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Winter weary in the West
Re-discovering Galway.
Due to the impending doom and gloom of the wintertime in Galway, you may find yourself thinking that there are few things to do with your time. The nasty weather conditions that prevail in wintertime in the wurly burly outdoors of the West are now upon us.
However, there is no need to worry, as there are in fact, many fun, exciting and enjoyable ways you can spend your free time over the next few months. It need not cost you a fortune either. Why not spend a few hours browsing in one of the second hand bookshops that Galway has to offer, such as Charlie Byrne's on Middle Street; Bell, Book and Candle in the Small Crane or Bookexchange on Lower Abbeygate Street? Charity shops such as Enable Ireland, The Simon Shop and Age Action also usually have an array of books for sale, too. In these shops you will undoubtedly find many hidden gems at affordable prices.
If you find yourself deeply inspired by the writings of others, why not try your hand at writing some short stories, poems or even novella's or plays of you own?! It could be the start of a wonderful, lifelong hobby (or profession, if you enjoy the experience).
In terms of film going, Galway has a few treats to offer. The Galway Film Society screens a piece of world cinema every Sunday night at 8.15. The current season will run until December 6th. Tickets are available from the Town Hall Theatre box office (€8.00 per film, or €6.00 per film if you are a student or are unwaged), which is also where the films are screened, conveniently enough. The Eye Cinema is also worth checking out on Tuesdays before 8.30pm, as the price for a ticket for third level students is only €6.25 (excluding films screened in the luxury screen).
For those of you who used to enjoy knitting, sewing or crochet, or for those of you who have ever been interested in such a hobby, but never actually took it up, now is the time to embrace this wonderfully rewarding pastime. Finished pieces could work as gifts or even practical pieces for your own use. Embracing your creative side furthermore, why not buy a sketchpad and some pencils, or paintbrushes and paint, and unleash your artistic flair onto the blank, eager to be used, canvas? Such hobbies are perfectly suited to the indoors during the winter months, or, if your brave enough, you could set your field of vision on the streets (or landscapes) of Galway.
For those of you would like to give something back to the community, Galway's Volunteer Centre have many volunteering opportunities that you could very well become involved in. Visit www.volunteergalway.ie to register and become involved.
Before the excesses of the festive season have a chance to catch up with your waistline, why not get ahead of the game and embrace the outdoors by taking regular walks, cycles, or jogs? It could be just the thing to lift your mood and self esteem during the transition to the new season. It doesn’t cost a penny either, which always helps (unless you decide you need a bike or a suitable pair of new runners).
So, it seems that complaining about having nothing to do and feeling a little down as a result, is just a waste of valuable time and energy. There are many ways in which you can channel positive energy into a new or rediscovered pastime in Galway. All you have to do is realise what you want to do, and then just do it!
By: Grace Kennedy
