Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Ralph Quinlan Forde BSc Hons MA
5 hours ago
3 min read

Visit the acclaimed 15th Century iconic Bunratty Castle - and discover more at the Folk Park.

The site on which Bunratty Castle stands was in origin a Viking trading camp in 970.

The present structure is the last of four castles to be built on the site. Take a tour of this iconic fortress; hear and see how the lords and ladies of this castle lived; hear stories of battles and bravery and enjoy stunning views across the idyllic Clare countryside.

Bunratty Castle Folk Park

Bunratty Folk Park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting.

Rural farmhouses, village shops and streets are recreated and furnished as they would have appeared at that time according to their social standing, from the poorest one roomed dwelling to Bunratty House a fine example of a Georgian residence built in 1804 home of the Studdarts, the last family to occupy Bunratty Castle.

Wander through rural farmhouses, traditional village streets, and shops furnished exactly as they once were;

Traditional Irish cottages
A working farm
Village street with shops and trades
The elegant Bunratty House
Woodlands, gardens, and scenic walking areas
Costumed Characters sharing stories of Ireland’s past

The Village Street - Bunratty Castle

The Village Street - Bunratty Castle

The Village Street is the epicentre of Bunratty Folk Park. Here you will find a collection of brightly coloured shops and buildings side by side. The sweet sounds of traditional Irish music are carried through the air, and the village characters, including the schoolteacher, policeman and village doctor are on hand to entertain and enthral all who visit.

The village houses and shops in the Folk Park have been chosen from many different areas, to form a collection of typical 19th-century urban Irish buildings including the School, Doctor’s house, Pawnbrokers, Pub, Drapery, Printworks, Grocery, Hardware shop, Pottery and a Post Office.

In the early 19th century the country people provided for most of their own needs in food, clothing and supplies and bought only luxuries such as sugar, salt and tea. Fairs and markets in the village gave the farmers and rural craftsmen the opportunity to sell their products for cash, while shops provided for the rural dweller's needs.

However, during this time, exciting new products were becoming available in the local shops, which started to rival, and eventually replace home production.

The village is set at a time of fundamental change in Irish society, and as such illustrates the growing money-orientated lifestyle of many of the villagers alongside the traditional, self-sufficient rural culture.

World Famous Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet

Experience a truly unique entertainment and dining experience in the iconic setting of the world famous Bunratty Castle.

The lifestyle of medieval Ireland is recaptured at the Castle with our medieval banquet nights.

Once the preserve of the nobility who resided in these fortresses, it can now be experienced by everyone.

Over 3 million people have experienced this unique medieval banquet since its inception. Delight in a four-course meal in this historic castle and be entertained by the world-famous Bunratty Castle Singers.

Enjoy Music, song and dance while you dine in the Great Hall of Bunratty Castle.