Bunratty Castle

Oyez Oyez! Bunratty Castle is a castle in County Clare, Ireland, that will immediately transport you to the medieval world of yesteryear. Visit its banqueting halls and bedrooms, and climb to the top of its crenellated towers for a marvellous panoramic view of the Shannon!

A fascinating place, it is one of the most popular attractions in the region: it must be said that the building is in perfect condition, and will tell you all about the art of living in days gone by, local history, medieval Irish culture…etc. If you wish, you can even reserve your place at a medieval banquet!

History of Bunratty Castle

An Irish castle rebuilt many times

Bunratty Castle – Bea y Fredi – cc

For lovers of medieval history, Bunratty Castle is one of the best-known relics of Irish history.

Built on the banks of the River Shannon in County Clare, the castle is a perfect example of Anglo-Norman architecture, with its 3-storey rectangular tower and 4 crenellated turrets, each 6 storeys high.

For the record, the castle has been rebuilt several times, due to the many battles the fortress has endured…

Bunraty Castle’s geographical location has always been strategic: overlooking the River Shannon, the castle kept a watchful eye on the comings and goings of boats. A perfect place to defend and attack if need be! Rebuilding the building a little further away was out of the question!

Here is an overview of the key dates in the history of Bunratty Castle:

1270: Robert Muscegros builds the first fortress in the form of a wooden turret surrounded by fences. The building is made entirely of wood, and overlooks the River Shannon and the surrounding area.
A few years later, Thomas de Clare took possession of the land, and decided to demolish the first building and rebuild it, this time in stone.
1318: wars of possession rage at this time, and Richard de Clare, then heir to Thomas de Clare, is brutally murdered in a battle with the O’Brien family (at the Battle of Dysert O’Dea). During the battle, the castle and village of Bunratty were totally destroyed.
1332: years after the battle, the King of England orders the fortress to be rebuilt. In vain… The O’Brien and McNamara clans ordered a new assault and destroyed Bunratty Castle once again.
1353: under recurring pressure from the King of England, Sir Thomas Rokeby, an English nobleman, rebuilt the castle. No sooner had construction been completed than the Irish once again stormed and seized it.
1425: the McNamara clan decided to rebuild the castle in a Norman-Welsh architectural style. This castle is the latest version of the construction and has been perfectly preserved ever since. The château belonged to the McNamaras for over 50 years, before passing into the hands of the O’Briens.

Visit Bunratty Castle

Tour of the castle’s rooms and towers

A main room at Bunratty castle – © Anton Ivanov Photo

A treasure trove of medieval architecture, Bunratty Castle has recently been restored. Once you’ve paid the entrance fee, you’re free to explore the many rooms and chambers at your leisure.

Each room has its own furnishings and sumptuous tapestries dating back to the 14th century. You’ll also note the presence of perfectly preserved clothing from the time of the McNamaras, builders and first owners of the castle.

We particularly recommend a visit to the dining room, as well as an exploration of the towers: the latter will take you to the top of the crenellated turrets, offering panoramic views over the River Shannon and the region’s great plains.

Take part in Bunratty’s medieval banquet

A banquet at Bunratty Castle – www.bunrattycastle.ie

If you’re also feeling festive, Bunratty Castle regularly organizes medieval banquets in the evenings, where tourists can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the period!

A unique evening of entertainment, period meals and medieval music with troubadours.

On the menu, expect to taste spicy parsnip soup, honey whiskey ribs and Bramley apple cake! It’s a delight, to be rounded off with a cup of tea or coffee (although clearly outside the medieval period!).

If you’re interested in this activity, we advise you to book in advance: the popularity of these meals is such that the waiting list is often long!

Visit Bunratty Folk Park

Bunratty Folk Park village – nz_willowherb – cc

The icing on the cake: access to the castle (excluding the banquet) entitles you to visit the Bunratty Folk Park.

This park, located near the château, offers a living reconstruction of a historic rural village.

You’ll discover the different rural farms throughout Irish history. To achieve this, the houses, village stores and streets have been specially recreated as they might have been in the past.

Here you’ll discover how people lived in Ireland from the Middle Ages to the present day, according to different social classes. Poor houses, middle-class homes: everything has been recreated to perfection to better understand the way of life of the last few centuries.

House tours are possible and fully interactive. A great experience! Find out more here.