Lough Ree - The Bridge Whiskey Galey Bay 70cl

Galey Bay or An Ghaille is an inlet on the western shore of Lough Ree in Co Roscommon. It’s one of the deepest bays in the lake. A rapid stream full of trout feeds into the lake from Lough Oura. The settlement in Galey is likely to date back to the Iron Age, with evidence of a promontory fort surrounding what remains of Galey Castle. A log boat from the 10th Century was found in the 1980s in Galey Bay by a local swimmer and is currently on display in Roscommon Museum. Galey castle was built in 1340 by William Bui O’Kelly, whose O’Kelly Clan were Chieftains of South Roscommon/East Galway. In 1351, William Bui O’Kelly invited all the poets, brehons, bards, harpers, gamesters and jesters to Galey Castle for the Christmas period. This gathering became known as the first Fleadh Ceol (music festival) in Ireland. The celebrations continued until February 1st, St. Bridget’s Day. From 1872 to 1912, Lord Crofton of Mote Park held a very popular annual yachting regatta at Galey Bay. Nowadays, it’s a picturesque and peaceful spot with a family-friendly campsite on the shores of Lough Ree.