Hey my Irish Dancers,
How are we this week? Well, just like my last blog post to you, the weather here in Galway isn’t the same as my wonderful mood. It’s been raining here for two days straight, but I am hoping the clouds get it all of their system now to give us a lovely weekend ahead! Here’s to hoping.
But weather troubles aside, summer is definitely in full swing here on the west coast. Tourists and study abroad students have settled in to become permanent residents for the summer and the country’s many festivals have begun. And speaking of festivals, one of the oldest and most famous Galway festivals is just around the corner – the Galway Arts Festival.
Running from July 16-29th, the Galway Arts Festival is definitely one of my favorite things about an Irish summer. With everything from music, theatre, plays and of course, dance, the festival’s bright lights and vibrant characters are the perfect thing to set Galway on fire during the summer months! And for so many of you that have been to Galway, you know just how great a setting is it for such an innovative festival. It highlights arts and culture and we all know just how important dance is to that!
With dancing always on the brain, I went out walking the other day and stumbled upon what I think might be an old dance studio that locals use to blow off some steam..through their toes! The windows were covered and the lights weren’t very bright but after hearing traditional Irish music and being the curious gal that I am, I got as close as I could and peered in through the bottom of the window. I saw a group of about 10 boys and girls, all different ages, dancing in both hard and soft shoes to the music being played by the small trad band in the corner. There was no structure, no teacher, just locals dancing and have a bit of a session!
I’ll admit that while I was so excited about this carefree dancing session I found, I decided not to go in and disturb them. I think I’ll go out walking a bit earlier again next week and see if they will let me join in. I’ll let you know how it goes, dancers. It just goes to show you that no matter where you are, a bit of craic is never too far away!
Until next step dancers,
Caitlin
Galway Must Sees!
Thanks for your comment! There are so many great things to do in Galway in July. Here is a website that lists all of the events and festivals throughout the summer and it looks like there are a few going on while you'll be in town! Website: http://www.galwaytourism.ie/pgalway-events-calendar.html
But besides festivals, here are a few of my favorite things to do in Galway:
-Go swimming and to the small carnival in Salthill
-Stop in Galway Cathedral
-Walk around NUI Galway's beautiful campus
-Galway City Museum (admission is free!)
-Walk around the Spanish Arch/Galway Bay area
-Take a drive on the coast road out towards Barna
-Have pints outside in Taaffe's and Tig Coili's
And if you're thinking of taking bus tours outside of Galway City, you have to do the Connemara & Cliffs of Moher tours. They are so beautiful!
Hope this helps :)