From Milligans, to Galway Bay, to Granny’s Farmhouse
Hello and welcome back to my blog! Today I’m back with three more places in County Galway that helped shape the Of Gods and Monsters series. Let’s get into it!
Monroe’s Tavern → Milligan’s Pub
The first is Monroe’s Tavern on Dominick Street Upper in downtown Galway. Monroe’s sits on a busy corner near the River Corrib, where people stream past all day long.
Inside, it’s exactly what you want from a pub: a long bar, a space for music, and good food that keeps you there longer than you meant to stay.
In the books, Monroe’s becomes Milligan’s Pub, owned by Mel Milligan. You meet Mel in The Dreammasters, and he appears in every book after that. His Irish empire is a key part of the series, and Milligan’s is one of its hubs.
From Granny’s house on Taylor’s Hill, it’s an easy fifteen-minute walk to Milligan’s (Monroe’s in real life). I’ve walked that route many times and often imagine Aisling and the others doing the same.
Monroe’s Tavern, the inspiration for Milligans
Galway Bay and the Long Walk
The next location is Galway Bay.
Galway Bay begins where the River Corrib empties into the sea, just past the Claddagh and the Spanish Arch in downtown Galway. Close by is the Long Walk, a row of joined houses—less “long” than the name suggests—stretching along the water and looking out toward the Corrib and the bay.
From there, Galway Bay curves past the Claddagh south and then west toward Salthill, a seaside area of homes, cafés, and apartments. A promenade runs along the shore, and I’ve spent many days walking there, then stopping in Salthill for coffee or a pint after exploring.
Galway Bay plays an especially important role in book three, The Fomorians, when a Fomorian ship approaches Galway, intent on docking. What happens next? To find out, start with The Dreammasters, then The Fae, and finally The Fomorians for the answers—and for the conclusion of the trilogy.
The Long Walk in Galway
Kinvara and Granny’s Farmhouse
The final spot is the seaside fishing village of Kinvara (often spelled Kinvarra), about thirty-five miles southwest of Galway City.
In the series, Aisling escapes to her granny’s farmhouse just outside the village. If she’d had more time, she would have wandered Kinvara’s streets, finding pubs and restaurants along the harbor. She might also have visited Dunguaire Castle, a 16th-century tower house east of the village. It’s not currently open for tours, but it’s a great vantage point for photos of the village and the bay.
Kinvara bay and Dunguaire Castle
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse of the Irish landscape that inspired my stories.
Where have you visited that inspired you? Leave a comment below and tell me—I’m always curious about new places to explore on the page and in real life.
Until next time,
Kelley
