A couple of months ago we created a list of five popular castles around Ireland to share with you. (Read that story here.) Soon after that post, we quickly realized five was not enough! Ireland is filled with amazing castles—many of which are open for touring and exploring. In this new series, which will appear here periodically over the next few months, we’ll take a deeper look at more of Ireland’s historic, breathtaking castles. This week, we’re stepping into Bunratty Castle.
Location:
Bunratty Castle is in southern County Clare near the County Limerick line. It is located just miles from N18. The land on which the castle is situated was originally a Viking trading camp.
History:
The present castle, which is the fourth to be constructed on the site, was built in 1425. During the 19th century it was unoccupied and fell into disrepair until the mid 1950s when Viscount Lord Gort purchased the property and restored it to its former glory with aid from the Office of Public Works, the Irish Tourist Board and Shannon Development. In 1962 it opened for visitors year-round, and today it is touted as the most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland.
The Grounds:
In addition to the castle, a visit to Bunratty should include time spent at the adjoining Folk Park. Here, you will experience life as it was in 19th century Ireland, complete with villagers in period costumes and the opportunity to visit buildings of the era, including a vertical mill, grocery, post office, pub, and more.
While you are at Bunratty Castle, also be sure to see the Walled Garden. This area was built around 1804 and functioned as a small garden on the east side of the estate.
The Castle’s Interior:
Lord and Lady Gort along with archaeologist John Hunt and his wife Gertrude, spent countless hours furnishing the castle with medieval furniture, artwork, and pieces that would have been a part of every day life at the time the castle was constructed. Guided tours are available or your can browse at your own leisure.
Events:
While you’re visiting, be sure to book a ticket for dinner at the castle’s medieval banquet. These nightly meals offer a glimpse of days gone by complete with musical entertainment and visits from characters in period costumes.
Additionally, Bunratty Castle continues its enchanting tradition by hosting birthday parties and special occasions. Costumed guides are available to entertain small children or give tours of the castle and folk park, making it a destination that continues to delight visitors of all ages from both near and far.
Bunratty Castle is open year-round from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Learn more at shannonheritage.com.
Was there in 1998ish. Absolutely loved it. Sorry we didn’t do the dinner, but will never forget our tour.
We visited just a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed both the castle and folk park.
We had a wonderful time visiting Banratty castle. Interesting to see how the castle and surrounding area would have looked many centuries ago. The supper banquet was delicious and so much fun. We especially enjoyed samplings of mead. The banquet and tour are definitely a must do on a visit to Ireland.
It’s a wonderful dinner and entertainment beautiful castle the grounds are wonderful too enjoyed it will be back again from the US with the family next time thank you!!!!!!
Love the castle history and information provided. When I was in Ireland I got to see many a castle and know that I did not even scratch the surface. It is so nice to read these informational pieces. Thanks so much!
We have a thoroughly wonderful evening at Bunratty Castle. It is a beautiful place. The medieval dinner and show was delicious and fun. Loved it and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again!
When we were in Ireland we were treated a banquet at the castke, this was the best part of our trip. Drank Meade for 1st time and feasted on ribs and chicken and pitchers of red and white wine that never went dry. My husband and I were so drunk but that didn’t stop us going to Durty Nellies, I just love Ireland
Have visited Bunratty and the medieval dinner a few times and have always loved walking the folk park and visiting the different shops.
Loved every minute of our visit to Bunratty. The dinner was fantastic and the authenticity of the castle grounds was superb.
My family visited Bunratty and had dinner. The castle and grounds were fantastic! But the case of food borne illness after the dinner, ruined our entire trip and the flight back home was so difficult. On trips back to Ireland we have avoided the place!! Would never go back!
A bit on the touristy side but I love Bunratty just the same. I have visited often
Many of the more obscure Irish castles have remarkable stories associated with them. A book entitled, “Agnes Mary Clerke and the Rise of Astrophysics” describes “Lisscrimeen Castle overlooking a secluded sandy beach and the wide open sea beyond” as being by 1700 the seat of the Deasy (Déiseach) dynasty, “an old Irish family with a romantic history”. The Deasys in Clonakilty were well known for shipbuilding. beer brewing, and smuggling (not necessarily in that order). Though its walls reportedly still stand, probably somewhere along the coast of Waterford, I have been unable to pinpoint the exact location of Lisscrimeen Castle.
The bunratty castle banquet and grounds visit is one of our most recalled and treasured memory of Ireland
Had such a craic there. Thr banquet was delicious & fun#
It should also be noted that this is an O’Brien castle. The O’Briens are descendants of Brian Boru, the most famous king of Ireland. He was high king over 150 kings in Ireland. He died at the battle of Clontarf outside of Dublin in 1014 A.D. when he won the battle over the Vikings. The O’Brien’s have 32 castles in Ireland.
This castle is beautiful. I visited a couple of years ago and had dinner, a back in time dinner, at the castle. Food was great and the workers were super. Loved the show they did during dinner. Planning a return trip next September. Can’t wait!!!!
My husband Al and I toured the castle on our first visit to Ireland. We had the dinner and walked the grounds. It was a delight. I was unable to take the tour the next time we visited but my daughter and husband and another friend did. I discovered when we got home that I had pneumonia the whole time we were in Ireland. I’ll have to go back, won’t I?
My husband and I attended a gathering there in 1998 when we were touring the British ile’s. We enjoyed a dinner and entertainment.
My wife and I visited Bunratty Castle 10 years ago and had a simply wonderful time touring the castle and the Folk park. The medieval banquet was a real treat with exceptional food and entertainment. We would highly recommend this spot if you’re ever in Ireland.
Just found out that my fathers family was from Ireland….soon to find out what part…signed up for your e-mail and loved the history you have posted…look forward to learning and reading your site! Debra
We enjoyed the banquet there and it was unforgettable!
I visited there in 2001 and found it fascinating.
My cousin, Judy, and I enjoyed a delightfully time at a “banquet” there in Fall of 2013. The castle was very interesting but the banquet was marvelous and the period costumes worn by the servers and entertainers were truly breath taking and complicated to put I would imagine! I would highly recommend purchasing tickets to attend this “extravaganza”. It is definitely NOT a waste of time but very informative!
I was here on a tour in 1985. Loved the whole park but the castle was the highlight. Saw a dead rat in the dungeon (that went in my journal!) The care and dedication to preserving the history was obvious.