Today we drove through the rocky, wet bog area. No animals can survive here and it's main importantce over the past years is for a source of heat. They cut the earth and peat away from the top of the land and pile it into bricks to dry. Once dried the bricks are used for heat and have been for centuries.
Donna is walking carefully through the bog trying not to get a soaker, unfortunately she was unsuccessful.
Our next stop was the Spiddal Craft Centre with an array of stores and craft shops where the craft makers design, make and sell their handmade crafts. Pottery, wool, nik naks, silver and more. The craftsmen were very friendly and happy to share their wonderful creations with us.
Next stop was the Connemara marble outlet to learn about the different types of marble available in Ireland. The green, black and red marbles are beautiful. The location we visited is where they make fine jewelry pieces with marble accents. The owner gave us a tour and showed us the various pieces of marble they get from the quarry. This is a famliy run business started by his grandfather.
Our next visit is with Mary Munley to view her fine Connemara Celtic Crystal factory. She started the business in 1972 and it is known around the world. Mary constantly wins awards for her spectacular crystal designs and finely cut pieces. We were treated to a demonstration by her master craft man cutting a crystal bowl with her famous claddagh design.
After a busy morning of shopping the ladies have worked up an appetite. Keith drives us back to Galway for lunch in one of his favourite restaurants. As always the food was great. After lunch we take a short walking tour of downtown Galway then the ladies split up to enjoy free time. Some head back to the hotel to enjoy a tasty Irish coffee, others explore the shops and quaint streets of Galway.
Tonight we went to an Irish music and dance show: Trad on the Prom. It was fantastic! Some of the performers were members of the orinigal River Dance and the level of entertainment was outstanding. World class dancers, singers and musicians. A wonderful way to end our time in Galway.
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