Bus rides, Hostels, Zombie runs, and Hurricanes...Galway!!

This past weekend I ventured to Galway with a few of the gals from UCC. We had a really good time, although I learned that I am far wilder than the gals I was with. Guess my sister trained me well! =)

We started the trip with a 6am bus ride to Galway from Cork. The bus situation here is so different than it is in the states. Actually I take that back, I have never even been on a bus in the states. I guess that explains the difference right there. Everyone knows the bus drivers by name here. It is so cool to sit back and observe as people get on and off at the bus stops, or their driveway if the bus driver is feeling nice.

We spent our first day in Galway just walking around and getting to know the city. We did quite a bit of site seeing and were really intrigued by all of the history that exists in Galway.

This is the site where Mayor James Lynch hung his own son in 1674.

Katie, one of my suit mates, and I standing on the Salmon Weir Bridge that was built in 1818 to connect the cathedral to the court house. It makes perfect sense that people need a direct route from the court house to the cathedral. 

The Cathedral. 

After a little walking around we ventured to the hostel. I was so excited to stay at my first hostel and see what they were like. My only concern was the bedding, but I covered my pillow case with my towel. I am not sure what I thought I was saving myself from by doing this, but hey. 

In order to test the durability of the bunks, I decided to climb on them before laying down for a quick nap.  I also thought I would be cool and wear a shirt that matched the decor of the Salmon Weir Hostel. 

The next stop on our tour was the Spanish Arch. The fascination in the Spanish Arch stems from the fact that Columbus visited this spot in 1477. 

Standing where Columbus once stood. Pretty inspirational, I know I know. 

Following the tears of joy at the Spanish Arch we moved on to the Galway museum.

Katie and I, plus all our bags, didn't exactly fit in the revolving doors. The bags were honestly to blame, not all the beer.

Right outside the Galway museum I found the coolest place to sit and look out at the harbor.

I wanted to sit here for forever, but we soon continued on the walking tour...

Galway provided us gals with loads of street entertainment...

From tap dancers....

To musicians...

and all the way to Zombie walkers.... =/ eeek..

Our first day in Galway wound up being an eventful one and Galway was really a cool place. 

Day 2 was the bus tour to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. On the way to the Cliffs of Moher we stopped at a really cool castle with an amazing view. 

My first visit to a castle! 

Thank you sir in the tan jacket for breaking up the scenery and thank you bangs for breaking up my face. haha

After the castle we got back on the bus and continued onward. Eventually we made it to the beautiful Cliffs of Moher.

The coolest thing about my visits to these amazing sites, is that is always raining.

This was not normal rain, this was a full blown hurricane, at least by this California girl's standards.

This thin rock wall was the only shelter around, but you can't rain on our parade.

Sign said Danger Beyond This Point..Do you think I listened?

Of course not.. =)

I contemplated a dip.... 

But decided not to make the jump. It is quite the leap of faith into those waters.

The Bus driver told us if we looked out in the ocean far enough we just might see North America, but with hurricane Ireland we couldn't even see the Aron islands.

We got back on the bus soaking wet, with cheeks sore from laughing and headed to our next stop: The Burren. All secluded from any buildings or development sits the Poulnabrone tomb.

 Seeing this 4,500 year old tomb was really an incredible experience. Crazy that those stones are still standing right?

In order to test my blood for any Irish, I thought it best to take a swing at being a leprechaun. 

Turns out I slightly resemble one.. =P

The next part of this may sadden all you fans out there... This will be my last blog post. Along the way back to Galway we stumbled across a historical Irish festival, the match making festival. 

Naturally I jumped off the bus and met my soul mate under the banner.... 

THE END!

Haha I was only taking the piss (in Ireland this means kidding around)..Sadly, I was unable to get off the bus and find my soul mate. There is always next year friends. We returned to Cork late that night and were quite exhausted, but as the true party animal that I am, I was easily talked in to going out. We had heard of a club that was having 80's night and I was pumped to get the group to go there. To say the least it wasn't what I expected....

Turns out people in Ireland don't like 70/80's music, the place was DEAD!

But no fear, we all know I love me some Thriller and I Want to Know What Love is. =)

All in all I had one successful weekend. =) School starts in a few days and I am both excited and nervous. More to come!

Cheers!