THE THRILL OF CASTLE HUNTING
By Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough
We created Wanderers Compass Travel Blog to inspire and encourage travelers to turn their dreams into reality. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a grand adventure across continents, we believe that travel is more than just a trip; it is an opportunity for discovery, learning, and personal growth.
What began as a way to document our own travels has evolved into a resource for fellow travelers seeking insight, inspiration, and practical advice. Wanderers Compass is rooted in immersive travel, where history, culture, and adventure intertwine to create meaningful experiences. Through curated itineraries, firsthand storytelling, and a commitment to uncovering the world’s hidden treasures, we share our journeys with the hope of inspiring others to explore with purpose and curiosity.
As co-founders, we come from very different backgrounds but share a deep passion for travel. Joelle, a first-generation American with French heritage, has been traveling since childhood and has a lifelong appreciation for history and culture. Ryan, a U.S. Army veteran, discovered his love for travel later in life but quickly embraced it with enthusiasm. Together, we have explored 61 countries, six continents, and 50 states. We have developed a particular obsession for castles, an interest so strong that we have proudly labeled ourselves Castle Hunters. Our love for castles extends into our weekly social media feature, Warrior Wednesday, where we frequently highlight castles alongside stories of resilience, strength, and history.
How We Became Castle Hunters
Our journey as Castle Hunters began on our very first trip to Ireland. We had no idea that stepping into Trim Castle would spark an obsession that would take us to 432 castles and counting. From the moment we set foot inside its towering stone walls, something clicked. The centuries-old stories etched into every corner, and the sheer presence of these medieval fortresses captivated us in a way nothing else had before. That passion has never wavered.
Exploring castles is more than admiring their architecture; it is stepping into history itself. Built for survival, castles were not only homes for royalty and nobility, but also strategic strongholds designed to withstand battles and sieges. Their thick stone walls, towering lookouts, and winding staircases stand as testaments to the ingenuity of the medieval world. We quickly realized that no two castles were alike, and our fascination with these fortresses only deepened with every visit.
Castle Hunters: The Thrill of the Hunt
Despite their common purpose, castles are anything but identical. Each one tells a unique story, shaped by its history, location, and the people who built it. Some stand proudly on towering cliffs, while others lie hidden deep within forests, on secluded beaches, or even in the middle of a river.
We have climbed treacherous pathways to reach hilltop fortresses, squeezed through impossibly narrow corridors, and marveled at how these massive structures were constructed without modern machinery. Some castles remain beautifully preserved, while others exist only as ruins, yet even the crumbling stones whisper their history to those willing to listen.
There is a certain magic in standing within these ancient walls, imagining knights walking the halls, kings, and queens holding court, and the echoes of a once-thriving world lingering in the stone.
For Ryan, this trip is more than just another destination; it is an opportunity to pass down his passion for history, adventure, and discovery. Watching his son step through the same gates where his love for castles began is a full-circle moment, one filled with excitement and nostalgia. It is not just about seeing a castle; it is about experiencing a place where history feels alive.
The anticipation has been growing. Ryan’s son has been eagerly counting down the days, asking endless questions about knights, battles, and castle life. His curiosity reminds us of how travel ignites wonder, and seeing the world through his eyes will bring a fresh perspective to the adventure. This trip marks the start of something special, introducing a new generation to the magic of Castle Hunting.
A Personal Connection to Castles
One of the greatest joys of castle hunting has been the personal connection we have developed with these places. Castles are more than just historical landmarks; they are time capsules that allow visitors to step into another era.
Even the simplest ruins hold undeniable magic. A lone tower, a crumbling wall, and an overgrown courtyard each whisper the stories of the past. Standing within these spaces, it is easy to imagine what life was like when the castle was in its prime, with stone halls illuminated by candlelight, banners rippling in the wind, and the sounds of medieval life echoing through the corridors.
The ability to see the past within the present is what makes castle hunting so powerful. Every visit brings a new discovery, a new story, and a deeper appreciation for history’s endurance.
Join the Hunt!
Our love for castles is contagious, and we hope to inspire others to experience the magic within their walls. Whether you have visited one castle or a hundred, each has a story waiting to be uncovered. We invite fellow travelers to join the adventure because once the world of castles captures your imagination, there is no turning back.
Follow our journey and explore our Castle Hunters list at wandererscompass.com/castle-hunters.
