Bunratty Castle, Folk Park and Medieval Banquets
Shannon Heritage
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Bunratty Co Clare
Ireland
For reservations please contact:
Tel: +353 (0)61 360788
Fax: +353 (0)61 361020
http://www.shannonheritage.com/BunrattyCastleAndFolkPark/
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a must on your itinerary to Ireland. This is your chance to experience a window on Ireland’s past and explore the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle and the 19th century Bunratty Folk Park.
Welcome to Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times.Bunratty Folk Park Enjoy the sights, sounds tastes, scents, of this enchanting place as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village street complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and of course McNamara’s pub!
Bunratty Walled GardenThe gardens at Bunratty Folk Park have been restored to their former glory. The gardens are modeled on the original Regency period garden which supplied fruit, vegetables, and flowers to Bunratty House (built in 1804) and are refurbished in typical Victorian style. This is your opportunity to experience one of the great gardens of Ireland.
Browse 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. You can explore at your own leisure or join in a guided tour with our experienced guides. At night time the castle is the impressive setting for the medieval castle banquets which are held year round.
Admission is all year round. 9:00am- 5.30pm. Please be aware that the castle closes daily at 4pm to prepare for the Medieval Banquets.
Join the Earl of Thomond for a glorious banquet at this majestic 15th century Bunratty Castle. The Earl’s Butler welcomes guests from the four corners of the world toasting an era of great Irish taste with excellent food, fine wine and honey mead.
When you arrive at Bunratty Medieval Castle Banquet, a kilted piper plays a tune of welcome. You ascend the Castle steps crossing over the drawbridge to the 'Bite of Friendship' offered by one of the Hostesses.
Upon entering the Great Hall resplendent with tapestries and furniture of the 16th Century, savour a goblet of Mead while mingling with the Ladies of the Castle. The Castle’s history is related followed by a medieval Madrigal.
Witness the crowning of the Earl & Lady before descending to the Banquet Hall where bench seating, candle-light and long oak tables reflect the Banqueting style of the medieval era.
While partaking of a sumptuous four course dinner with fine wines, delight to the dulcet tones of the Ladies of the Castle accompanied by Irish Harp and Fiddle. The Butler seeks the Lords approval for all dishes brought before him. However, a scoundrel is revealed who must be brought before the Earl who decides his fate!
The 35 minute spectacle which follows dinner is a superb selection of Irish medieval and traditional songs and instrumental music. The entire evening lasts two and a half hours. The price includes entrance fee, government taxes, service charge, food, wine and entertainment.
The banquet runs nightly year round, 5:30pm & 8:45pm. Reservations are necessary.
Banquet Menu
Aperitif – Bunratty Mead
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Spiced Parsnip Soup
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Spare Ribs with Honey & Whiskey Sauce
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Breast of Chicken with Apple & Mead sauce,
served with potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
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Rastin
Fruit of the Forest Mousse on a Biscuit Base
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Coffee / Tea
Our Review
Alright visitors to Ireland, there is a reason this attraction is one of Ireland's Leading attractions and cannot be missed. It’s "Bunratty Castle, Folk Park and Medieval Banquets“. We were able to see first-hand why people love this attraction. We agree Bunratty Castle, Folk Park and Medieval Banquets is hands down the best attraction being offered in Bunratty Ireland and maybe one of the best being offered worldwide. First, Bunratty Castle, Folk Park and Medieval Banquets is not your average excursion day trip. It's more of a full day and evening affair and we would recommend staying in the fine lodging offered in Bunratty area. First thing first prepare to step back in time and be transported back to the 15th century Bunratty Castle and the 19th century Bunratty Folk Park. Start off by visiting the Folk park. It's a very entertaining and educational journey as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village street complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and of course McNamara’s pub! . Then on to the Castle authentic medieval fortress . Built in 1425, it was restored in 1954.It hosts full furnishings 15th and 16th century tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times as you make your way from room to room and floor to floor making you feel as if you are a king,queen or knight of times past. Next, You will return that evening for your Medieval Banquet early or late seating. We must insist that you make a resorvation. Both seatings will sale out fast. As you enter Castle you will be greeted by costumed host and lead into the main hall to mingle with host and other guests over a fine goblet of Aperitif – Bunratty Mead a wine made of honey .After this, you are lead to the banquet hall where you feast medieval style no silverware just your hands and your dagger for a fabulous four course meal. The food is excellent with offerings of Spiced Parsnip Soup,Spare Ribs with Honey & Whiskey Sauce,Breast of Chicken with Apple & Mead sauce,served with potatoes and seasonal vegetables .RastinFruit of the Forest Mousse on a Biscuit Base,Coffee / Tea.During and after this fine meal, you are entertained with stories and songs, then a night cap of coffee/tea or mead to end the evening. In Ending, we have featured attractions all over the nation and international and these attractions were a treat and a pleasure to cover. We honestly hope that "Bunratty Castle, Folk Park and Medieval Banquets” are entertaining guests for years and years to come. If you're making plans to visit Ireland, make sure that all "Shannon Heritage Attractions" is a must.
