Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
Pulling the kids from school always includes a little guilt…until you introduce them to culture they can’t learn from reading in a book. Our first taste of Irish culture was by attending a medieval banquet in Bunratty Castle.
We chose the 5:30 banquet since we knew we’d be jet lagged and it would have to be an early night. First, we were taken into the Great Hall for an introduction to the castle. We were greeted by people dressed in beautiful medieval clothes who played their part so well you immediately felt like you were transported in time.
The adults were given mead (a honey wine) and the kids juice, and we took part in the “Bite of Friendship” by dipping soda bread into rock salt and eating it to ward off evil spirits. We listened to musicians playing and singing.
We were then ushered into the Main Guard Room and seated at big wooden tables lit by thick wax candles. Dinner was announced before each course and the Lord had to give his approval. Watch the video clip below!
Our first course was soup, which we drank out of bowls
The second was BBQ ribs and the third was roasted chicken with root vegetables. Finally, dessert was an apple crisp with a delicious custard on top. What my girls loved best about dinner was you ate it with your dagger (your knife) and your fingers. No forks! They loved banging their hands on the table to clap and thought it was hysterical when a man at our table was named a scoundrel, was thrown in a dungeon, and had to sing to be released.
The fun atmosphere and people in costume made the night so entertaining. The music and singing was incredible! Click below to watch the video!
It was a perfect first night in Ireland.
Tips for a Fun Night at Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet:
Banquets are held nightly at 5:30 and 8:30.
You need to make reservations.
You may want to go to the Folk Park before your banquet so you have a better understanding of what life was like during medieval times.
Tea/coffee is served in the basement of the castle at the end of the banquet.
The banquet lasts about 2 ½ hours.
Cost: Adults about $70, Kids (10-12) about $45 Kids (6-9) about $30.
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A warm thank you to Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet for having us as your guests. As always, all experiences and opinions are of MyTravelingKids.com.
