So, I made a big miscalculation. Sue me for not knowing about the championship Gaelic football game (not my area of expertise). With the famous Galway arts festival approaching, rooms were going to be scarce in Galway, but with the Gaelic football championship being decided in Galway that Saturday, rooms went from scarce to impossible to find.

We called and called, and although it wasn't my first choice, we got into a hotel. Needless to say, it was expensive.

Galway is an exciting city with a pumping nightlife. However, John and I were drawn to the quiet of the country, so we drove into Connemara, the area to the west, where street signs are written in Gaelic, roads smaller than Julie and I's living room and where sheep direct traffic. It is a ruggedly beautiful area, my favourite in Ireland. (Many people would choose Kerry over Connemara, but while Kerry is postcard perfect, Connemara is dynamic and challenging.)

We stopped for lunch at a pub, and to take pictures. The place is littered with campsites and B&Bs, but doesn't seem overtouristed, just a nice hideaway.