Classic Rock & Irish Folk

The two music genres (classic rock and traditional Irish folk) don't seem to go together, right? Well I'm not here to tell you that in actuality, one is the other or that they have the same origins, etc. They actually don't have much in common with each other, besides one thing: Ireland.

On my flight back to Madrid after my stay in Ireland over Valentine's Day weekend, I came to the deep realization that the juxtaposition of these two very prominent music genres you hear in the streets and pubs of Ireland are actually a perfect example of the juxtaposition of Ireland's atmospheres ,or "cultures," you may say. I had the fortune to visit both Dublin and Galway and (while more obvious in Galway) both cities had a certain air of a little bit of old and a little bit of knew all mixed in together. Let me explain first with my trip to Galway, where I spent most of my time in Ireland.

The Town

To get from Dublin to Galway, we took a 2 and a half hour train directly across the country. When the train came to a stop, we found ourselves in a charming and pinteresque fishing town just off the Atlantic coast. It was overcast weather, but suited the city well (in the best way possible). The streets were lined with old-fashioned family-owned shops from book shops to hundred-year-old restaraunts.

Everyone seemed to know each other and everyone seemed to be very happy. Even the street artists were having the time of their lives, playing guitar out in the streets and singing some of the best classic rock covers I've heard in a while.

So the city was pretty hip as well. Galway knows its music. From 50s music to more contemporary soulful rock, they felt it and loved it. But at the same time, we'd see signs outside of pubs that read, "Irish Folk Music tonight at 9." So we knew we'd have to check that out at some point.

The People

As we explored the city's main street, Quay St., which was probably a five minute walk from the top to bottom, we stopped in some little shops along the way. We started to notice that before we could even take a look at the traditional jewelry or antique collectibles, the shop owner was telling us his/her life story or curiously asking questions about our life in the states and Madrid. "Oh so you teach, eh?" "What are the students like in Madrid?" "My grandaughter did something like that once and..."

One shop owner warned us not to be afraid if a grown man in a leprachaun outfit walked through the door at any second because it would be her husband. We didn't ask...

The people were so open and so welcoming that we seemed to make friends everywhere, even on the metro where one woman just sat down and started talking to us, asking about our lives and where we came from.

The Ring

One reason why we were ducking in and out of shops was not only out of curiousity, but to find a pot of gold. No, I'm just kidding. We were on a hunt for a Claddagh ring. Why, you may ask? Well, because of its beautiful design, but most of all for its very unique story and the history that it holds:

The Claddagh ring is believed to have originated in the fishing village near the shore, or "Claddagh" of Galway Bay. This Claddagh was ruled by an elected king whose sole distinguishing mark was his right to use a white sail on his fishing hooker.

The ring shows two hands holding a heart which wears a crown, explained by the motif, "Let Love and Friendship Reign." It turned out to be an ideal phrase for a wedding ring used by the small community for over 400 years.

The Claddagh Ring became popular outside the Claddagh about the middle of the 19th century, especially since it was the only ring made in Ireland worn by Queen Victoria and later Queen Alexandria and King Edward VII.

So of course we had to find one-not that this was in any way a difficult task. Claddagh Rings are sold everywhere you look in Ireland, and especially in Galway where they originated. The task was to find the perfect one, and so we did.

One shop we stopped into, Thomas Dillon's, was run by a husband and wife. We actually learned that many firms make different versions of the Claddagh Ring. The Dillon's of Galway, at 1 Quay Street, is the only firm still in existence since 1750 making the Original Claddagh Ring.

Here's where it gets fun. The tradition of how to wear this ring is very distinctive. If the owner wears the ring with the crown pointing towards the fingernail, he/she is said to be in love or married. When one wears the ring with the heart pointing towards the fingernail, he/she is said to be unattached to anyone.

SOLD! To the girls randomly traveling to Galway and now wishing they were Irish!

Not the best quality pic, but you can see us trying to show off our new rings.

The Coast

Oh, the coast. At the end of Quay Street began the most gorgeous walk I would take since arriving in Europe. The fishing town of Galway is absolutley breathtaking. Not only is the atmosphere so relaxing and peaceful, but the views of the open green fields and the blue Atlantic are something I will never forget. Especially since I took lots of photos! :)

Yes, we saw a rainbow, and no we didn't find the pot of gold.

The Pubs

Like I said, we had to venture off to hear this "traditional Irish folk" music at some point. When we showed up to the pub, we noticed that we were probably the youngest people there by 10 years at least. But wow, was it worth it. We LOVED the music. The mix of guitar, acordian and violin in its fast rhythms and interesting lyrics make for great entertainment. We noticed that from one pub to the next, everyone put their own little spin on the Irish folk music, adding an oboe, harmonica or tamborine. And as the night went on, younger people appeared. At some point, we finally realized what everyone was saying about how Galway is such a historic, peaceful fishing village with a vibrant nightlife and young atmosphere. Classic rock and Irish folk.

#travel