Michael and Julie are currently on a trip around Ireland, trying to visit attractions that are less obviously on the tourist trail – and they’re collecting a video record of their travels too.
The pair are looking for ‘the real Ireland'(Image: YouTube/Adventures With Michael & Julie)
American couple Michael and Julie, accompanied by their loyal dog Abra, are presently embarking on a nationwide journey across Ireland, seeking out attractions that lie beyond the typical tourist route. They’re documenting their adventures on video, providing insight into Ireland’s lesser-known scenic treasures.
In their most recent footage, the pair explored the remains of Castle Donovan, before moving on to witness the striking Drombeg Stone Circle – frequently referred to as Ireland’s Stonehenge – a 3,000 year old Bronze Age ceremonial location nestled within the undulating green landscape of West Cork.
Castle Donovan, formerly known as Sowagh, is a crumbling 60-foot tower in West Cork, situated roughly three miles north of Drimoleague. Built during the 1500s, it was deserted after Cromwell’s forces detonated a gunpowder charge beneath its walls, as retribution for Donal III O’Donovan’s backing of Cromwell’s adversaries, and for his participation in the Irish rebellion of 1641.
While a significant portion of the building remained upright, it was deemed irreparable and left to decay. In 1936, the tower’s entire western and southern walls gave way, leaving behind what remains visible today.
The protected National Monument was actually put up for sale as recently as 2024, for a remarkably modest €200,000. Estate agent David Busteed, of Sherry FitzGerald Brennan Busteed, informed the Irish Examiner at the time that he had fielded multiple enquiries “from Donovans and O’Donovans in America.”
The forbidding tower proved to be the highlight of their trip(Image: YouTube/Adventures With Michael & Julie)
One American visitor who appeared particularly captivated was Michael, who declared the historic landmark his “favourite part of the trip so far.” Julie was equally enthusiastic, remarking “is this my favourite castle yet? I think so!”
A visibly impressed Julie continued: “Are we capable of building buildings like this in 2026? This is an outstanding structure. The things we build today will not last like this.”
Admiring the imposing structure, Michael chimed in: “It’s probably not an actual fortress, but god, this is cool.”
Julie was quick to remind him that such a tower deserved considerable respect: “If you had the money to build this, you still probably had enemies. You might not be crowned the high king, but you weren’t a poor person.”
She also invited her followers to share their thoughts on how they would restore Castle Donovan to its former glory if given the opportunity.
This structure mystified the Americans(Image: YouTube/Adventures With Michael & Julie)
In a pointed warning to any Cromwellian sympathisers who might be tuning in, she firmly stated “you can’t blow it up and put a house here.”
Exploring the outer walls of the tower, the pair stumbled upon a peculiar structure that appeared to be somewhere between a well and a fairy palace. Julie cheerfully confessed they hadn’t a clue what they were looking at, light-heartedly quipping: “We’re dumb Americans.”
As an unexpected keepsake from her visit, Julie discovered a small gold-coloured ring, likely left behind by a young visitor. After deliberating over whether abandoning it might count as littering, she opted to pocket it as a memento of her beloved Irish castle.