Getting to Bunratty
How to reach Bunratty by train, bus, taxi, or car.
Rail
Bunratty has no railway station of its own. The nearest is Sixmilebridge (station code SXMBR), around 6km away by road, served by Limerick Suburban Rail and Western Rail Corridor services toward Ennis and Galway. It's an unstaffed station with basic facilities, and its timetable is oriented around Limerick commuter travel rather than tourist day trips, so a taxi or the connecting bus into Bunratty itself is usually the more practical option even for rail travellers.
- Nearest station
- Sixmilebridge (SXMBR), about 6km away
Useful Links
Bus
Bus Eireann route 343 runs between Limerick city (Colbert Station) and Ennis, with a confirmed scheduled stop in Bunratty, also serving Shannon Airport, Shannon village, Sixmilebridge, and Newmarket-on-Fergus along the way. It's the most useful public transport option for reaching Bunratty without a car.
- Route
- Bus Eireann 343 (Limerick - Shannon Airport - Ennis)
Useful Links
Taxi
Taxis are readily available from Shannon Airport and Limerick city; a taxi from the airport to Bunratty is a short, straightforward transfer given the roughly 12km distance.
Driving
Bunratty sits directly off the N18, roughly 12km from Shannon Airport, 15km from Limerick city, and around 20km from Ennis. On-site parking is available at the Bunratty Castle & Folk Park visitor car park; confirm current charges at the gate.
- Route
- N18
- Parking
- Bunratty Castle & Folk Park visitor car park
From the Airport
Live options for reaching the village from the nearest airports. Times and fares are a guide and can change with traffic or operator schedules.
Shannon AirportSNN
12 km away- Duration
- 15-20 minutes
- Cost
- Confirm current fare with the operator
The most direct option, taxi ranks are available at arrivals.
- Duration
- Approximately 15-20 minutes
- Cost
- Confirm current fare at buseireann.ie
Stops in Bunratty on the Limerick to Ennis route via Shannon Airport.
Operator: Bus Eireann
- Duration
- Approximately 15 minutes
- Cost
- N/A
Direct route via the N18, on-site visitor parking at the castle.
Leap Card
Leap Card is accepted on Bus Eireann route 343 services through Bunratty, the same as elsewhere on the regional bus network.
Parking
Parking options in and around Bunratty. On busy weekends, arriving early is recommended.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park visitor car park
On-site parking for castle and Folk Park visitors, confirm current charges at the gate.
Planning the wider trip?
Our country-level primer covers national rail, intercity buses, airports, the Leap Card, and whether you actually need a hire car for your trip around Ireland.
Getting Around Ireland →