The drive from Dublin to Doolin is about 3 and a half hours long, which is just long enough that a stop to stretch the legs is necessary. So when we saw a castle off the side of the highway around the two-hour mark, we took the next exit to go check it out.

The castle turned out to be Bunratty Castle and Folk Park built in 1425 and still in surprisingly great condition! We had a marvelous time wandering through the castle and medieval village within the moated grounds. We toured through the 15th-century homes of the village’s blacksmith, fisherman, and farmer. We especially enjoyed an educational presentation/ demonstration of the nearly extinct blacksmith trade.

Once we decided to return to present day Ireland, we hopped back in the car and continued our journey to Doolin. Once we arrived, we began our hike to the northern side of the Cliffs of Moher. The scenery was incredibly gorgeous with wind-blown emerald grass, ancient stone walls and wild horses everywhere along the trail. After a few quick photos, we began the hike back to the car to conclude our journey at the Vaughan’s Anchor Inn Bed and Breakfast/ seafood restaurant where we ate a Michelin recognized seafood dinner consisting of the sweetest oysters we’ve ever had, freshly caught lobster, monk fish risotto and a chef’s sampler of dessert (of course!).