Time for reminiscing and pub rambling around the West!

Double Vision with Charlie Adley

No human could enjoy a better greeting in Tigh Neachtain. At the corner of the front bar sits the Snapper, elegant in her long woollen dress, alongside a smiling crew, who leap to their feet to cry

“Charlie! How arya!” and offer firm handshakes. As one of them sniffs my neck another declares: “It’s good to see you back in Neachtain’s!” which leaves me wondering when I left.

The politics of Quay Street are simple. You’re either a Quays person or a Neachtain’s person, and never the twain, except of course for your contrary colyoomist. I love them both. One of my great pleasures is to sit outside either and watch life as it drifts over the cobbles.

For me it has more to do with the seasons than matters of allegiance. Thankfully, I feel very welcome in both pubs, but in the summer the seats outside Neachtain’s get the sun. In winter the Quays has an awning and exterior heating, so I gravitate there during these dark months.

I’m a funny one. Even though I’ve come to town to see people and have some craic, I discover that my socialising batteries are out of charge. I’m not past enjoying the craic.

Just today, this evening, I can’t access those social skills that create conversation.

After a mere half hour of talking, I head west over the bridge, stopping in the rain to absorb the wonder of roaring tumult that is February’s River Corrib. Then off to McGuire’s shop for a newspaper and into Monroe’s.

Ahhh, lovely. A table; a pint; a window onto Dominick Street. Watching the stoic walkers of Galway’s commute brace themselves in the face of a wet Atlantic wind, I spend a gloriously quiet hour.

Over the years I’ve found Monroe’s an excellent decompression centre, when after days of rural isolation I’m ready to see life all around me once again, but not quite able to take it on face to face. The smell of woodsmoke helps too, and their cheese and ham toasty has saved many a day.

Fortunately my anti-social mood won’t stop me from having a great time tonight. I’m feeling extremely happy and I’m not trying to keep anyone else happy.

To read Charlie’s column in full, please see this week’s Galway City Tribune.