Ponferrada Hospitaleras and Beyond

We have been out on day trips around western and northern Ireland.  This is a vibrant, exciting country that couldn’t be more welcoming and gracious!

Derry

We went to Derry on Tuesday and spent the day in this charming town.  Derry is in the country of Northern Ireland.  The Republic of Ireland is the rest of this beautiful island.  We took a walking tour on the city’s walls that once surrounded the city for protection during times of siege and war.  During “The Troubles” between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the mid-1970s through the early 1990s, Derry was a center of conflict and violence.  It is now a united, peaceful, and beautiful city.  If you’ve watched the series Derry Girls, this is where it took place.  At the Derry Museum, they have an area dedicated to this show with actual props and production pieces used in the series.  If you haven’t seen Derry Girls, check it out!  Here is a glimpse of Derry.

Galway

Siobhan and I came to Galway on Wednesday and will return to their home north of Donegal later tonight, Thursday. Galway is a large city on the western edge of Ireland.  We enjoyed some time at a local pub, O’Connors, that had fine Irish music played live by local musicians – an infamous Irish session!  This is a beautiful city with a grand promenade along Galway Bay. Siobhan and I enjoyed a beautiful walk along the promenade this morning.  Take a look at beautiful Galway.