galway – jenaway

Hi my name is jenny and I don’t drink coffee…

Absolutely shocking I know but I have a sweet tooth and I am not ashamed. So, living in Galway I have tried every hot chocolate that’s on offer so you don’t have to. These are the best ones:

HAZEL MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE

This place is a dream for any chocolate lover. Located in Middle street they have a hot chocolate menu… yes menu. It changes seasonally and I would recommend their Gingerbread and Walnut flavour as it is Christmas in a cup.

They make their drinks from an actual slab of solid chocolate, none of that powder nonsense and have an actual chocolate factory (major Willy Wonka vibes) located in the Burren in Clare. But, they do sell their handmade chocolate bars in the shop if you’re not up for the trek.

If you can’t resist going without they also sell chocolate drop to make your own goodness at home.

I always opt for their toasted marshmallows on top for an extra treat.

2. JAVA

There’s a hidden French creperie in Galway, and it’s called Java. Located on Abbeygate street they do the best hot drinks and accompanied with the best crepes in the city.

Open all day until 10pm this is the perfect place to go if you want to just relax. They have a cute upstairs with couches that’s perfect for a catch up with friends and it won’t blow your budget either.

3. MCCAMBRIDGES

Probably one of the busiest cafes in Galway, McCambridges is good for a hot chocolate but also for a lunch too.

You’ll find it on Shop street and downstairs also has some cute food bits too.

It’s always busy though so prepare to queue, however their outside seating is great for people watching if you can brave the weather.

4. TEMPLE CAFE

Temple Cafe is located on St. Augustine street but within the Corn Store. It’s a Vegan cafe but their scrambled eggs and hot choc do not skimp on flavour.

This place is amazing for a breakfast because you know what you’re getting is going to be not only delicious but healthy too.

The great thing about this cafe is that it’s a social business meaning they support local suppliers but also use a percentage of their profits to donate to local charities. So you don’t have to feel too guilty for having your breakfast out… again.

Which one would you try first?

Unfortunately with travel restrictions I have not been able to go anywhere in the last couple of months.

Instead I will update you on all of my travels post Italy.

This one was August when the farthest I could travel, was to the island off of my county.

Enjoy

If you’ve ever travelled to the west of Ireland, you have probably heard of the Aran Islands.

They’re a couple of islands off the coast of the coast of Galway and are pretty good for a couple of days if you’re lucky with the weather.

The biggest island is Inis Mor and the one we choose to go to in August. Even though it is the biggest, it is not big.

Day 1

We got the aran shuttle bus to the ferry. Student tickets are €25 and adults are €30. These prices include the bus to and from the ferry and the ferry from Rossaveel to Inis Mor and back again.

Once on the island we headed towards the campsite (the road to the left). We decided to bring our own tent as we are students and broke. It cost ten €10 per person per night, we stayed two. I would advice bringing a soft surface to sleep on as the grass can be quite hard. There are glamping options but they’re not cheap and always booked way out in advance. But they are a nice option for those luxury seekers.

We rented bikes at one of the bike shops. They’re all the same price. They cost €15 for the day but we paid the extra charge to have them overnight so we wouldn’t be rushing back, would recommend.

We cycled to Dun Aonghasa, a famous hill-fort on the island. I would recommend cycling instead of getting a tour bus as the route is not long and you get to see the island much better. There also aren’t any things your tour guide can point out on the way so you won’t be missing out on any special information.

At Dun Aonghasa there are little shops, a restaurant and an ice cream shop. We ate in Teach Nan Paidi, it’s a little cottage. The food is nice, if anything a little expensive.

On the way back we stopped at the sea colony. There are seats where you can rest, take in the view and taking your luck at spotting the seals. We were lucky and managed to spot a few basking in the sun.

In the evening we decided to have a bbq. They’re available at the campsite at no extra cost. We did bring a disposable one but it was too windy to stay lit. We toasted marshmallows but a lot of them ended up melting onto the coals *sad face.

Day 2

Today our mission was the worm hole.

If you don’t know, the wormhole was used for the Red Bull cliff diving competition and is very cool to look at and even swim in if brave enough.

We were extremely lucky with our days on Inis Mor and stopped at the beach near the Wormhole to go swimming. Even though it was unusually hot, the water was still freezing.

Even though we asked a lifeguard for directions, the wormhole is not easy to find. You basically cycle to a red rope and then trek past a load of fields and rocks until you get to it.

It is pretty amazing to look at. You can also jump in and swim but the current is pretty strong so I didn’t chance it.

But I would recommend, even just for the views.

On the way back we stopped for a pint and a burger in Joe Wattys. A very Irish looking pub but the food was good and the staff were so friendly. Nice seating outside too.

That night, it rained very heavy. Luckily our tent was waterproof but a lot of others weren’t. Make sure your tent is waterproof before camping in Ireland.

Day 3

We got the ferry home.

The bus drivers are always very obliging and if you ask in advance they will drop you off near enough to where you want.

(And yes I am wearing shorts under my dress as I did not want to flash islanders on my bike)

Picture 1: Dun Aonghasa

Picture 2: Wormhole

Picture 3: Sunrise over campsite

Rating out of ten: Solid 8

Tag: galway

GALWAY – BEST HOT CHOCOLATES IN THE WEST

GALWAY – Camping on Inis Mor