Bunratty Castle

On our drive from Kinsale to Galway, we stopped at Bunratty Castle and its adjoining medieval village. Built in 1425, Bunratty is now more than 600 years old and remains one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval strongholds. From Norman knights and powerful chieftains to Tudor earls, Cromwellian forces, and modern-day restorers, its walls have witnessed centuries of ambition, conflict, and reinvention.

The castle itself rises like a massive stone tower. Chris climbed all the way to the top, where he was rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Meanwhile, I kept my feet on the ground, wandering through a beautiful rose garden filled English roses. (yes, English not Irish).

The medieval village was a delight to explore, bustling with schoolchildren who brought an extra sense of life and energy to the historic setting. One of the highlights for me was having my photograph taken with the two resident Irish wolfhounds.

We also visited a small church where I noticed an intriguing symbol carved into the threshold stone: three interlocking triangles surrounding a central point. Known as the Triple Triangle, this geometric design has appeared in a variety of spiritual and philosophical traditions. In Freemasonry it is associated with higher degrees and serves as a symbol of the Divine and the sacred power of the number three. Finding it hidden in such an unexpected place added another layer of mystery to a day already steeped in history.Read more