City Guide: Galway, Ireland

Chef James explores the Emerald Isle, plus recommendations from a special guest tour guide...

A baby lamb in the countryside.

Ah, yes! The Emerald Isle. Quite possibly the most American-friendly destination in Europe. Not only is English the common language, but there were so many Irish immigrants from 1820-1960 that the odds of many Americans (and Canadians) having Irish lineage is pretty high (my mother’s maiden name is Brennan). So, it’s easy to guess that there’s a natural and easy friendship between the Irish and the Americans. Not to mention the Irish are really a friendly bunch. Live music, comforting food, warm hospitality and a cold pint are mainstays nearly everywhere you go. I have been to Ireland three times with my fourth trip already booked for April. I’ll be leading a food tour with Bog & Thunder.

Ireland is deserving of all of the wonderful things you have heard and seen about it. Sam, my girlfriend, credits it as her favorite country she’s ever visited.

West coast of Ireland, Sam at Rúibín, Chef James and his mother at the Guinness Brewery.

First thing’s first: there are a couple ridiculous reputations that we need to address.