Dublin to Galway - Day 1

Arrived in Dublin at 8:00am. Passport control and getting the rental car was easy and off we went. It did seem a bit weird to be driving o the opposite side, but Vince did an excellent job. We did have to make a few turn-arounds because we missed a few road signs, but overall, the roads, especially the tolls road were very well marked. It was us that had a learning curve.
We made stops along the way. First stop was the Wonderful Barn in Leixlip, Co. Kildare. It is now an abandoned, but the barn was constructed in1743 by Laura Connolly to provide employment for the poor. 94 steps wind around the exterior.





Our next stop was Maynooth Castle. The keep was constructed in 1203 and was the largest of its kind. It was built by the Kildare FitzGeralds. We had a free tour with Moira, a wonderful historian. She was so much fun to listen to and was a wealth of knowledge. Lunch in town. The first tastes of Irish beer!













On to the Kilbeggan Distillery in County Westmeath. The distillery is 260 years old and is said to be the oldest distillery in Ireland. Marty and Dianna tasted 4 different blends. Interesting to see the old machinery and equipment that is still used.









We arrived in Galway about 6pm. Our place is a very nice and modern apartment in the heart of Galway.  Next to the Spanish Arch, the river and Shop street, a pedestrian area with restaurants, sharp and pubs.  After we unpacked, we roamed the Shop Street area and had dinner at Riordans- a traditional Irish restaurant that was once a narrow house. Irish stew. Yum!!!! Perfect!


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