I went to Ireland and this happened...

On boxing day I visited a great friend of mine in Ireland. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made, I can't believe it took me so long to make it! I have been to Thailand, Japan, Italy, France etc but Ireland is a different world in itself. It was a trek to get there because I flew to Dublin and caught a 3 hour bus to Galway where my friend Niamh lives. I forgot to print my ticket and narrowly missed shelling out a seventy pound fine. On arrival the gale force winds and rain were so strong that the bus driver took one look at little ol' me with mad flyaway hair streaked attractively across my face, my clothes totally soaked through and went "Jeezus, wait till you get to Galway." Not the most promising of starts.

But Galway glows a unique kind of happiness. I spent five days amongst the most genuine and beautiful people I have ever come across. There is a total openness in their manner that means you could initiate a chat with nearly everyone and they would quite happily spend a minute or two getting to know you. I drank a lot with my friends whilst I was over there but it was all done with such a cheeriness that it didn't turn to regret in the morning...

The bars themselves are a sight to behold. If you have never been to Ireland, then there is no way to do them justice. They have a tardis-like quality with the guise of a small front that blossoms into one room or stage after another where home-grown musical talents play away to an appreciative bobbing crowd. It was there that I had my first Irish pint of Guinness and the rumours are true, it tastes like no other Guinness you've ever had. It was so creamy and buttery that I could only describe it as beer pie.

The city itself has a definite bustle and one that didn't make me feel rushed or anxious as I normally do in cities such as London or Manchester. The sales were on and I think the atmosphere was a little tense as people rushed around to snaffle the best bargains but it only added to the life of the city. No, I didn't take as many photos as I would have liked but to be honest I was too busy drinking it all in.