BUNRATTY CASTLE & FOLK PARK

Shannon Heritage

At Ireland’s premier visitor attraction you are invited to explore two wonderful experiences – the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle and 19th century Bunratty Folk Park.

Bunratty Castle

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. We invite you to wander through the castle and marvel at the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country which brings to life a vital part of our Medieval past. 

          The Bunratty Collection

The Bunratty Collection features over 450 items of medieval furniture and artifacts housed at Bunratty Castle in Co Clare. Superb images of each item have been added to create an interesting and accurate website to record the Bunratty Castle contents. We hope as wide an audience as possible will visit and enjoy the site at  www.bunrattycollection.com.

At night time the castle is the impressive setting for medieval banquets which are held year round. 

Bunratty Folk Park

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!

Bunratty Walled Garden

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.