Bunratty Castle & Folk ParkBunratty Castle is a very fine, impressive and fully furnished, 15th century medieval fortress which has great views out over the river Shannon and the surrounding lands it was once protected. Visitors can enjoy a medieval style banquet each night during the summer or simply wander around the keep and ramparts during the day as part of their admission to the Folk Park complex, which will certainly keep you occupied all day, as you visit the various cottages and homesteads that were once occupied by farmers, fishermen and shepherds.These buildings are the 'real' deal not your usual theme park mock-ups, in fact one of the cottages was actually transported stone by stone from its original position in the middle of Runway No 1 when Shannon airport was being constructed nearby ! Most though, have been faithfully rebuilt in the style of the day using vernacular materials such as local Liscannor stone, and river reeds for thatching. You can see fruit scones being baked 'sit in' on a school lesson or enjoy the ‘craic’ in the 'local' pub. It was said ‘that a yard of a counter was as good as a farm of land’ in the old days. Most grocery shops included a bar, some still do.....
There is even a ‘big house’ with a walled garden, planted with original Irish species of flowers, fruit and vegatables, which depicts the landed gentry and subsequent tenant’s lifestyles. Keep a good eye out for poachers and the illicit ‘poitin’ still down by the lake. And consider yourself blessed altogether if you land up at one of their special themed events like the Harvest Festival at the end of September....
10 Other Things to Do and See in the area are.... 1 Durty Nellys go next door for a pint, some oysters and plenty of atmosphere. 2 Blarney Woollen Mills leave himself above & go across the road for some souvenir shopping? nice woollen hats and scarves and ‘traditional’ style jumpers. 3 Meadows & Byrne Irelands answer to Crate and Barrel, nice homewares including Irish Crystal and Pottery, good restaurant and coffee shop upstairs. 4 Dromoland Castle spoil yourself by staying nearby at one of Irelands leading 5 star castle hotels, fabulous private grounds, lakes and golf course. 5 Craggaunowen another faithful reconstruction of early celtic life with lake dwellings, ringforts, dolmens and standing stones etched with Ogham inscriptions. 6 Limerick City home of Lyric FM and Munster Rugby.... 7 King Johns Castle Kings Island large Norman castle in the centre of the town on the banks of the Shannon. 8 St Mary’s Cathedral built in the 12th century, impressive well preserved Romanesque architecture. 9 Angela’s Ashes Walk guided walk of featured landmarks in the book and film by Frank McCourt leaves from the tourist office daily at 2.30pm. 10 The Hunt Museum undoubtedly the best in Ireland, small but excellent collection of national and international treasures and artefacts, donated to the Irish nation by John & Gertrude Hunt. For more about Bunratty Castle & Folk Park please click here For more information on Medieval Castle Banquets please click here. 
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Bunratty Castle and Folk Park "If you have only time to visit one attraction in Ireland this is it" Susan Byron
