Galway to Dublin – Day 8
Pubs, Distilleries and Blessings
Turns out, flying into Dublin and out of Shannon costs more than adding an entire day to your trip. So, naturally, we said, “Let’s spend more time in Ireland and less time with airline price algorithms.” Thus, Day 8 was born.
After a “leisurely” start (which is travel-speak for we slept in because there was too much hydration last night), we headed toward Athlone, which sits in the middle of Ireland. Athlone’s claim to fame? Sean’s Bar—a charming, creaky, dimly lit watering hole that’s been quenching thirst since approximately the invention of mead and questionable hygiene (circa 900 A.D.).
Sean’s Bar is officially the oldest pub in Ireland, according to the Guinness Book of Records. The place has sawdust on the floors, low ceilings and dim lights. Regulars sit on wooden stools close to the beer taps. There are snugs and a patio. Display boxes on the wall contain patches from law enforcement and firefighters from all over the world.
Seans Bar
It was 11 a.m., and we weren’t quite ready to drink a pint for brunch. So instead, we wandered off and found an Italian spot—because nothing says “authentic Irish experience” like pasta.
Next stop: Kilbeggan Distillery, nestled in the town of—you guessed it—Kilbeggan. This place claims to be the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland, dating back to 1757. The Locke family ran the place for exactly 200 years.
They shut down in 1957, but it was revived in the ’80s by Cooley Distillery. The Brosna River directly behind the distillery turns the water wheel, which powers the machinery, most of which is original. We saw the stills, watermill, cooperage and casking. We finished the tour with an official Irish whiskey tasting.
Killbeggen Distillery
We made it to Dublin, said a bittersweet goodbye to our trusty driver/Irish sage, Finnbar, and checked into The Green Hotel. For our final dinner, we went out to Featherblade Steak Restaurant. An early morning flight kept us away from the pubs.
We ended the evening with one last stroll through St. Stephen’s Green, full of nostalgia, red meat, and a hint of denial that the trip was over.
And so, the next morning, we bid farewell to Ireland—each of us carrying the memories of a wonderful trip. In the spirit of Irish tradition, we left with a blessing for the road ahead, a wish for good fortune and gentle travels:
May the road rise to meet you,
And the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you gently in the palm of His hand.
