BUNRATTY CASTLE
Bunratty Castle (Irish: Caisleán Bhun Raithe, meaning "Castle at the Mouth of the Ratty") is a large tower house in County Clare, Ireland. It lies in the center of Bunratty village (Irish: Bun Ráite), by the N18 road between Limerick and Ennis, near Shannon Town and its airport. The name Bunratty, Bun Raite (or possibly, Bun na Raite) in Irish, means the 'bottom' or end of the 'Ratty' river. This river, alongside the castle, flows into the nearby Shannon estuary. From the top of the castle, one can look over to the estuary and the airport. The castle and the adjoining folk park are run by Shannon Heritage and both are growing in popularity during tours of Ireland where tourists can visit this, and many other castles, without the worry of having to try and find them themselves; something that has been noted as bothersome to visitors from the US where they drive on the opposite side of the road.
Shannon Heritage Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty, Co. Clare Ireland Tel: +353 (0)61 360788 - A Window on the Past at Bunratty, Co. Clare - Opening Times
At Ireland’s premier visitor attraction you are invited to explore three wonderful experiences – the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle, the 19th century Bunratty Folk Park and the Village Street.
Bunratty Castle The Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Today, the castle stands peacefully in delightful grounds. The houses and cottages of the folk park spread out at the foot of its massive walls, much in the way that the cottages and crofts of old would have clustered around its base. We invite you to wander through the castle and marvel at the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country which brings to life a vital part of our Medieval past. Bunratty Castle closes each day at 4 pm to prepare for the Medieval Banquet
The Bunratty Collection
The Bunratty Collection features over 450 items of medieval furniture and artifacts housed at Bunratty Castle in Co Clare. Superb images of each item have been added to create an interesting and accurate website to record the Bunratty Castle contents. We hope as wide an audience as possible will visit and enjoy the site at www.bunrattycollection.com.
At night time the castle is the impressive setting for medieval banquets which are held year round.
Bunratty Folk Park
Within the grounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century life is vividly recreated. Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting. Meet and chat with the Bean an Ti (Woman of the House) and various street characters including the Policeman and Schoolteacher who give the site its sparkle during the summer months. Enjoy the tastes, scents, sights and sounds of this enchanting place as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and of course the pub! It’s a wonderful experience for adults and children alike with something for everyone to enjoy!
Bunratty Walled Garden
Another very interesting feature is the formal Bunratty Walled Garden, modeled on the original Regency period garden which supplied fruit, vegetables, and flowers to Bunratty House built in 1804 and now refurbished in typical Victorian style.
Shannon Heritage Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty, Co. Clare Ireland Tel: +353 (0)61 360788 - A Window on the Past at Bunratty, Co. Clare - Opening Times
At Ireland’s premier visitor attraction you are invited to explore three wonderful experiences – the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle, the 19th century Bunratty Folk Park and the Village Street.
Bunratty Castle The Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Today, the castle stands peacefully in delightful grounds. The houses and cottages of the folk park spread out at the foot of its massive walls, much in the way that the cottages and crofts of old would have clustered around its base. We invite you to wander through the castle and marvel at the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country which brings to life a vital part of our Medieval past. Bunratty Castle closes each day at 4 pm to prepare for the Medieval Banquet
The Bunratty Collection
The Bunratty Collection features over 450 items of medieval furniture and artifacts housed at Bunratty Castle in Co Clare. Superb images of each item have been added to create an interesting and accurate website to record the Bunratty Castle contents. We hope as wide an audience as possible will visit and enjoy the site at www.bunrattycollection.com.
At night time the castle is the impressive setting for medieval banquets which are held year round.
Bunratty Folk Park
Within the grounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century life is vividly recreated. Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting. Meet and chat with the Bean an Ti (Woman of the House) and various street characters including the Policeman and Schoolteacher who give the site its sparkle during the summer months. Enjoy the tastes, scents, sights and sounds of this enchanting place as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and of course the pub! It’s a wonderful experience for adults and children alike with something for everyone to enjoy!
Bunratty Walled Garden
Another very interesting feature is the formal Bunratty Walled Garden, modeled on the original Regency period garden which supplied fruit, vegetables, and flowers to Bunratty House built in 1804 and now refurbished in typical Victorian style.