Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Co Clare
You are never too far away from a castle in Ireland. Leaving County Cork and travelling north via Mallow, Charleville and Limerick into County Clare, Bunratty Castle stands peacefully alongside the River Ratty in the grounds of Bunratty Folk Park by the N18 Ennis/Limerick Road.
Medieval life
Dating back to the 15th century, Bunratty Castle now boasts the title of most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425, completely and authentically restored in 1954, Bunratty Castle offers a fascinating insight into Medieval life.
Vikings
Originally an island surrounded by a moat, the Vikings built a fortified settlement on this spot. Thomas de Clare, following the Normans, built the first stone structure in the 1270s and the castle that visitors see today is actually the fourth incarnation. Built in the early 1400s by the McNamara family, it soon fell to the O’Briens, kings of Thomond, who retained its possession until the 17th century.
Tapestries
Furnished with mainly 15th and 16th century hand-carved furnishings and tapestries to capture the mood of the period, the castle is open all year round and has become the West of Ireland’s most visited attraction. Wander through the castle rooms including chapels, Great Hall, bedrooms and kitchen of this historic treasure to be transported back in time and then climb up to the top of the battlements for great views of Co Clare, Shannon Estuary and Shannon Airport.
Folk Park
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Within the grounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty Folk Park encompassing 26 acres of land where 19th century Irish life is re-created by means of incredible reconstructions of historical cottages, shops and street scenes around the base of the Castle. Over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting recreate the general feeling of life in a 19th century period style main street. Within the village you will find cottages, a forge and working blacksmith, weavers and pie-makers.
village street
Within the complete village street, you will find a post office, pub and small cafe. There are live demonstrations including the traditional crafts of bread making, butter making, stonewall building, weaving and pottery making all in a natural setting.
The Bunratty Folk Park
The Bunratty Folk Park offers evening entertainment in the Corn Barn in the form of a Traditional Irish Night. Traditional and contemporary Irish music is performed along with songs, dancing and dining so that visitors can experience the friendship, warmth and homeliness of a true traditional Irish evening. The Corn Barn retains the ambience and aspects of 19th century Ireland.
Medieval Banquet
By day, visit the castle and by night, attend one of 2 sittings per evening throughout the year of the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet when the Great Hall becomes the setting for medieval banquets complete with court jesters and harp-playing maidens in full medieval costume. Starting with a short walk through the Folk Park to get to the Castle gate, guests are welcomed by a kilted piper and then escorted into the Upper Great Hall.
Castle Singers
Having enjoyed a goblet of Mead, the history of Bunratty is told by the Butler followed by a medieval madrigal by the Castle Singers. Before being seated for dinner, the Earl and Lady for the evening are crowned. The Banquet Hall is set out with bench seating, long oak tables and candle light. Experience good authentic food and hone rich mead from the Middle Ages whilst listening to musicians playing harps and fiddles. This medieval experience lasts two and a half hours. Other seasonal events are also scheduled.
Walled Gardens
Bunratty Walled Garden has been refurbished in typical Victorian style and continues to supply fruit, vegetables and flowers as it would have done to Bunratty House built in 1804. The restoration of the garden was completed in 2000.
Bunratty Castle and Bunratty Folk Park are run by Shannon Heritage. Book on-line to avoid disappointment.
Shopping
You’ll easily spend half a day here being fully informed by daily guided tours and exhibitions. This is a very popular destination with coach parties and will be very busy in the peak season. For shopping, just a short distance from Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, you’ll find Bunratty Village Mills and Blarney Woollen Mills complex. Within Bunratty Village, you’ll also find a good choice of restaurants, hotels, B&Bs and pubs. There’s a small Visitor Information Office in Bunratty Village Mills.
Shannon Airport
Bunratty is serviced by the Limerick to Shannon Airport bus route. Shannon Airport is 5km west of Bunratty.