A Day on a Smaller Island

Kevin and I spent most of our time together getting to know Galway, but last week Saturday, we took a day trip to Inishmore, the biggest of the three Aran Islands.  The residents of Aran Islands speak Irish as their first language. 

The day started inauspiciously; we lost all water in the morning.  First, we had no cold water.  Then, no hot.  Unfortunately, we ran out of hot water while I had soap on my hands.  I called the “emergency” number given to me by the management company and was told at least one other person from the building had called with the same problem. 

Kevin and I moved forward with our plan for the day, making slight adjustments.   We left without taking showers.  My face was unwashed, my teeth were unbrushed and my hair was undone.  Instead of eating breakfast at home, we ate at a little café. 

The weather was terrible in Galway—rainy and cold.  I was wearing enough layers to get me through a late-October football game at Memorial Stadium.  We took a coach from Galway to Rossaveal and a ferry from Rossaveal to Inishmore. 

We were prepared to rent space on one of the mini-vans that tour guests around the island.  Upon arrival, an amiable gentleman with piercing blue eyes who suggested we see the island from his horse-drawn carriage greeted us.  I looked at Kevin.  Kevin looked at me.  We climbed aboard and joined a charming Spanish grandmother with her two adorable grandsons and a young woman from Italy. 

The weather was chilly, but no rain fell.  We cuddled under wool blankets and took in the magic that is Inishmore.  It is glorious!  Miles of rock walls cover the island; I decided I would like a rock wall in my yard.  Our timing was excellent because we were treated to the sight of several seals from the local colony swimming in the ocean. 

The highlight of Inishmore is Dun Aengus, the ruins of a prehistoric fort located on a cliff.  We had to climb a steep and rocky hill to reach the ruins.  We were rewarded with breathtaking views and a natural way to combat the chill.  We noted how the cliff was left in its natural state; no artificial barrier was erected to prevent tourists from toppling 328 feet over the cliff to the sea below. 

After our carriage ride, we shared an order of fish and chips at a local establishment.  Fish has never tasted so fresh.  We then explored the local wool sweater outlet.  Kevin bought me a beautiful wool blanket as a housewarming gift and an adorable stuffed sheep I named “Baa” that he set out for me to find when I returned from Dublin after seeing him off. 

            It was a magical day. 

Kevin and I were both anxious as our return journey brought us closer and closer to my apartment; we hoped the water was fixed.  If we had no water, we planned to take another trip somewhere and stay in a hotel.  I’m sure we would have enjoyed ourselves, but it wasn’t our first plan.  Thankfully, when we returned the water was restored. 

Rachel and Kevin at Dun Aengus

Rachel at Dun Aengus

Rachel at Dun Aengus

Kevin and Rachel in front of rock wall

Our guide and Jimmy, his horse

Field on Inishmore

The path from Dun Aengus

Baa