Dunstaffnage was not a castle that I had heard a lot about. Unlike Stirling, or even Castle Campbell, Dunstaffnage was not on my “list of places I must see,” but I am sincerely glad I found this place.
Located at the mouth of Loch Etive, this castle was in a strategic location. It eventually fell into the hands of the Campbell family, under the leadership of the Lord of Argyll. The views from the castle are spectacular. According to the castle guidebook, the walls tower 30 feet above you, and I believe it. If I was part of an invading force, I would certainly feel small in comparison.
View from Dunstaffnage Castle
Murder
As all castles, Dunstaffnage has an interesting story to tell. One of the keepers of the castle, John Stewart of Lorn, was on his way to be married at the chapel when he was fatally stabbed by his enemy, Alan MacDougall. Despite the stabbing, Stewart lived long enough to say his vows. The chapel is in ruins, but it is in an evocative location, and I highly recommend you take the time to walk there.
Dunstaffnage Chapel
Dunstaffnage Castle is easy to find, and it is located near Oban – another must-see location.
Watch some images of lovely Kilkenny, Limerick, the Cliffs of Moher, and Galway. It will make you want to visit today. Subscribe below for more videos/blogs about travel.
Caerlaverock Castle is unusual – a triangular-shaped edifice, it stands out amongst all other medieval castles. Located near the Solway Firth, the castle is really interesting to visit. There is the “new” castle and the place where the “old” castle stood. The castle was built by the Maxwell family and stood very close to England.
The castle has a nature trail, and it winds through some of the prettiest scenery I have seen. There are large unusual trees and lots of green foliage. At a point in the trail, you can see where the original castle had been built.
Watch the video to see images of this impressive castle.
Charleston, South Carolina is a vacationer’s paradise. From the genteel southern plantations to the historic market section, Charleston has something to offer everyone. It’s also close to several beaches. I have been to Charleston several times and have found something new and exciting each time. One of my favorite places to visit is Poogan’s Porch, a restaurant downtown. Simply walking downtown is fun in itself.
Several plantations nearby, such as Magnolia, Drayton Hall, and Boone Hall, are open to the public. So, you can spend the day seeing what life was like in the earlier days of the United States, then head back downtown for a ghost walk. The next day you can go swimming at the beach or head to Ft. Sumter. There is plenty to do in Charleston, South Carolina.
Come Visit the Smokies
Also included in the video are pictures of Cold Mountain and other views of the Smokies. Close to Asheville, there is a lot to do in the general area of Cold Mountain. So, take a few days and explore this region – it is an amazing place. Nearby Tennessee has a lot to offer as well -from Dollywood to Pigeon Forge. Or, you can find out how the early Tennessee pioneers lived by visiting Cades Cove. Don’t forget to go to Gatlinburg and try your hand at snow-skiing.
There is something for everyone here in the South. Come visit us soon, y’all!
