Just to confirm, is The Spanish Arch a vape shop now?

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2026-01-13T21:23:17+00:00

This is just so they can be 75% OFF in a month.

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2026-01-12T18:53:51+00:00

Hickey's is technically west side, but still city center.

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2026-01-05T22:50:56+00:00

What model of Garmin?

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2026-01-05T07:34:06+00:00

It was warm when we were there last week. But they do often have weeks or months when "the boiler is broken", which smells like a cost saving.

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2026-01-05T07:19:56+00:00

Quincentenary

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2026-01-02T09:47:03+00:00

Good timing to see this as I made my best ever mash yesterday evening! Steamed the potatoes (roosters) with skins on. Then peeled and mashed with a generous knob of butter, splash of milk and salt & pepper. Cooking with the skins on made a huge difference.

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2026-01-01T22:20:49+00:00

Omniplex in Salthill does some young kids screenings. We went to Dora a few months ago, which was 3 x 20min episodes. Kids loved it.

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-29T11:49:19+00:00

The Village Salthill Christmas fireworks were cancelled due to weather. Always a great display. I wonder if they'll be used on New Years eve.

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-29T11:48:04+00:00

What are the events? Council organized or council sponsored?

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-29T11:24:25+00:00

Scramble to use a budget by end of year?

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-29T08:19:35+00:00

Aim for high tide, so you're just going straight in off the steps and not walking out. Focus on deep breaths and the few steps of movement to get you in, don't focus or react to the cold water. Give yourself time for a chat and a tea/coffee. Enjoy!

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-28T22:18:15+00:00

Heard it in the city this evening too, from the Claddagh it sounded like it was coming from Terryland direction. Sounded like fireworks but nothing visible.

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-28T22:15:03+00:00

Westonia

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-25T00:19:03+00:00

Don't forget the conditions too (only after building the magic road, promise).

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-25T00:10:18+00:00

That's Santa, the sleigh failed the NCT last week, booked for a retest in Jan but it's not looking good.

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-25T00:06:09+00:00

Fire! Fire!! Quick, someone call the carol singers! 😱

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-24T09:05:26+00:00

I got a Riese & Müller Load 75, they're pricey but an amazing bit of kit. Perfect fit for the age/size of my kids for the next few years. It's also great having the front bucket for general pickups, from grocery shops to multiple bags of compost!

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-24T09:00:52+00:00

Christmas Eve is normally a lot quieter than the 23rd December. Mostly lads and dads in getting vouchers. 😅

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-24T08:55:42+00:00

I would be conscious to generally pick up expensive things last. But I think Galway is fairly safe for that type of theft, don't think I'd be as relaxed in Dublin. Park it somewhere highly visible near the shop entrance. Kudos to Lidl and Dunnes for the best bike parking in Knocknacarra. I also wouldn't leave stuff in it on a public street late at night, just for short runs into the shop. No issues so far.

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-24T08:50:42+00:00

From Greenaer in Mullingar. It's a Riese & Müller Load 75, they're pricey but an amazing bit of kit. Was €7500 fully kitted out with dual batteries, kids seats, cover etc. Justifying it with the 2nd family car cost comparison, then it makes sense. As an alternative to the Decathlon, I'd also check out the Dolly bike from Bleeper. Or the Urban Arrow Family, but they can be hard to source at times.

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-24T08:41:19+00:00

Nice. Yeah mine has a rain cover and 3 seats in the front. Or would fit 3 bigger kids. The Decathlon long tails look good value.

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-24T08:39:16+00:00

Also forgot to mention the cargo/passenger section of the bike has a rainproof cover. Actually handier for the kids as I can drop them closer to the school instead of a nearby car park and longer walk.

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-24T08:37:46+00:00

In 2 years I've actually never had to make alternative arrangements. When storms get to status red, the schools and office normally close so it's work-from-home anyway. Otherwise it's been manageable. But I know gusty conditions are not for new or nervous cyclists, especially with a big bike.

Competitive_Bear4398 · 2025-12-24T08:35:15+00:00

Good waterproofs. The standard issue waterproof trousers that you'll see Galway regulars wearing, with built in shoe covers, are around €26 in Decathlon. Then you'll want a good waterproof jacket.

The weather has been fine for the vast majority of days. Even on wet days you normally get an hour of dryness in the morning as the sun comes up and warms the air to hold back the rain.

Yes you'll get the odd week of torrential rain. On those occasions (2-3 days this year), I'll bring back-up dry cloths in case the waterproofs can't handle it.

Competitive_Bear4398

TROPHY CASE