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Postcard from Ireland part 1
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by David E. Henderson
(second in a series)

In the mid-1800s, Irish flocked from their homeland to America, driven out by famine and civil unrest. This year, more Americans than ever before went to Ireland for a visit and to create memories.

Galway is often said to be a state of mind as much as it is a specific place. The largest city in the West (population 60,000) and the ancient capital of the province of Connaught, Galway is one of the fastest-growing cities in Europe. Formerly a rundown industrial place, Galway has new life in its university and as a center for technology. University College Galway is a center for Gaelic culture and many of the students speak the Irish language.

For many Irish people, Galway is a favorite weekend getaway, the liveliest place in the Republic and the city of festivals. The tiny streets are like a rabbit warren, so compact that if you spend more than a few hours here, you'll soon be strolling along with the sort of easy familiarity you'd feel in your hometown. Of course, Galway is probably a lot more fun with its street musicians, open market and pubs.

Galway has long attracted writers, artists and musicians. And the city is home to the best (underscore THE BEST) book and art store I've ever had the pleasure to visit. Kenny's Bookshop and Gallery dates back 60 years. Four stories and a myriad of rooms crammed with books and an environment as warm and friendly as someone's personal library that you've just been invited in to. Kenny's is perhaps the greatest single source of Irish writing and literature in the world.

Galway's founders were Anglo-Normans who arrived in the mid-13th century and fortified their settlement against "the native Irish," as local chieftains were called. Galway became known as "the City of the Tribes" because of the dominant role in public and commercial life of the 14 families who founded it. Names like Joyce, Dean, Bodkin, Morris, Lynch, Martin and Skerret.

The city's medieval heritage, a fusion of Gaelic and Norman influences, is apparent in the intimate two and three story stucco buildings, the windy streets, the narrow passageways and the cobblestones. More than the structures are the warm, friendly people. The street musicians. The open air markets. Galway is alive and enjoying every minute.

BoomerCafé co-founder David Henderson can be emailed at david@boomercafe.com.

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