Day 3 started off for us bright and early - and on a hopeful note! We'd received a phone call in the middle of the night from the Aer Lingus baggage desk confirming that our missing luggage had finallly arrived at Dublin Airport. They wanted to confirm our address for drop off. Hallelujah!
We tried to call the airline back to update our file, but the so-called 24/7 number was an American toll free line - which as it turns out, doesn't quite work the same when you're calling from Europe. The automated message cheerfully informed us their offices wouldn't open until 7:30 a.m. EST. 😲
Since that meant waiting until 12:30 p.m. local time to call, we got ready for the day packed up our little carry-on of belongings and set it outside the door to be picked up for the coach.
One of the many perks of traveling with CIE Tours is that they handle one piece of luggage per traveler. Your luggage is taken off the coach for you, delivered to your room upon arrival, and collected from outside your door on departure mornings. It is such a thoughtful, stress-free touch that truly elevates your experience.
Leaving Dublin and Heading West
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we boarded our coach and headed west, out of Dublin! As much as I loved Dublin's vibrant energy, it's a busy and bustling city - and I was ready for a change of pace. The idea of rolling green countryside and small Irish towns was calling my name.
Dublin is a city where ancient charm and modern life live together - the total opposite of how things are back home in the Canadian countryside!
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| Our comfortable CIE Tours motorcoach — the perfect way to explore Ireland in style and ease on our Dublin to Galway journey |
Athlone & Sean's Bar - A Pint of History
Our first stop on the journey to Galway was the charming town of Athlone, home to the legendary Sean's Bar. If you haven't heard of this gem, it's officially the oldest pub in Ireland, founded in 900 AD - over a thousand years ago! Nestled along the River Shannon, Sean's Bar is truly the beating heart of Athlone.
Just as we arrived, Storm Amy had really made her presence known. The wind howled, rain poured, and we made a mad dash down the street to the pub. Stepping inside was like entering a cozy, centuries-old hug - that quintessential Irish pub warmth where locals and travelers mingle over a pint.
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The historic exterior of Sean's Bar in Athlone - a must visit for history buffs and beer lovers alike.
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Cheers from Sean's Bar! Experiencing over 1,000 years of history and
Irish hospitality with my favourite travel partner! |
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The beer taps at Sean's Bar - serving pints in
a pub that's over 1,000 years old |
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A cozy corner inside Sean's Bar in Athlone - the
perfect spot to enjoy a pint and a piece
of history. |
The current owner, Timmy Donovan, greeted us with the warmest Irish welcome and shared the pub's fascinating (and hilarious) history. The fact that this place has been serving drinks for over 1,000 years is mind-blowing. As I sat there sipping my Guinness, I couldn't help but think, "If these walls could talk...oh, the stories they'd tell!"
Bucket list: Checked!
Onward to Galway - Battling Storm Amy
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Storm Amy making her presence felt - wild
winds and rain testing our Ireland adventure
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After a pint (or two 😉), we boarded the coach and continued west toward Galway. Our driver and guide, Brian, had quite the challenge navigating the high winds and sheets of rain, but he handled it like pro. We made sure to give him a well-earned pat on the back when we arrived safely! Well done Brian!
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A stunning street view of
The Hardiman Hotel in Eyre
Square Galway, Ireland |
The Hardiman Hotel - Galway's Historic Gem
Our home for the night was The Hardiman Hotel, an absolute stunner that has proudly stood in the heart of Eyre Square since 1852. It's one of the most iconic hotels in Galway and it is easy to see why CIE Tours includes it among their 4-Star (and above) accomodations.
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Standing in awe of The Hardimans
grand staircase and piano.
Elegance and charm at
every turn. |
The ambiance was perfection - elegant, warm, and just a touch of grandeur. As I wandered through the dining room, oyster bar, and foyer, I noticed the beautiful notes of Bridgerton-style playlists floating through the air. Be still my heart! There is even a gorgeous grand piano at the foot of a sweeping staircase leading up to a ballroom fit a for a fairytale wedding. Oh.Em.Gee
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A glimpse toward the grand entrance of The Hardiman Hotel in Galway.
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| An elegant fireplace lounge inside The Hardiman Hotel in Galway. |
Exploring Galway (or Trying To)
We were meant to take a city walking tour, but Storm Amy had other plans. Instead, our group was invited to a nearby a pub for a traditional Irish music session which sounded delightful - except our luggage still hadn't arrived. With another move to a remote area the next morning, I decided it was wiser to pop into Dunnes Stores (another new favourite Irish store) and pick up just a few essentials...just in case.
The rain had finally eased up but the winds were relentless. We wandered through Eyre Square and the Latin Quarter, ducking into shops and admiring the vibrant energy that fills Galway, rain or shine. It's such a lively city - full of quirky shops and charming pubs. I only wish we'd had a little more time there! Galway definitely earned a spot on my "return for a few days" list.
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| Windblown and rain soaked. Galway, you are a treasure. |
Evening with CIE Tours
That evening, we gathered back at The Hardiman for a presentation from Aideen and Meg, CIE Tours' wonderful Business Development Managers, who had been hosting us alongside Brian. Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner, another perk of traveling with CIE - many of your dinners are included and enjoyed together with your travel companions. This is a wonderful way to get to know one another and conclude a busy day of traveling.
After dinner, we retired to our room, hoping for some good new about our missing luggage.
No news was good news...right?!
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