Theresa's Mixed Nuts: The Wonderful Barn in Ireland

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

The Wonderful Barn in Ireland

Since we were going to be heading south after our initial stop in Dublin, I started researching places that might be neat to visit on our road trip through the bottom half of Ireland. I came across a pretty little photo on Pinterest that suggested that The Wonderful Barn would be a worthwhile visit. Not only did it pique my interest because the building did in fact look unique, but it was also one that was right on our route and was free to see.

The Wonderful Barn

Finding the barn was a bit of a scavenger hunt for us. Our navigation took us to a modern subdivision and told us we had arrived, yet we didn't see the barn anywhere. We exited the subdivision to get back on the main road and I spotted a gated off dirt road right around the corner. There wasn't anywhere to park, but I had a feeling we'd find the barn in the field behind the gate. I didn't want to ruffle any feathers by trespassing onto the property and figured this stop was a bust. But, as luck would have it, just as we decided to call it a loss and drive on, the groundskeeper pulled up, unlocked the gate, and told us to feel free to park our car on the sidewalk and walk on back. I seriously freakin' love Irish hospitality!

The Wonderful Barn

The Wonderful Barn dates back all the way to 1743. It was originally used for grain storing, and is said to have later been used to keep the local poor employed during the Year of the Slaughter. As we walked up, I was immediately enchanted by stone entrance way, as it had a Secret Garden vibe going on.

The Wonderful Barn

I am a sucker for odd architecture, so I was definitely mesmerized by the corkscrew shaped barn with its 94 steps circling the outside of the structure. It's no longer a functioning barn and has sadly fallen into dilapidation so we weren't able to go in for a tour, but I did enjoy walking the grounds imagining how lovely it must have been during the height of its use. Now, the grounds are overgrown and you'll find some parts marked with graffiti, but I could still see the beauty in this old place.

The Wonderful Barn

The Wonderful Barn
The Wonderful Barn

While I loved the visit, my family wasn't really impressed and didn't much trust my judgement on the other stops I had earmarked on our road trip. "Are we going to a wonderful church next? What about a wonderful castle?" Even though they weren't amused, I'm still happy we plotted it on our travel map and would recommend checking it out if you're in the area.

The Wonderful Barn

There's a lovely little garden that was being tended to on the grounds still, and I truly got a kick out of this gate sign. It's so Irish, don't you think?

The Wonderful Barn

The Wonderful Barn is located in Celbridge Rd, Barnhall, Leixlip, Co. Kildare. If you venture out that way, snap a pic and tag me on Instagram (marison459). I'd love to hear what you thought about it!

If you like this post, be sure to follow me on Instagram for more travel related photography!

Yay or Nay on The Wonderful Barn design? 



29 comments:

  1. Such a weird looking barn indeed! Hope you did shut the bloody gate, missy :)

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    1. I didn't go in the garden, so the gate stayed shut lol

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  2. haha the sign is great. Sure looks like such a history there indeed. Always nice to just park on the sidewalk too.

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    1. The sidewalk parking was nice. Ireland doesn't feel like you're going to get a ticket for every little thing you do, like it does in the US. They are the nicest people I've come across in the world yet.

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  3. What a lovely place to visit, so prwtty in there ☺☺

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  4. This is a wonderful barn just like its name. Definitely a yay on the wonderful barn design.

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  5. Kristine Nicole AlessandraApril 11, 2019 at 7:21 AM

    It is always a delight to find old structures like The Wonderful Barn. Its design is so unique, it must have been really popular during the day.

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  6. I honestly will have to agree with what your family think of this place. :0)

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  7. We LOVE this place! We have visited this barn on every trip to Ireland we've taken.

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  8. great building...love it
    thank you for sharing

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  9. Laughing my face off at your family’s reaction to the stop Here. That’s exactly what my family would do Too. Love this wonderful barn - it is well worth the side trip in my opinion. So cool. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been to Dublin and Ireland and I can tell you it is high on my list again to visit. I loved my time there.

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  10. Wow, what a beautiful spot to visit. Ireland always has such unique structures.

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  11. The way it's shaped is just mesmerizing. I really wish I could see this in person one day!

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  12. I have travel plans for Ireland next year. I am now adding this to the "must see" list!

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  13. Such a unique little building. I am heading back to Ireland next month. Might need to add this on the list of places to visit in Ireland.

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  14. Wow, I love the pics. So much history!

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  15. This would be great for a photoshoot so many wonderful things to see! So much history!

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  16. wow i am loving these captures. The sign is really cute too!

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  17. YAY on this! It's so cool! The gate name - YIKES. Great photos!

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  18. wow this place looks so unreal and beautiful! thanks for sharing!

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  19. Yay! I would love to stop here. We stayed with friends in Glasgow who took us to a broken down castle that wasn't finished being built. It was one of my most favorite stops!

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  20. I'm surprised The Wonderful Barn is not marked for repair and included in landmark buildings in the area. It is a unique architectural design and I would be sad to see it demolished.

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  21. What an intriguing spot ~ too bad it has fallen into disrepair. I'd love to visit Ireland.

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  22. That gate sign is funny! I think it's a pretty place to visit for a short time.

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Thanks for your comments! I appreciate every one of them :) Except promotional posts with added links. Those will be deleted.

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