Transformational Travel: Exploring Ireland’s Castles and Ruins
Mysterious Adventures Tours is honored to welcome back Christina Diane for her final installment in this captivating travel series. With a deep passion for history, architecture, and the mystical wonders of the world, Christina has journeyed across six continents, immersing herself in cultures and uncovering hidden stories. In this last chapter of her exploration of Ireland, she takes us through a journey filled with castles, ruins, and legendary landscapes. Her travels to Ireland highlight not only Ireland’s rich history but also the deeply personal and transformative experiences that come with travel. Be sure to follow Christina on Instagram (@nerdgirltravel) and visit her website nerdgirltravel.com to explore more of her incredible adventures.
Castles, Cliffs, and Cultural Exploration
The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.
We did some normal sightseeing on the trip as well. We did visit the Cliffs of Moher. We didn’t get to see them due to intense fog, but hey, I can say that I went there! Since I opted not to fly in early or stay after the trip, I didn’t get the chance to explore Dublin, but we were given the time to explore both Galway and the town of Birr. Recommend spending time in each. When you travel to Ireland, these stops add to the magic of the journey.
Tower Castles: A Step Back in Time
Oranmore Castle: A Fortress of the 15th Century
The first castle we visited was Oranmore Castle in Galway. The castle was built sometime in the 15th century and is considered a tower house type. This type of castle was a common theme during the trip. Purposely built to deter intruders, they have staircases that circle up in a counterclockwise fashion with uneven steps, forcing those intruding up to go slow and use their left (hopefully non-dominate) hand to fight with. As someone who is naturally clumsy and has a tricky knee, I can honestly say that these stairs suck. Oranmore is, however, a gorgeous castle.
Redwood Castle: A Personal Connection to History
The other tower castle we visited was Redwood Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. This castle can be traced back to the Egan Clan, so I naturally had to send a picture and some history to my good friend that I’ve known for 20 years whose last name is Egan. She did say her family on her mom’s side can be traced back to Ireland. I also laugh that I travel to Ireland, find a castle that potentially “belongs” to a friend, and the best I could find for my own very Irish family was a keychain. Yes, I bought the keychain.
Grand and Gothic: The Iconic Irish Castles
Kinnitty Castle: A Storybook Setting
Kinnitty Castle and Malahide Castle were the last two castles that we visited. They were not tower castles, but Gothic Revival and medieval, respectively. These are the type of castles you picture when you hear the word castle. We had lunch at Kinnitty, and the hall we ate in was very reminiscent of Harry Potter or Game of Thrones, and the hosts joked about that. The grounds here were beautiful. In the front, there was a fairy walking trail in the woods, and in the back were more walking paths through the woods. We passed a henge and spent a few minutes grounding. Kinnitty is also a hotel, and I would enjoy renting a room for a few days and exploring the area some more.
Malahide Castle: A Home Fit for Royalty
Walking around Malahide, parts of which date back to the 12th century, gave me “second or third home to the Royal Family” vibes. It was home to the Talbots throughout the centuries, their pictures donning the walls. One of the fascinating parts of the castle was the very small hidden room in the Oak Room. This space was called the “Priest Hole,” where a priest could hide if any authorities showed up. This was when people could be persecuted if they were Catholic. The amount of thought that went into a lot of the architectural designs of the castle was amazing, like the sculptures in the crown molding.
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Ancient Ruins and Sacred Monasteries
We also explored some ruins and graveyards. One stop was Clare Augustinian Abbey. Built-in 1185, the abbey was the largest and most important in County Clare. Another stop was Fore Abbey, home of the “Seven Wonders,” such as the water that won’t boil and the tree that won’t burn. It was interesting seeing the ribbons and other offerings tied to the tree. While you don’t need to spend more than an hour max at either place, they are nice places to stop to break up the drive. It was nice to stretch out my legs and explore and take pictures of each place.
Glendalough Tower, Co. Wicklow.
The Serenity of Glendalough
The last place of note we visited was Glendalough. Another monastery, it is situated in a glacial valley and is a national park. The beginning of the park is the monastery ruins and graveyard (cemetery? There is a difference…). I personally find it peaceful walking along the paths looking at gravestones and seeing people’s brief history. The one structure of note here is what I’m calling Rapunzel’s tower. I’m not sure what it is or its purpose (probably a watchtower), but it’s exactly as you picture her tower. There is also a mix of Irish and Japanese deer that wander around. They don’t fear the people walking around, which is a little disheartening that they’ve become so accustomed to human presence. Same with the ducks that immediately came up to us when we walked over to the pond. They should be wary of us, not coming up to us looking for food. However, that aside, if you need a place to stop for a couple of hours to stretch your legs and see some gorgeous sights, this is the place I would recommend.
Transformational Travel and Reflections
To sum up what was originally going to be a short piece (oops), I highly recommend going on a trip with Mysterious Adventures. Maria puts a lot of planning into the trip and makes sure that you are kept informed before, during, and if need be, after the trip. If you have a question that wasn’t addressed, she’ll answer it if you reach out. I also am probably biased, but having Grant and Reanna as our ambassadors truly enhanced the experience. I’m not sure it would have been as great if someone else was in their place. They are kind hearts, and I look forward to future experiences with them.
When you travel to Ireland, you don’t just visit a country—you embark on a transformational travel experience. Every castle, ruin, and monastery tells a story, and each step deepens your connection to the past and present. For those seeking adventure, history, and a touch of magic, Ireland is truly a destination unlike any other.
About Our Guest Writer
Pen Name: Christina Diane
Instagram: nerdgirltravel
Website: https://nerdgirltravel.com/
Bio: Christina Diane is a passionate traveler and explorer who developed a love for adventure as a child, embarking on family vacations that sparked her curiosity about the world. With six of the seven continents and over twenty-five countries under her belt, she has experienced diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories. Christina’s interests are wide-ranging, from all things nerdy to a deep fascination with history, architecture, and the eerie allure of abandoned buildings. She also has a keen interest in the paranormal, often seeking out mysterious and haunted locations during her travels. A storyteller at heart, Christina loves sharing her experiences, insights, and discoveries with others.
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