Welcome to the Aran Islands

So I didn't celebrate Halloween on Halloween night because Halloween night I was taking the ferry from Ros An Mhil (in Co. Galway) to the Aran Islands off the coast of Ireland. Known all over Ireland as a wonderful summer vacation spot, it also seems to be the destination for artists and surfers on weekends in late October or early November. I was headed to Inishmore (the biggest of the three islands).


I took the bus from Galway City to Ros An Mhil at about quarter pass six. The ride was about and hour and the sun that had been up when we left Galway had set by the time we reached the pier. The ride on the ferry was made in the dark, and the only indication that we were on the water was the turbulence. I will admit that I got a bit sea sick, and that my occupation talking to a native of the island was probably the only thing that kept me from losing my lunch (note to self: on the way back to the main land, take a seat in the back of the ferry where the waves are less noticeable).


The girl I met on the way over's name was Finnoula (though to be quite honest, this is a guess because I'm not so great at remembering the Irish pronunciations). Originally from the Islands, she now lives in Dublin where she teaches eleven-year-olds. While I was the one who began the conversation at the bus stop, she sought me out on the ferry to continue our conversation. I think she noticed my heavy bad was was being friendly to a fellow traveler.While she was not currently travelling (aside from coming home for the weekend) she mentioned that she had lived for a year in Australia (something that a lot of Irish do after graduating from University) with her boyfriend.


We talked about Australia, what it is like to travel at our age, her job in Dublin, Ireland, and the Aran Islands. She gave me some insights about being from the Islands. When we left the ferry she walked me close to my hostel and pointed me to the door. A friendly welcome is always appreciated and rarely forgotten!