From Blarney to the Cliffs to Galway: A Fairytale Day in Ireland
- Tiffs Travels
- Apr 11
- 5 min read
Fueling Up: The Legendary Full Irish Breakfast
No epic Irish adventure begins without the power of a Full Irish Breakfast. We sat down to steaming plates of rashers (thick-cut bacon), golden sausages, eggs cooked to perfection, baked beans, sautéed mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and the ever-controversial black pudding.
If you don’t know what black pudding is… let’s just say it’s best enjoyed without reading the ingredient list. But hey, when in Ireland, right?
After filling ourselves to near food coma levels, we washed it all down with strong Irish tea (or coffee, for those of us still recovering from jet lag), and we were ready to take on the day.
A Castle Steeped in History (and Stone-Kissing Tourists)
As we arrived at Blarney Castle, its medieval stone towers rose high above the emerald landscape. The castle dates back to 1446, built by Cormac MacCarthy, one of Ireland’s most powerful chieftains.
But Blarney Castle isn’t just famous for its age—it’s home to the legendary Blarney Stone, a piece of limestone said to grant the “gift of gab” (eloquence and charm) to those who kiss it.
Now, why would a random stone in a medieval castle have such an unusual reputation? The origins of the Blarney Stone’s powers are as mysterious as Ireland’s weather. Some say it was given by a goddess, others claim it was a gift from Robert the Bruce after the Irish helped him in battle, and still, some believe it’s part of the Stone of Destiny, where ancient kings were crowned.
All we knew was that if there was a chance to become better storytellers, we were taking it.
Climbing the Castle (aka, The Stairmaster 1400s Edition)
Getting to the top of Blarney Castle isn’t just a stroll in the park—it’s an adventure in itself.
We climbed a narrow, spiraling stone staircase, where each step felt like it was designed by medieval architects with a personal vendetta against modern tourists. The steps were steep, the passageways were tight, and the entire time, we were questioning how knights managed to do this in full armor.
Finally, we emerged at the top, greeted by panoramic views of the Irish countryside, rolling green fields stretching as far as the eye could see. Worth the climb? Absolutely.
Kissing the Blarney Stone (and Not Falling Off the Castle)
Here’s the fun part—kissing the Blarney Stone isn’t just a peck on a rock.
It involves leaning backward over a sheer drop, while gripping two iron bars, with an attendant holding onto you so you don’t tumble off the castle walls. Basically, it’s the medieval version of a trust fall.
We each took turns, leaning back, planting a kiss on the smooth, weathered stone, and instantly feeling at least 10% wittier.
Now, did we gain the power of persuasion and eternal eloquence and receive the gift of the gab (honestly, I probably already had it!) The jury is still out, but we did walk away talking non-stop for the rest of the day, so maybe there’s something to it after all.
Exploring Blarney’s Enchanted Gardens & the Murderous Plants
With the gift of gab secured, we descended from the castle and wandered into Blarney Castle’s breathtaking gardens.
The estate features over 60 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, complete with hidden waterfalls, ancient trees, and mystical rock formations with names like the Witch’s Stone and the Druid’s Circle.
Then, we stumbled into the Poison Garden, where deadly plants lurked behind iron fences, each more sinister than the last.
☠ Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) – A single berry can kill an adult. No thanks.
☠ Foxglove – Pretty? Yes. But capable of stopping your heart? Also yes.
☠ Hemlock – Famous for being Socrates’ final beverage of choice.
We decided to admire from a safe distance before heading toward the castle’s hidden caves, one of which served as a medieval escape route. It was dark, damp, and slightly creepy, so after a brief exploration, we ran back to the fresh air.
Shopping in the Biggest Irish Store Ever
Before leaving, we found what can only be described as the largest Irish souvenir store in existence.
There were Aran wool sweaters, Celtic jewelry, Guinness pint glasses, music albums, pottery, and every shamrock-covered item imaginable.
Then, we saw it—the Waterford Crystal Globe.
It was breathtaking, sparkly, and whispering to us: “Take me home.”
Then we saw the €14,000 price tag. Which was slightly (ok, a lot) out of my price range! But hey, shipping was free!
We settled for some Irish coffee and a sweet treat instead, before hopping back on Theo the Bus and hitting the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Cliffs of Moher: Ireland’s Crown Jewel
Driving along the Wild Atlantic Way, we watched as the landscape turned more rugged, the sea crashing against rocky shores.
Finally, we arrived at the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic and breathtaking sights.
A History of Awe & Danger
Standing 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs stretch for 9 miles along the coast, forming a dramatic, wind-swept masterpiece of nature.
For centuries, these cliffs have been awe-inspiring and deadly. Many shipwrecks have occurred along this coast, and the cliffs have even made appearances in pop culture—fans of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince might recognize them as the home of the Horcrux cave.
Taking in the View (And Braving the Wind)
The moment we stepped out of the bus, we were hit by a gust of wind so strong it could knock the socks off a leprechaun.
But nothing could distract us from the absolute majesty of the cliffs. The towering rock faces, the endless expanse of ocean, and the sunlight catching on the waves below made it feel like we were standing at the edge of the world.
We walked along the cliffside trails, stopping at O’Brien’s Tower, built in 1835 as a lookout point. The views from the top were nothing short of breathtaking.
After taking a million photos (none of which did justice to the real thing), we explored the visitor center, cleverly built into the cliffs themselves, complete with exhibits, restaurants, and of course—more shopping.
Arriving in Galway: A City That Feels Like Music
After soaking up the beauty of the cliffs, we hopped back on Theo and made our way to Galway, one of the most vibrant cities in Ireland.
Exploring the Streets
Galway is a city that sings—literally.
As we wandered through the Latin Quarter, we heard live music on every corner.
We explored tiny bookstores, artisan craft shops, and lively pubs, stopping to listen to buskers playing fiddles, guitars, and traditional Irish tunes.
O’Connell’s Pub: The Ed Sheeran Experience
For dinner, we headed to O’Connell’s Pub, where Ed Sheeran filmed his “Galway Girl” music video.
With live pub music filling the air, we dug into hearty Irish fare:🍀 Beef & Guinness Stew – Rich, hearty, and soul-warming.🍀 Fish & Chips – Crispy, golden perfection.
Murphy’s Ice Cream: A Sweet Ending
To cap off the night, we stopped at Murphy’s Ice Cream, trying flavors like:
🍦 Irish Brown Bread – Sweet, crunchy, and ridiculously good.
🍦 Dingle Sea Salt – Straight from the Wild Atlantic Way.
It was the perfect ending to a perfect day in Ireland.
And the best part? There was still so much more to come. ☘️😊
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