Over the past two weeks my parents were able to make the trip over to Ireland and it was so nice to spend some time with them and show them around Galway. They planned out a whole road trip around the country for their 30th wedding anniversary, with a slightly extended stay in Galway for about four days to visit me. I was happy that they absolutely loved their time here and definitely made the most of the past two weeks (I’m basing this off the 100s of pictures my mom sent me each night of their daily adventures).
Over the weekend, I got to spend my whole Sunday with them and take them all around Galway. Our first stop had to be the market that happens here every weekend – I knew the fresh, 80 cent doughnuts were something my dad wouldn’t be able to pass up and they certainly did not disappoint. Later, we all walked to Salt Hill for the first time, and there could not have been a better day for it. They loved how quaint, quiet and pretty the walk along the water was.
We were also able to make a day trip out to the incredibly impressive Ashford Castle. My parents actually went back a second time and were able to get a nice behind-the-scenes tour of the inside of the castle. And based off the many pictures from my mom, the inside looked incredibly nice and well-kept, complete with its own personal theater. After learning the typical nightly rate for a room in the castle, I can only hope that one day I’ll be wealthy enough for an overnight stay in the castle.
My favorite part of the trip to Ashford, though, may have been the falconry. I would have never thought the word ‘cute’ could be used to describe a hawk but having them swoop down onto your arm and eat food right out of your hand proved me wrong. I’m also guessing my parents really enjoyed it, as this was the second falconry they had stopped at on their trip.
All in all, I was so happy my parents visited and really enjoyed the country. With a mom who is a true home body and whose ideal vacation tends to be lounging on a warm, tropical beach – I really hoped she would still enjoy the international trip with the slightly less tropical weather of Ireland. It’s safe to say now that the beauty and charm of this country has her wanting to plan a second trip.
