Most Popular Sites No10 Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

Bunratty Castle was built in 1467 by the O’Brien family.

Bunratty Castle is found in County Clare, Munster, Ireland. Built in the center of the Bunratty Village, the castle is one of the more famous sites in the entire country. The village itself is already marvelous; a completely Victorian village that was recreated with original and reconstructed buildings. Add to that the medieval castle and you have yourself an authentic historical experience.

It is situated by the N18 road between Limerick and Ennis. It’s very easy to go there since it is located near the Shannon Airport, one of Ireland’s three primary airports.

The name Bunratty (Bun Raite in Irish) means the bottom or end of the “ratty” river. Once you get to the top of the castle, you can see the River Shannon – Ireland’s longest river which divides the west of the island (Connacht) from the east and south (Leinster and Munster).

The interior of the castle has been furnished with tapestries and artifacts from various eras of the castle’s history. Some of the more well known locations include the “Great Hall” (found in almost all castles), authentic dungeons, and, of course, the four towers complete with spiral stairwells. When you do get to visit, make sure you complete the experience with a Medieval-style banquet. These are held twice every evening in the castle’s Great Hall.

A Great Hall banquet should be experienced to complete an authentic trip to the village’s past.

History

Here is an example of a rose cottage found in Folk Park

The first settlers of Bunratty were Vikings. This was way back in 970AD. After almost a millennium of development, Bunratty reached its peak - complete with a flourishing economy, a growing community, and progressing infrastructure. Much of the buildings and structures made during that time are the ones we still see there today. Actually, Bunratty Bridge was then the largest single arched bridge in the whole of Ireland.

Sadly, during the Great Irish Famine, the village’s population declined rapidly (as did most of the other locations in the country). Thankfully in and around 1950, the most prominent structure in the village, the Bunratty Castle, got the attention of the Irish Government. Thanks to them and the extensive historical renovation of the Irish State, the castle soon became the number one destination for tourists of that time.

Sadly again, however, much of the focus went to the castle and the village was a little bit neglected. It was reduced to a pub, Durty Nellys, which was established in 1804 on an old and rundown house.

Restaurants and Stores

During the last few years, the village has been the focus of many improvements. Some of the more famous shops include great restaurants like Gallagher’s Seafood, Red Door, and the Creamery. Even Durty Nellys put up their own restaurant called the Loft. Other stores like the Avoca Handweavers, the Meadows and Byrne, and the Blarney Woolen Mills offer great shopping the Irish way.

You can book your stay at the Bunratty Castle Hotel and have a truly authentic experience. The hotel was built on a hillside beside the River Shannon and is found just across the street from the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Beside it is the landmark pub Durty Nellys.

Hotels

If you want a quick rest from traveling, you can book at the Oak Wood Arms Hotel which is located on the main Shannon Airport road, just 5 minutes away. They have 100 guestrooms complete with ensuite facilities and first class conveniences. They have their own aeronautical inspired restaurant called the Spruce Goose and their own bar called Sophies.

You can also stay at Shannon Court , also adjacent to Shannon Airport on the main Shannon to Limerick Road. Their Lannigans Restaurant offer a mixed cuisine of different origins: Mexican, Italian, and the finest Irish steaks and seafood. Plus, their Old Lodge Bar is one of the more informal and relaxing places in the area.

But if you want more of a countryside experience, then stay at Clare Inn Hotel. Found in 1500 acres of wooded countryside, this place overlooks the Shannon Estuary. You can also enjoy walks around the Dromoland estate, which is just outside the hotel. But what makes Clare Inn different from all the other locations is that they have their own championship golf course that goes around the hotel.

Architecture

Houses in and around the village are definitely old. Almost all of the shops retain the old houses that were built before them. Gallagher’s, for example, retained the original house’s red half-door, complete with authentic thatched roof. Red Door, on the other hand, is found in the cellar of an old house.

Most of the recent houses, although made of more modern materials, still retain the design of the old times. The development is moving forward but does not ruin the overall atmosphere of Bunratty.

Folk Park

Beside the castle is the authentic Folk Park. This attraction is particularly popular with the tourists, but local families and schools also frequent the place. It features reconstructions of historical cottages and buildings – a total recreation of the 19th century complete with a period style village main street. Inside the cottages are old tools and furniture, peat fires, and other artifacts. Some of the houses are inhabited, doubling as shops, like an old home bakery.

Overall, Bunratty Castle and the entire village is a must visit for tours of the Irish West or Southwest. And even if you didn’t come for such an experience, the place will cater to anyone who wishes to relax, especially a spirit thirsty for something rich in tradition and history. Bunratty will allow a glimpse into Ireland’s past – complete with folk music in the park and a “medieval banquet” in the castle.

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