Hello readers! I did decide to make a post on my Galway trip because many people encouraged it and really I just wanted to chat to you all:) We decided to head there mainly for a small break due to the stress of moving. This was before Covid started ramping up again thank God, as now I certainly would of not of gone (lucky timing!) We as a family wanted to have a special few days away, and we considered it our main presents to each other for Christmas.
We had already planned to go when we got contacted by Galway hospital. We had been referred there and luckily the dates aligned in the same week, so we tied the two in together. It is great when things work out, isn't it? We have had our fair share of down times this year...
Galway is always somewhere I have wanted to venture, and we did actually consider moving there for a while, but ultimately ended up deciding not to. It seemed like a lovely place to visit and a good place for Vegans from research, as my sister is one. I actually joined the Vegan Facebook page in advance so we could get some advice on hotels with Vegan breakfasts and places to eat out. We received a few suggestions which we were grateful for, mainly due to fact it can be hard sourcing Vegan food, especially in a new place. Having the knowledge beforehand is much more practical and easier then for when your there. Less stressful lol!
Now onto the bulk of the trip! We had our ups and downs and I hope you enjoy the tale I have to tell:)
The Journey
Thankfully, it was not as eventful as our journey to our new home. It took us roughly 2 and a half hours and the main part of the journey was all scenic roads. For me, it does not even feel like you are travelling that distance, because the roads are so empty and the views go for miles. We did have a few hiccups along the way, with the roads being rather bumpy and confusing; leading to us almost getting lost. We used Google maps like we always do, so it is easier to reroute and find the way. We did not have any loo stops to my annoyance, we did stop at an Aldi, but there was no loo to be had:( We packed up lunch which meant we did not have to mess around finding somewhere to go, there is not many places when you do not travel through many towns.
Soon we were there, and the rolling hills turned into a busy city. It is so strange how quickly it goes from one to the other. Not much else to say apart from what a smooth journey! We did take a brief detour to a shopping place for a few reasons. A wee, to find squish mellows and to source a Christmas gift. Only one was a success and that was the toilet stop, rather apt don't you think? It was pouring rain too which was fun.
The Hotel: Rooms
We did our research when thinking about where to stay. Like I mentioned, we had to go somewhere that accommodated Vegans. We were recommended three hotels and out of the three, one really stood out. The location we desired was the main square, as we really wanted to visit the Christmas Market and also be close to the shops and restaurants. To our relief, The Hardiman was bang in the square and we had no other choice but to pick that one. It looked nice and it was not too far away from the hospital. It obviously looks different to what it would normally look like all throughout the year, what with the Christmas decorations but when driving up, it sure looked smart. It kind of reminded me of the Suite Life of Zack and Cody Hotel, hehe. (The Hotel image is not taken by me)
We lugged our many bags out of the car, we must of looked we were staying for a week, and not a simple two days.... We had booked the valet so off our car went. It all felt very boujee, it did remind me of the movies/America where you see valets all the time. Time to check in! My father did make a slight fool of himself when first entering the hotel. It had one of them old fashioned revolving doors that you have to push. He must of been used to the automatic ones as he got in and stood still, thinking it was going to move by itself. The poor lady behind him was like hello?? He figured it out once we shouted it to him, he does know how to make an entrance.
Now all the boring stuff was over, we headed to our rooms. We were actually on the ground floor and it did kind of feel like we were shoved in last minute rooms. They were located right at the end of the hallway off of the main waiting area, and were the only two alongside the cleaning storage rooms. Do not get we wrong, they were pleasant, but it did feel like they were the last pick of the bunch. Despite this, it was less noisy due to it just being just our two rooms so that was definitely a win. The parents shared and me and the sister did too. The rooms were spacious and the bathroom was done beautifully.
The only issue was the lighting in our room sucked. The main light was on a dimmer and it had broken, so we only had the two small lights by our bed. Apart from this, it was cool. The beds I found were not the comfiest, but I do think that is more due to the fact that I usually have the luxury of a double bed... not the hotels fault hehe. It was far too expensive for two doubles in one room. I do wonder tho after looking at more pictures online and the grandeur of everything, that maybe our rooms were the least grand. They looked entirely different from twin rooms online at the hotel and maybe it was because we booked so close to Christmas? Who knows. I would of loved to have been on one of the higher floors, for the sole reason of having a luxury room and view really. Am I being picky or reasonable, considering how much it cost us?
The bathroom was exactly the same as the pictures and that is one thing I loved. I do feel like the bathroom is quite important. The lighting was great and it had a nice large mirror. The shower was also one of them huge rainforest ones, something I would love to have myself. However, I did not get the chance to revel in it due the fact I chose to not wash my hair. It is just a hassle and requires so many tools that I could not be bothered to bring, or even fit in my case. Therefore, I just used the small hand held shower.
The bedroom though was certainly not like this. The beds were similar and the desk area, but the view was far from it. We were on the side of a road, and when I slept, there was two different industrial estate lights shining in my face. I unfortunately chose the bed nearest the window and for the first night I hardly slept, but I brought an eye mask the next day and all was well. I may sound sour and like I am being critical, but I am just giving my honest opinion. (Again, these room images were not taken by me)
I would give it a 3* but I do wonder if it was not Christmas, that it would have been better experience. I assume booking in advance around December is always advised, and not the week before you want to stay. I would say that is mostly our fault, and they did there best to fit us in. So that is something to keep in mind. It was more of a last minute idea anyway and if they had not been able to book us in, where would we of gone as the hotel was very convenient for us? When you say it like that, you can maybe understand why we were given the more basic rooms.
Overall, on the room sides of things, the staff who we saw were very friendly and we had our rooms cleaned each morning. They did steal one of my flannels by accident though as it was quite similar to theirs lol. The rooms were warm and everything else provided was standard and as you would expect. The main thing that stood out to me, was how grand and beautifully designed the reception was and all the hallways, and how our rooms were vastly different. It just did not feel like I was staying in the same hotel that I walked into. That is my take away from my stay there.
A good enough stay but I am not sure if I would go again, mainly because it was more for the market experience and you are really paying for the location and time of year. After doing it the once, I would not feel the need to do it again. If I experienced another room, I may think differently, but that is my conclusion. Next time we come for our renal care, we think we will venture elsewhere. Who knows what the future holds though?
The Hotel: Dinner Food and Evening
After a rest and an unpack, we wanted to have some grub. There was a few minor problems with finding a Vegan spot as most were sadly closed on a Tuesday. In the end, we just went for the easiest option, which was to eat in the hotel. I semi looked presentable and luckily they were able to book us in, so off we popped. We were seated in the same place everyday lol and it was very comfy and spacious. I like to sit the sofa side as it is best for my back. After a brief look across the menu, we all choose our meal. Apart from the sister who only had one choice, and who was told by a waiter another meal could be made Vegan, when it was egg pasta??? Strange much. I chose steak as the rest did not appeal mainly because they were what I call posh food. The parents had beef and ham and turkey with mash, and the sister had a salad.
A lil piccy of the fam.
There was not a long wait for the food, and I also felt mostly safe with Covid around. Although, they did not seem to check passes which was a bit worrying but there was nothing we could do now. However, all waiters wore masks and everyone coming in until seated had them on so I did feel comfortable. Once the food came, we dug in. Everything was scrummy for all of us, expect my steak. Sometimes it can be a risk choosing steak and it did not pay off. One of the best I have had was in Spain and at a Premier Inn of all places so I had high hopes. I did not realise it was rib-eye and it basically was a pile of fat. I am not one to complain tho so I ate what I could. Mother did tell a waiter when she came to see if all was well and she just nodded and walked away. Me when I am avoiding a problem... I am going to say the sauce and chips made up for it. The chips were the perfect balance of crisp with the salt, and dipped in the sauce OMG. I would just eat them alone. I do not usually like sauces and this was an ale peppercorn one but I was taken by surprise. It was so good.
Except the fail of a steak which I should of read properly before ordering, everyone else enjoyed theirs. I tried the beef and ham which was so much more pleasant than mine. So it was not a total loss, as the parents were kind enough to give me some to replace the steak.
We only had one dessert which was a selection of the chefs favourites which the parents devoured. I tried one and it was good, nothing amazing but tasty. The waiters were friendly, kind of not really knowledgeable on the food but hospitable. I did have a flashing traffic light in the eye tho to everyone's amusement. What is it with me and lights?
They all look quite professional put together like this, don't they? Each dish also looks wicked.
Small and cute, the best type of dessert in my opinion.
Overall, I would say going off of the whole experience it was a pleasant one. One unsavoury aspect out of four meals I would say is a good ratio. I was sad when I bit into my steak and it was not flavoursome, but oh well. You win some, you lose some. The menu was reasonably priced too and I would give it a thumbs up. The view of the lit up Ferris Wheel was also plus while I was eating.
After a long day, we still decided to head out to the market after our bellies were filled. Due to the father driving, he stayed behind to rest. The air had a nice chill to it and the atmosphere was jolly. We only briefly went around and there was some stools that took our fancy. It was quite busy however so we did not hang around. I did get another dessert; mini doughnuts with chocolate sauce, that was cheeky and very rich.
Little old me enjoying my festive treat, and the beautiful wheel.
I ended up eating most of it in the room when we headed back. I hid the food in my bag as it felt odd bringing it into such a posh place... We did not stay long as it did start raining. I spooned the chocolate out with the spoon that came with the tea and it was so strong. Instant regret from the sugar! I hardly have rich puddings and this was so overwhelming for my body bless it, that it kept me awake most of the night. That was great for our 6am start for the hospital... Although, me and the sis had a chill relax in the room so what is there to complain about really?
Some more shots from the Market:)
That is all for this part of story ;) Tune in next time for the following two days; full of fun and some not so fun times...
That brings this post to a close. This part included more of the practical side of the trip, with some festive fun sprinkled in. The next post will contain the main bulk of the trip so I hope you come back to read it:) I love chatting, I do not know why but I do love sharing the times I have in my life. They are few and far between, but will sure ramp up once Covid dies down. When will that be, gosh it feels like it has been forever?
Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed and if you have been to Galway I would love to hear your experience. We are going back in January for another appointment/birthday shopping so I look forward to that! I am uploading this a little after we went so Christmas would of just passed. I do hope you all had a wonderful day, as mine was the perfect balance of festive cheer and relaxing:)
Stay safe and well, Lucy xooxo
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