Okay, so, Tayto Park, right? I’d heard about it for ages – crisps and a theme park, what’s not to love? – and finally decided to make the trek. First thing I did was look up the directions, ’cause, you know, I didn’t want to end up in the middle of nowhere.
Getting There
The drive was… well, it was Ireland. Lots of green, lots of sheep. If you’re not used to those narrow country roads, take it slow. I mean really slow. I nearly had a heart attack a couple of times when a tractor appeared out of nowhere! I definitely suggest following your GPS, but maybe double-check the route beforehand, just in case it tries to take you down some tiny lane that’s barely wider than your car.
First Impressions
Pulling up to Tayto Park, I was honestly surprised by how big it was. It’s not just a couple of rides next to a factory. It’s a proper theme park! I grabbed my tickets – pre-booked them online to save a bit of hassle, highly recommend doing that – and headed straight in.
The Rides!
The first thing I beelined for was the Cú Chulainn Coaster. It’s that massive wooden rollercoaster you can see from miles away. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It’s rickety, it’s fast, it’s terrifying… it’s brilliant! My stomach was in my mouth the whole time.
- Cú Chulainn Coaster: 10/10. Would ride again (after a long break to recover).
- The Rotator: I’m not usually one for spinning rides, but I gave it a go. Big mistake. Huge.
- The Viking Voyage: A nice, gentle water ride. Perfect for cooling down after the Cú Chulainn. Though I did get splashed a fair bit!
Crisp-Related Activities
Of course, I had to check out the Tayto stuff. I went on the factory tour (it’s short and sweet, and you get a free bag of crisps at the end – winning!). I watched the potato’s journey from a humble spud to a delicious, seasoned crisp. It was kind of mesmerizing, actually.
Food and Other Bits
I grabbed lunch at one of the food stalls. It was standard theme park fare – burgers, chips, that kind of thing. Nothing fancy, but it filled a hole. There’s also a zoo area, which I didn’t spend too much time in, but it looked pretty decent. I saw some meerkats and some very grumpy-looking birds.
Leaving
I spent the whole afternoon and into the early evening, and I drove out of the exit. It was a tiring journey but it was all worth it! I went home with lots of pictures, unforgettable memories, and a newfound appreciation for the humble potato crisp!
