BUNRATTY Castle & Folk Park will only open for six more weeks in 2020, while other Shannon Group operated sites in Clare, including Craggaunowen and Knappogue Castle, are going to stay shut for the rest of the year.

Is Bunratty Castle closing down?

BUNRATTY Castle & Folk Park will only open for six more weeks in 2020, while other Shannon Group operated sites in Clare, including Craggaunowen and Knappogue Castle, are going to stay shut for the rest of the year.

Who owns Bunratty?

Lord & Lady Gort had always been deeply interested in early furniture and works of art. Over the years they endowed the Castle with exhibits which re-create the atmosphere of the 15th Century. Bunratty Castle and its contents are now held in trust for the nation.

Is Bunratty opened?

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park have also been certified with The COVID-19 Safety Charter, a Government-endorsed recognition that our business is ready to re-open safely.

Is Bunratty worth visiting?

Is Bunratty Castle and Folk Park worth visiting? Yes, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is well worth a visit. The set-up here is done incredibly well and there’s plenty to keep you interested for several hours.

Who lived in Bunratty Castle?

About this time Bunratty became a large town of 1,000 inhabitants. The powerful MacNamara family built the present structure around 1425 but by 1475 it had became the stronghold of the O’Briens, the largest clan in North Munster. They ruled the territory of North Munster and lived in great splendor.

Why is Bunratty Castle famous?

Bunratty Castle is famous for its medieval banquets, held twice nightly all year round and is an absolute must. Comely Colleens and portly Seanchais provide the evenings entertainment in full medieval costume, as you are invited to banquet with the Earl of Thomond.

Why was Bunratty built?

To guard access via the Shannon estuary against attacks from the Irish, the site was once again occupied. In 1353, Sir Thomas de Rokeby led an English army to conquer the MacNamaras and MacCarthys. A new castle (the third) was built at Bunratty, but once again, its exact location is unknown.

Why is Bunratty Castle important?

For some time in the mid-19th century, the castle was used as a barracks by the Royal Irish Constabulary. In 1894, Bunratty was once again used by the Studdert family, as the seat of Captain Richard Studdert. In the late 19th century, the roof of the Great Hall collapsed.

Is Bunratty Castle open to the public?

Bunratty Castle and its lands were granted to various Plantation families, the last of whom was the Studdart family. They left the castle in 1804 (allowing it to fall into disrepair), to reside in the more comfortable and modern Bunratty House, which is open to the public in the grounds of the Folk Park.

What to bring to Bunratty Castle and folk park?

Brimming with freshly cut sandwiches, homemade brownies, cookies, refreshing drinks and gourmet crisps these are the perfect option if planning a picnic while visiting Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

Where are the best places to shop in Ireland?

No trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to the legendary Blarney Woollen Mills. With five locations across Ireland, including the successful Bunratty Village, Blarney Woollen Mills offers an essential Irish shopping experience. Originally established in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills now houses a large selection of Irish products.

What is the rural life of Bunratty like?

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 1804 home of the Studdarts, the last family to occupy Bunratty Castle. View Bunratty Folk Park