Tow weeks ago, minus two days, I hopped on a plane to Ireland. Last night I arrived back home again. Sadly.
When I arrived in Cork on the 12th, I took a direct buss to Galway. The weather was being nice, though about 10 degrees cooler than what I was used to, maybe even more. Cold enough. The bus ride was long, but lovely. The driver of the bus had the radio on and was talking about the big car accident that happened in Donegal the night before. I enjoyed the views and towards the end of the afternoon I arrived in Galway. Hostel I had booked was located right next to the new bus station, which was wonderful. I had booked a room for myself, which was alright, though views were somewhat limited. As I had to get up that day at 4.30 in the morning I was too tired to do much the rest of the day and went to sleep early.
On my second day I decided to explore town a bit. It was a grey day, but still dry. Went to Eason to look for books, but didn't buy any. Walked to Salthill and then back, because it started to rain a bit. Decided to go back to this one tiny, but lovely bookstore in the mall to read a drink a bit, only to discover it had closed. Bankrupt. It was one of many things I noticed had changed in those few years I hadn't been back there. I felt that the bits and pieces of Galways I had fallen in love with, were not there anymore.
It also turned out that it was The Galway Arts Festival while I was there, but I somehow completely missed it though...
On my third day I decided to take the buss into Connemara. To Clifden to be exact. Lonely Planet wasn't too sure what to say about it, but it was the easiest to get to. And since the weather didn't look to promising that morning...
The bus ride of course was stunning. Fog everywhere, then rainclouds too. But the more closer we got to Clifden, the more blue the sky turned. And when we finally arrived there it had stopped raining and there was some sunshine to see. I decided to just go for a walk. No idea where to go, but I soon came across a road sign that pointed into the direction of a beach or hills. Decided to go for a beach walk. Wasn't too long a walk, about 2 km I think. But lovely all the way. Had great views along the way and it was just absolutely quiet and sunny. Sat down on several places just to sit, take in the view and enjoy the quiet. Even had tea outside a small restaurant before I headed back into town. All of a sudden 2km seemed like a long, long walk because it started to rain out of nowhere and I got soaking wet. I was SO cold. When I arrived back in Galway I got changed into warm clothes and hit under the blanket for hours to warm up.
On my final day in Galway I decided to see the Cliff of Moher again. Was also excited to see the Burren again, but sadly, didn't get to see too much of it because the weather turned for the absolute worst, lol. Although when I arrived at the Cliffs it was actually dry. But cold. Oh so, so cold and windy! I also couldn't believe how everything had changed there for the worst. High blocks blocked you from getting close to the edge of the cliffs and thus also blocked some of the views. Really a shame.
And then on my fifth day I left Galway to go to Killarney. Was a bit anxious about, since Galway turned out not to be that exciting anymore. But as soon as the Kerry mountains showed up I felt like I was coming home again. Killarney hadn't changed much at all. In fact, the carnival that was there two years ago, was there again at the same spot. Some things had changed, but for the better.
I had booked a one-bedroom apartment, but when I arrived I got a two-bedroom apartment instead. With a balcony on both sides of the apartment, windows all around and an amazing view. I think out of all the apartments there were, I got the best one.
The apartment had big, high window sills on which you could sit, which had great views.
I knew, when I arrived, it was going to be wonderful. And it was.
On my first night I got two see two rainbows (how Irish!).
I did another Ring of Kerry tour again, went to see Dingle again, but also visited Kenmare (which was nice!). Read loads of books, but most of all: felt so extremely at home there. I often woke up really early in the morning. First thing I saw were mountains. Then I sat next to the window and overlooked the street that slowly started to come to life. At night I watched the sun set, the mountains get dark, or invisible when it rained heavily.
I didn't even do much, but that was what made me enjoy it even more. I felt at home there. It was quiet there, spacious and just the views...
And so then I arrived back home again last night. I cried. It was the first time ever I found it so hard to leave. I wasn't ready yet to leave. Here everything is just dull. I miss the space and views. I really need my time to adjust.
