Our trip was about castles. They have an air of mystery, they’re full of grandeur, and they always come with that one picture of them looking stoic on the outside while crumbling on the inside. We visited several castles. And let me tell you, I felt like I was on an episode of “Game of Thrones.” The minute I walked through those big, oak doors, I half-expected to see Jon Snow brooding in the corner. These castles have such a rich history. I mean, imagine being able to say, “Yeah, my ancestors used to fight over this piece of land. No big deal.” Meanwhile, our ancestors were probably just fighting over the remote control.
Now, for those of you who haven’t heard, Ashford Castle in Cong is like something out of a fairy tale. This place has got it all – stunning views, opulent rooms, and apparently your imagination can run wild with potential hauntings.
At Ashford, they have a falconry school where they teach you how to handle these majestic birds of prey. These majestic creatures are seriously something else. Now, when you’re a falconer, it’s not just about having a bird of prey perched on your arm. It’s about training, building a connection, and forming a bond. You go out there, put in all this effort, and hope that your falcon doesn’t fly away when you’re not looking. You must be patient, understanding, and most importantly, you’ve got to feed them right. I mean, I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure I trust myself with a falcon after only a few lessons to get my dinner.
Our second castle was Dromoland. Dromoland Castle has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. The ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland. At Dromoland we discovered Irish Whiskey Teallings. Our bar captain stated he would only get us a water dropper and no ice. The tealling with 2 drops of water was quite pleasant for early evening drink with friends. It’s like being transported to a different era.
We visited the Montour Cliffs in Ireland? Yeah, they’re like Mother Nature’s way of showing off, like, “Look what I can do!” Seriously, have you ever seen those cliffs? I mean, I’m convinced these are the original Game of Thrones locations. Forget CGI, those cliffs are the real deal. But here’s the thing about Montour Cliffs – they’re absolutely stunning, but nobody ever prepares you for the cardio workout you’re signing up for just to admire the view.
Then there are the tourists acting all fearless, posing on the edge of the cliffs, with their feet dangling over the abyss as if they’re auditioning for a “Mission Impossible” movie. Meanwhile, Bonnie is standing back, clutching the handrail, and holding her breath, as if my sheer panic can keep everyone else safe.
The Ring of Kerry offers far more to those who get off the beaten track. You’ll find the smaller towns, villages, and attractions every bit as rewarding as the larger ones. This is a 179 km circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry in Southwestern Ireland. It takes in the towns of Killarney, Beaufort, Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Sneem, and Kenmare. Remember you want to drive this counterclockwise (anti-clockwise), and it will take most of the day with various stops. Don’t forget the Dingle Pennisula Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way dotted with lovely villages that each offer their own unique Sense of Place.
But back to the Irish castles. As you drive about the countryside there are various castles some in ruins and others were picturesque. They’ve become quite the tourist attraction, and rightfully so. I mean, who doesn’t want to imagine themselves sipping on a pint of Guinness in a majestic setting. Although sometimes it feels like time travel isn’t necessary when you stumble into a pub and the locals seem like they’re still living in the 16th century.
On our way back to Dublin, we travelled to a mansion in Enniskerry. Construction began in 1731 on the site of a Norman castle, and it is named the 3rd Best Garden in the world by National Geographic, where you can lose yourself in 47 acres of carefully curated and maintained gardens. With so many wondrous features to explore and the stunning Powerscourt House listed as one of the top 10 globally (Lonely Planet), there is something to take everyone’s breath away. The gardens are one of the most important in all of Ireland. They are divided into Italian Garden, Japanese Gardens, Triton Lake, Pet Cemetery, Dolphin Fountain, and Walled Gardens. The gardens were completed between 1858 and 1875 when gates, statues and urns were added.
But you know what? That’s what traveling is all about. It’s about embracing the unexpected, the mishaps, and the unique experiences that make you laugh until your sides hurt. So, if you have the chance, visit Ireland. Just remember, pack an umbrella, or waterproof jacket, and be prepared for the locals to treat you like family – whether you like it or not!