My second day in Ireland started off with a scrumptious breakfast of vegan pancakes that I had purchased the prior evening at Mooch (Mooch), a popular frozen yogurt spot in Dublin. Topped with fruit, coconut flakes, and cashew nuts; this hearty meal satisfied my hunger while awaiting the day’s tour bus.

My tour guide greeted us at the Dublin train station and led us aboard the train, until our destination stop in Limerick, where we met our tour bus for the day. The first stop on our itinerary was Bunratty Castle, located between Limerick and Shannon. Built in the 15th century, its medieval ambiance has been restored with period tapestries, furniture, and artwork. A Norman gentleman built a defensive fortress on the grounds in 1250. A powerful family named McNamara built the present castle in 1425,but 50 years was relinquished to the O’Briens, the largest clan in North Munster county. King Henry VIII bestowed the title of “Earls” to them for pledging loyalty to the British crown. Cromwell troops eventually arrived and the castle was surrendered. Plantation families occupied the castle and its grounds until 1804.

Upon entering the castle, visitors are met by a greeter dressed in period attire. An arched doorway gives way to a sizable dining room.

The substantial Great Hall is where business of the day was conducted. The Earl’s desk sits royally amidst the massive tapestries decorating its walls.

Making our way through the castle, the Earl’s bedroom, family member bedrooms, and guest rooms came into view. A chapel and priest quarters occupy the residence as well.

Bunratty Folk Park also resides on the grounds. The village is a reconstruction of original 19th century homes and shops.

Middle-class homes are furnished with suitable bedrooms and separate dining rooms.

Lower class or servant homes were smaller with a single space for dining and sleeping quarters.

A wealthy family home showcased elaborate furnishings and spacious sleeping and dining areas.

The Village Street recreates 19th century village life with its shops, post office, school, and apothecary. Traditional printing, milling, pottery, and baking shops recreate craftwork and jobs of the time period.

Bunratty Folk Park is a Must-See activity on any tourist itinerary! My visit completed with a cup of soothing tea in the English Tea House on the premises.

Our tour bus eventually whisked us away to the quaint town of Doolin for lunch. Gus O’Connor’s Pub(Gus O’Connor’s Pub) offers a vegetarian option on their daily menu. Fortunately, it was also vegan. My vegan veggie curry with salad was quite tasty.

Located on the same picturesque row of businesses, is a chocolate shop where the owner makes the fancy chocolate bar offerings herself. I purchased a yummy vegan dark chocolate bar with raisins.

Next on our agenda were the absolutely stunning Cliffs of Moher! They are Ireland’s number one tourist attraction. The Southern Platform of the cliffs gives a great view of the local Puffin colony on Goat Island, down to the right.

A 19th century tower was built as a viewing platform for tourists who were arriving in droves to visit the cliffs.

Our day was winding down but we still had one more remaining majestic landscape to explore. The Burren is a moon-like karst landscape consisting of exposed limestone pavement. Scrubs, lakes, and cliffs are also located within the Burren National Park. The karst topography occurs typically in regions with abundant rainfall, where the bedrock formations consist of limestone.

Our tour bus brought on a scenic journey through spectacular Galway Bay.

We arrived in Galway City where we were given an hour’s time to grab a bite to eat, stroll the main shopping street, and catch a few tunes at the local pub.

I decided to have dinner at vegan-friendly “Food For Thought” (Food For Thought). My vegan Shepard’s Pie was delicious, filled with veggies and fluffy potatoes in a great tomato sauce.

For dessert, I opted for the amazing vegan cake with chocolate fudge and nuts. As the evening came to a close, our return train to Dublin met us at the station.

My day of sightseeing was superb! I enjoyed the historic Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the beautiful Cliffs of Moher, the surreal moonscape of The Burren, and the satisfying vegan meals. I look forward to the next day’s adventure at the Ring Of Kerry.