Day 10 - Galway

Had a lazy start to the day, overcast and rainy again so we decided to explore the surrounds of Galway. Headed off to a short walk at Knockma Hill, just north of Galway, about 20 mins drive. We actually found the walk first go, didn't get lost. Started the walk, saw a memorial to a fellow who died in the civil war in America as part of the Irish Brigade and it was 100 years since he died and his birthplace and school were close by - go figure! Then saw a picture of a scene from a movie that was made in a paddock at Knockma in 1968 - Alfred the Great, so great we all remember the movie -  NOT!  Climbed up the hill and thought where is the panoramic view promised at the top. Noticed a very small path through the forest so followed that, climbed a rock wall and there were the remains of a fort. So we climbed that and there was our panoramic view, just lovely. Followed the same path down and a bit further along on the designated track was another little fort and a designated path out to a panoramic view! Knew it, we had again gone the wrong way however our view was better and we would never have seen the fort! Went from there to a little place called Headford. There was a notice with a heritage trail so decided to follow some of that. The first stop was a place called Ross Errilly Friary. It is one of the most extensive and best preserved Franciscan friaries in Western Europe. It was built circa 1349 - 1351. The monks were expelled from it seven times, once by Cromwell troops in 1656 but each time they returned. They finally abandoned it in 1753. It was honestly one of the most amazing buildings we have ever seen. Just out in the middle of nowhere and free to see! Plus only one other couple were there whilst we were and they didn't stay long. The photos just don't do it justice. Funnily enough there was all these tombs in there with people buried in the friary, last one was about 1980! Returned back to Galway, stopped at the service station and did our washing, as you do! Great system as the machines sit at the servo and you can pay to use the machine and the dryer. The photo of me having a beer in the car was whilst we were doing the washing! We really enjoyed Galway, walked all of the town centre and saw all,of the touristy things, Spanish Arch, Lynch's Window (this is how the term lynching came about as Mr Lynch hung his son from the window because he murdered a Spanish soldier. Apparently no one else would do it so he did! What a Dad); the Cathedral (of course) St Nicholas' Church (again, of course!) had a chat with Oscar Wilde and so much more!