Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
We like to expose the girls to the history of the country we’re visiting (especially if we are taking them out of school) and we were lucky that our first day in Ireland could include a visit to Bunratty Folk Park. Set on 26 acres, the park features over 30 buildings that depicts what life was like in Ireland over a century ago. Traditional jobs and crafts are represented such as pottery, fishing, the forge, milling, farming, and printing. You can walk in each of these buildings and get a peek at their everyday lives since all the buildings are recreated and furnished as they would have appeared at the time. Some of our favorite areas included:
The School House
This school would have held up to 80 children. My girls thought it was funny that one side of the school was for boys and the other for girls. We talked about the different lessons that must have been taught to each gender.
The Doctor’s House
It’s scary to think that surgeries were actually performed here. Doesn’t look like it would be the most sterile environment. It was also where medicine was dispensed.
Brown’s Pawnbroker
A big part in the community, this building helped people get loans.
J.J Corry’s Pub
What community in Ireland would be complete without a local pub?
Byre Dwelling
Perhaps one of the most interesting building, the girls were amazed that the cow would sleep right in the house with the family.
My girls loved that there were so many animals to see at the park. We saw sheep, cows, cattle, Irish red deer, hens, ducks, donkeys, horses, and Irish wolfhounds. Their favorite was this friendly pig. He loved to be pet!
The best treat of our visit was a tour of Bunratty Castle. First you gather in the Main Guard to get a 15-minute introduction to the castle and two important families…the MacNamaras and the O’Briens.
Next, you head over to the Great Hall to learn more about the castle before you are able to explore the rest on your own.
It was easy to imagine the Earl giving judgements while sitting in this gorgeous room filled with tapestries and coats of arms.
Then you are off to explore the rest of the castle. Make sure you go down into the dungeon!
If possible, YOU MUST DO THE MEDIEVAL BANQUET! We had such a fabulous night here and the entire family loved it!
Tips to a Great Day at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
The park is open from 9:00- 5:30.
The last tour of the castle is 4:00 so they can set up for the banquet.
There is no lift in the castle and the winding steps are tight and steep.
Cost of admission: Adults about $15 Children (ages 6-16) about $10
(depends on the exchange rate at the time).
Dine at MacNamara’s Pub for some delicious homecooked Irish meals.
Relax in the Tea Room and enjoy some tea/coffee with scones, soda bread or porter cake. You could also get soup or sandwiches.
They have a fabulous gift shop.
Website: https://www.shannonheritage.com/BunrattyCastleAndFolkPark/
Phone number: 061 360 788
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A warm thank you to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park for having my family as your guests. As always, all experiences and opinions are those of MyTravelingKids.com.