Cliffs of Moher
S T A Y C A T I ON S M ic h ael Q u inn M D Q u inn H air and B eau ty We normally go abroad on holidays and one of my favourite destinations is Bulgaria. This year, like last, we stayed closer to home. As my wife is from Galway, we decided to go there and stay with her family for a few days in August. We normally stop half way from Newry to Galway for a coffee and this year, by accident, stopped in ilbeggan, ounty West eath. I had always wanted to visit ilbeggan istilling ompany as we live close to their sister site in ooley istillery. Founded in , it is the oldest licensed distillery of its kind in Ireland. The distillery spent the next years making a whiskey loved by the world over. It was closed from to when it reopened and has continued distilling once again. It includes a visitor centre where you can have an Irish coffee or coffee, taste the whiskey, or do a tour to see how the whiskey is made and you can purchase their single or double malts. I wouldn’t be a big whiskey drinker but I have to say the Irish coffee was one of the best I have tasted and purchased a gift set with glasses. In Galway, there is so much to do. We would regularly visit onnemara along the Wild Atlantic Way, but this time we decided to visit the Aran Islands and also pop into the city where I love the buzz and going for a few Guinness in McSwiggans or Blakes (two favourites). The weather was beautiful and we did a day trip from Galway docks area. You can get the ferry there to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mor. The Island itself is beautiful with one half flat and the other more rugged. ou can hire bicycles for the day and cycle around the Island to see the spectacular views. There are beautiful beaches for a dip and the un ochla Fort is a must see. There are restaurants and a pub where we had a nice lunch and explored the Aran sweater shop offers. On the return ferry trip you go via The liffs of oher, one of the most spectacular sights in Ireland and best seen by boat. We were treated to an unexpected highlight seeing dolphins and pygme whales. y only regret is not staying a night, as there is glamping facilities on the island. A very enjoyable trip for those looking for a short relaxing break. Galway offers a great location to explore the many attractions along the Wild Atlantic Way. 94
Michael Quinn and his wife Bridget at the distillery.
