Mellow Wanderer

Tag: Ireland

Have A Royal Good Time At This Stunning Irish Castle

My imagination ran wild when I stepped on the grounds of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare, Ireland.

Walking through the entrance felt like I was traveling back to an era with no modern conveniences. (Reality check: There are toilets with running water at this popular tourist destination). A winding path takes you by thatched-roofed cottages, where roosters crow and scamper. Various other farm animals such as pigs, goats, sheep, and geese also thrive here.

Amongst the farm cottages are a doctor’s house, a school and grocery store, a pub, and a blacksmith’s shop; the essentials of village life, all part of the Bunratty Castle realm, a magnificent feat of medieval architecture.

In 1250 , Norman invaders first built a wooden tower here as a defensive fortress. Then later, they built the stone castle. Throughout time, the castle has changed hands and been rebuilt four times during battles and squabbles involving the Irish, the Normans, and the King of England. Today, Clare County Council owns Bunratty Castle and it remains a national monument after being fully restored and furnished before opening to the public in 1962.

Grand Hall

The Grand Hall is the most impressive room in the castle. Royal residents would host extravagant banquets here, and welcomed special guests and dignitaries. Original ornate tapestries from the 1500s hang on the walls. Antlers from Irish elk that used to roam the countryside also hang high as hunting trophies. Tall stained-glass windows bring in bright light.

Celtic Fertility Symbol

An old Celtic symbol is etched on one of the walls next to a window. According to the guide who led our tour, the symbol blesses the castle with fertility. The symbol also has a mask, the guide said, to scare off evil spirits.

Elk Antlers

Stained Glass

Grand Hall Art

A narrow single-file spiral staircase goes all the way up to the castle’s observation deck. Along the way, you pass levels with servants quarters, Royal bedrooms, and salons restored with original furnishings from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Once you’re at the top level, there is an absolutely beautiful 360 degree view of County Clare’s countryside.

Photos By Susan Geiger

While you can’t book an overnight stay at Bunratty Castle, you can experience a night of revelry in medieval atmosphere. The castle regularly hosts four-course dinner banquets by candlelight, which are open to the public and include performances by costumed period actors and traditional Irish music.

Take A Video Tour of Bunratty Castle. Tap play In The Window Below

Video Tour Press Play
This Quaint Irish Village Should Be On Every Traveler’s List To Visit

In the Shannon region of western Ireland, the warm and friendly welcome extended to travelers visiting Adare is reminiscent of a simpler, less hectic time. Adare is a place that thrives on the past. You immediately notice the thatched cottages along Adare’s main road. Originally built in the 1830s as servant quarters for the 2nd Earl of Dunraven, today the cottages are private homes and businesses. Thatch that’s used in cottage roofing can range from wheat straw, oak straw and reeds to flax and sturdy grasses. Roofs often have thatch that’s layered seven feet deep.

Adare was founded in the 13th century and developed by The Geraldines of Kildare. Over two dozen historical sites are in the surrounding area. All of them are listed on Adare’s official website.

One of the prettiest spots is Adare Village Park, located in the heart of the village. It’s a beautiful place to wander. You can stroll under a canopy of towering chestnut trees, snap photos of gorgeous seasonal blooms in the garden areas, and rest under a thatched wooden gazebo— a popular venue for weddings and musical performances. There’s also a historical spot known as the Washing Pool. Before the use of detergent and wash tubs, Adare women would do the family laundry in the stream next to the arched bridge. They layed clothes over giant stones and would pound them clean using wooden bats. The Washing Pool is over 200 years old. It was restored in 1975 and designated a historical site.

Photos by: Susan Geiger

Adare Village Park

Avenue of Chestnuts

Park Garden

Park Garden

Park Garden

Park Garden

Washing Pool Placard

Washing Pool

Just beyond the arched bridge is Holy Trinity Abbey Church, the first and oldest Trinitarian abbey in Ireland. It was built in 1230 by an order of monks who lived in Adare for three centuries. The monks wore a white habit, so the abbey was commonly known as the White Monastery. The abbey is now a Roman Catholic church located in the center of the village next to another historical site: the Adare Fountain. The fountain was used by villagers and travelers as their main water source. They’d come to fill buckets to take home, and drink from the fountain pool along with their thirsty horses.

Holy Trinity Abbey and Fountain Pool

As you enter the village, stop by the Adare Heritage Center for a guide map and suggestions for local shopping, restaurants, and pubs. Old world history and charm make for a pleasant stay in Adare.

Adare Video Tour: Press Play

Adare Video Tour
Surfers Discover Wild Waves On Ireland’s Heavenly West Coast

When you think of Ireland, your mind conjures images of sweeping green meadows, lush rain forests, and stark towering cliffs. You can now add surfing, just like when you think of Hawaii and California, but minus the palm trees and sun-drenched beaches.

Photo: Susan Geiger

On a stopover in the small coastal town of Lahinch in County Clare, the last thing I expected was seeing so many wet-suited humans with surf boards, especially on a cold, rainy, and utterly dreary summer beach day.

Lahinch is on Ireland’s west coast. It’s in the region known as the Wild Atlantic Way, home of whipping winds and big surf. Lahinch is famous for golf, but over the years has evolved into a surfing village. The beachfront promenade is a collection of surf and apparel shops, surf schools, guitar-picking buskers, and food vendors unleashing the aroma of deep-fried delights into the air. California surfers nosh on fish tacos; in Ireland, it’s fish-n-chips.

Photos: Susan Geiger

The mile-wide strand of beach attracts surfers of all ages and skill levels. The relatively tame waters here are especially welcoming for beginners. Lahinch also has the coveted Blue Flag designation, Ireland’s top environmental award for clean beaches and water. It’s why Lahinch is a popular resort destination, with highly-rated hotels and boutique shopping.

Cliffs of Moher

Just a short drive from Lahinch are the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s dramatic and most visited natural wonders. The cliffs also lure fearless surfers to an area called the Aileens. Large ocean swells create waves ranging from 10 feet to over 30 feet high. Only the best, most experienced surfers are up to the challenge of the Aileens.

There are over 50,000 surfers in Ireland today, and more are arriving here from around the world now that the secret is out.

Press Play For A Video Tour Of Lahinch Beach
Scenic Tiny Town In Ireland Embraces The Folklore Of Magical Fairies

On the grand Ring of Kerry scenic route, deep in the southwest region of Ireland, is the idyllic town of Sneem. With quaint atmosphere and colorful appearance, Sneem is a popular tourist spot. Cheery pubs, restaurants, and cozy shops line the town square. Sneem was the winner of Ireland’s Tidey Town National Competition in 1987. With sweeping scenic landscapes, it’s easy to see why.

Monuments and statues honor local heroes and distinguished visitors, such as the legendary President of France, Charles de Gaulle, who vacationed here in the 1969 when he resigned as president. A life-sized statue of former world wrestling champion, and native son, Steve “Crusher” Casey, poses and sneers at visitors— a perfect invitation for a variety of entertaining photo ops.

Sneem’s charm really shines when you stroll by St. Michael’s Church. There’s a dirt walking path to the right of the church that takes you to “The Way The Fairies Went,” a sort of fairy village. A local sculptor created brick pyramids– fairy homes– as a tribute to Irish folklore and the belief in magical fairies, known as “The Little People” in rural Ireland. With small entryways, and lookouts, and even stained-glass windows, you’ll walk through them and this Little People village with childlike wonder.

St. Michael’s Church

Fairy Pyramid

Pyramid Inside

Pyramid Stained-Glass

Pyramid

The Way The Fairies Went River Walk

A stopover or longer stay in Sneem is a perfect respite for any road weary traveler touring Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

The Sneem River

Sneem Tour Map
Go To The Edge Of A Cliff To See The Most Breathtaking Views In Ireland

PRESS PLAY TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Obrien’s Tower stands at the Cliffs of Moher’s highest point. It’s Ireland’s most popular and dramatic landscape, rising high above the Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs are on Ireland’s west coast in County Clare, along the Wild Atlantic Way, a rugged and majestic coastline trail and driving route.

Obrien’s Tower

Hag’s Head

Our visit in early June required wearing our warmest winter-like jackets and gear. The weather here can be windy, cold, and sometimes wet— Irish mist wet. I wore a hat to cover my ears, and dressed in layers, with an insulated rain jacket to stay warm from the biting wind.

A good pair of walking shoes, preferably waterproof, is a must. The ground can be unstable and slippery when wet. Walking along the edge of the cliffs is an exhilarating experience. There are eight miles of walking paths with spectacular scenery. You’ll get plenty of exercise as you go up, over, and down the various slopes and stairways. There is a photo opportunity practically every step along the way. Always have your camera ready.

The cliffs are geological wonders. They were formed more than 320 million years ago. Musicians, artists, poets and storytellers often go to the cliffs for inspiration. Several spots on the hiking trail honor local performers called buskers. They entertain visitors, often for small donations.

Stop at the Visitor Center and learn about the history of the region, the geology of the cliffs, and the wildlife that inhabit the land and ocean. There’s also a cafe, souvenir shop, and restrooms.

For a different perspective, take a boat tour from the quaint town of Doolin. Obrien’s Tower appears so much tinier looking up from the water than it does standing at the top of the cliffs.

The Cliffs of Moher, a journey of wonder, discovery, and a lifetime of memories.

Susan & Steve Geiger