Bunratty

Bunratty is well connected via the N18 dual carriageway to Limerick, and Shannon-Ennis-Galway respectively. There is also a public bus service into Limerick city and Shannon airport.

Bunratty is a small village, so everything is pretty much within walking distance.

• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

  phone: +353 61 711200
  The most famous (and only) attraction in Bunratty. The Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425, it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour 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. 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. 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! Another very interesting feature is the formal Bunratty Walled Garden, modelled 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.

Join the Earl of Thomond in the splendour of the main guard of Bunratty Castle for a dinner experience not to be missed!
Bunratty Castle was built in 1425 by the Earl of Thomond. Following his tradition of hospitality, the world-renowned Bunratty Medieval Banquet is held twice nightly throughout the year.
Since 1963, the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl's Butler, have welcomed guests from the four corners of the globe to dine at The Earl's Banquet at Bunratty Castle. The entertainment provided by the world renowned Bunratty Singers is a fitting compliment to a mead reception, a four course meal, and of course good wine.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is open daily for visitors to explore. For night-time dinner entertainments, enjoy the Bunratty Medieval Castle Banquet at either 17:30 (finish approximately 19:45) or 20:45 (finish approximately 23:00) or the Traditional Irish Night at the Corn Barn at 19:00 (finish approximately 21:30 from April to October). Reservations are necessary for Dinner Entertainments only. Bookings can be made on +353 61 360788.

There is not much in the village in terms of shopping; however, do check out the Blarney Woollen Mills / Meadows and Byrne store just opposite the castle. They sell all kinds of traditional Irish goods, from tourist souvenirs to furniture and clothes.

There are several good restaurants in the village, the most well known being Gallagher's Seafood Restaurant, the Red Door Restaurant, the Bunratty Manor, and the Round Room Restaurant in the Bunratty Castle Hotel.

• Gallaghers Seafood Restaurant

  phone: +353 61 363363

• Durty Nellies

  phone: +353 61 364861
  A landmark pub just next to Bunratty Castle.

• Bunratty Winery

  phone: +353 61 362222
  An excellent education in Bunratty Meade and Potcheen, Irish moonshine.

There are lots of B&Bs in the village along with a host of hotels. The most convenient one is probably Bunratty Manor Hotel.

• Bunratty Manor Hotel

  phone: +353 61 707984
  Open year-round and within walking distance of all the sights. Also has its own restaurant.

• Bunratty Castle Hotel

  phone: +353 61 478700