vast array of fun pubs and the friendliest Irish folks. Below is a photo of the cottage we will be renting along with one of the views:

    
     There's even a horse on the property named, Molly. It's two minutes from Galway City and close to other tourist destinations, such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, the beaches of Connemara. We have a favorite store, Standun, that we like to frequent there for our wool, shawls, jewelry and Waterford crystal stemware. Galway is truly magical with its culture, excellent salmon and breathtaking views. The pubs are are fun in the city. One in particular called, The Quays, is my favorite pub. First, it is beautiful inside - much of the interior was imported from a French medieval church with stained glass (on the walls and floors), carved wood, Gothic arches and pews. The last time I was there, we saw a live band playing Beatles music.

     I've mentioned in previous posts that I plan to get my first (and probably only) tattoo while I'm there. I've already made my appointment with Irish Ink for the day after my arrival and have decided which design I want above my left ankle. I want to commemorate my third trip to Ireland with something permanent to remind me of my fun times there. I began corresponding with the owner last year via email, so this is a long time coming. Here's the kicker . . . my mother does not know I'm getting this tattoo. This will probably put her over the edge as she's not a big fan of them, but she'll come around. My daughter knows and she's excited for me. My husband? Not so much. He's afraid I'll contract a disease from a dirty needle. Bless his heart - he'll be fine once he sees how tasteful it will look. I did a lot of research on where to go to get it done and I was impressed with how Irish Ink operates. I promise to post a photo when I arrive back from the trip.

     My grand master plan is to finish my book in Ireland. I'll most likely finalize the chapters during my layover in Newark and flight (I can never sleep on a plane). My intention is to type the last paragraph in Galway, to make it official, then cap off the ceremonial touch with a bottle of champagne with my mother and her friend joining us on the trip.
    
     As you can see, I have a special place in my heart for Ireland. The title of his post, Éirinn go Brách, means, "Ireland Forever." If ever I win the lottery, I always said I would pay off my children's college education, our bills, then buy a vacation home in Galway. A girl can dream, right?