Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
About
A restored 15th-century tower house built by the MacNamara family, later the principal seat of the O'Briens as Earls of Thomond, brought back from near-ruin in the 1950s by John Hunt and Lord Gort and reopened to the public in 1960. The castle interior holds furniture and tapestries roughly contemporary with the building. Around it, the 26-acre Folk Park recreates 19th-century Irish village and farm life across more than thirty relocated and reconstructed buildings, a farmhouse, village shops, a walled garden at Bunratty House, and the Viking Adventure Playground for children. Allow at least half a day to see both properly.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓15th-century tower house interior
- ✓26-acre Folk Park, 30+ buildings
- ✓Bunratty House and walled garden
- ✓Viking Adventure Playground
- ✓Pa's Pet Farm animal enclosures
Tips
- →Last entry to the castle is around 4pm and last Folk Park admission around 4:15pm, arrive earlier if you want to see both properly.
- →Book online in July and August, when coach-tour volume is at its highest and queues at the gate are longest.
- →The Folk Park is largely outdoors between buildings, bring a waterproof regardless of season.
Best Season
More Attraction Activities
Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
A costumed four-course dinner and song evening inside Bunratty Castle's Great Hall.
Activity
Viking Adventure Playground
Viking Adventure Playground
Viking-themed play area inside the Folk Park, included with admission.
Bunratty Folk Park Animal Farm
Native Irish farm-animal enclosures within the Folk Park, included with admission.