About
Located in the unspoilt Clare countryside, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is a truly idyllic setting to enjoy some time with family and friends.
Set over 26 acres, this impressive park features not only the iconic 15th century Bunratty Castle but also a living village experience where visitors can discover through sights, sound and smells what village & rural life was like back in Ireland in the early 1900’s.
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. The most complete and authentic Castle in Ireland, Bunratty Castle is furnished with an amazing collection of 15th and 16th century furniture and tapestries. During a visit, visitors are invited to explore various rooms throughout the castle including the Main Guard, The Great Hall, the Earl’s Bedroom, private chapel and many more.
The traditional farmhouses dotted around the park represent building styles and social classes typically found around Ireland in the early 1900’s. From the one roomed, Bothán Scoir, the dwelling of a poor landless labourer, typically found in the West of Ireland to the Golden Vale Farmhouse, a prosperous farmer’s home, from the rich lands in the Golden Vale of counties Limerick and Tipperary, witness how our forefathers lived and worked.
The village street is the highlight of any visit to Bunratty and the houses and shops located on it 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.
Located at the top of the Bunratty Estate is the idyllic Bunratty Regency Walled Garden. This hidden gem, often bypassed by visitors, is the only surviving part of the demesne which was originally formed around Bunratty Castle. The garden contains some stunning examples of native Irish and heritage plants and enjoys stunning views including the reclaimed salt marshes of the Owengarney River Valley to the east and to the south toward the River Shannon Estuary.
Visitor Information
Visitors are invited to take a ramble through the park’s woodland trails meeting along the way native Irish breeds of animals including the park’s much loved resident wolfhounds Meabh and Saoirse, pigmy goats, native Irish red deer, Shetland and Connemara ponies, pigs, sheep and so many more. You might also bump into a village character or two including the Bean an Tí’s baking bread by the fire, the schoolteacher, Village Doctor or some of the park’s resident musicians who are guaranteed to have your feet tapping and hands clapping!
https://www.bunrattycastle.ie/book-tickets/
Opening Times
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is Open from 9:30am to 5:30pm Every Day.
