Ireland #4

Ireland #4
Today we moved on to Galway where we will spend two nites.
Our first stop was the Foxford Woolen Mills. Heard the history of how it started (a nun persisted in getting it going because there were no jobs in the area so people were starving. She managed to get the children to come to school by offering food.)
We travelled for miles, heading west then south. The hills were now barren except for rocks, grass and sheep. Really interesting country.Also lots of little lakes and a fiord -- the only one in Ireland. In this area he stopped the bus to let us off. We were able to walk down the road for 30 minutes or so which was a treat. Also the sun was out!!!!
The roads are very narrow and windy but because of the lack of trees, quite open. Appears to be a favorite cycling area.
The grass we've been seeing earlier in the week is a funny shade of green -- sort of minty. Don thinks it lacks the dark green because it doesn't get much sun. Who knows.
Saturday Sept 14
We are staying in another 5 star hotel -- 2nd nite here. It's on the ocean just north of Galway which is the largest city in western Ireland. The sun shone all day, people were out walking, swimming, etc.
Our first visit of the day was a sheep farm where we saw the dog working, a sheep being sheared and two lambs being fed a bottle. The farm has about 100 ewes who's sole purpose is to produce lambs. The biggest market is France followed by Ireland. Lamb is very expensive. He said something quite surprising -- there is no money in the wool. By the time you pay to have them sheared there is next to nothing left. He shears his own. The wool is sent to China. It is NOT a main part of the local economy as we all think.
Afterwards we had coffee and scones -- got the recipe as well. We then toured their original home which is thatched with a peat fireplace. Asked who had Irish ancestors and said now we know how they lived.
Next stop was the city of Galway where we were let loose for 4 hours. Too much time for Don's feet but we did find places to sit for awhile. The clothing styles are awful so no temptation there.
We are back at the hotel for a couple of hours of leisure before supper. I'm going to find the gym!!!
By the way, grey horses are popular here and we see them everywhere. If you have a horse for sale that is brown, it doesn't fetch as good a price.