‘Repeat after me. Aon, dó, trí.’ The school master shouts at us in Irish, trying to make us learn the numbers. He then proceeds to play the Irish penny whistle in a surprisingly pleasant tune, whilst we stare in admiration. This is what awaits you when you step through the entrance of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
Immersed in Irish history with costumed interpreters, you can learn how people in Ireland lived in the past. With a 15th century castle and the 19th century village street, you will easily spend a good few hours exploring the buildings and learning about Irish history.
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Where is Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Located in the South of County Clare, just East of the town of Shannon. If you are visiting County Clare you will undoubtedly pass by the area if heading toward Shannon or East to Limerick. This is a popular part of Ireland to visit and Bunratty is easy to access.
How to Get to Bunratty
The simplest way to arrive at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is by car. It’s just off the N18 between Shannon and Limerick, easily accessible from the main road. A large car park is available just across from the entrance.
Alternatively you can take a taxi from nearby towns or use public transport. For train, arrive at either Ennis or Limerick stations, then take the bus or a taxi from there. Or there are hourly buses provided by Dublin Coach to Bunratty from Dublin, Limerick and Ennis. Bus Éireann also has a regular service between Limerick and Shannon that stops at Bunratty.
Is There Anywhere to Eat at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Yes, there are several different eateries in Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
In the admissions hall you will find the Earls Pantry, plus within the park itself is the Corn Barn Restaurant and the Bunratty Tea Rooms. We visited the tearoom and can certainly recommend the delicious cakes and treats available there!
What is There to do at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park?
The castle and folk park consists of a range of historic Irish buildings that have mostly been saved from other parts of Ireland and moved there as a collection. The castle itself is the 15th century castle built on top of previous forts dating back to the 13th century. However, many of the buildings in the folk park date to around the 19th century. Creating a village feel, with the houses range from poorer farm labourers to the more affluent landowners.
Bunratty Castle
The 15th century castle is Ireland’s most complete and authentically restored medieval castle. It has an interesting history having passed hands between several different families over time. Although previous castles were also constructed on the site or nearby and destroyed during turbulent times.
Now you can walk the halls of the restored castle and imagine what it would have been like to live here in medieval times.
Explore the medieval great hall, where medieval banquets are still held for visitors. Then move on up the stairs to explore the earls living quarters. Or downstairs to the kitchen and basement. The building is fascinating and seems a bit like a maze when you explore!
Don’t miss the stunning views from the top of the turrets.
Bunratty Folk Park
The folk park itself consists of over 30 buildings moved and reconstructed here as an open-air museum. Near the castle are a variety of different thatched farmhouses, all from different areas or social classes. There are thick flagstone cottages of North Clare, to the Loophead farmhouse where the roof is weighed down by rope for the Atlantic Gales.
You can also find women baking in some of the farmhouses, including the prosperous pink coloured Golden Vale farmhouse. At this time shops would sell only the ingredients to make your own produce, so most food was homemade.
Moving onto the 19th century village street is the school, with a school master ready to teach you a lesson or two. The doctor’s house, a street full of shops including the printmakers, pub, grocers and post office. You can also find a church, mill and beautiful regency gardens, the flowers are stunning!
Fairy Trail
The kids will also love the fairy trail, a booklet can be collected in the admissions hall. Answering questions as they walk around the trail, or just enjoying the magic of the fairy houses.
Near the village street is a children playground with a Viking theme. This includes a Viking ship, castle with 4 towers, swings, slides and ziplines. Parents can sit on the picnic benches whilst watching their children.
Farm Animals
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is also home to a variety of animals, including pigs, ponies, poultry, sheep and cattle. As well as the famous Irish Wolfhounds, Rian and Mide. You can find the animals around the farm yard, in the paddocks or their houses. It was very hot when we visited so I think most the animals were hiding in the shade!
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