Square, hulking and imposing Bunratty Castle is only the latest of several edifices to occupy its location beside the River Ratty. Vikings founded a settlement here in the 10th century, and later occupants included the Norman Thomas de Clare in the 1270s. The castle is accessed via a folk park: a reconstructed traditional Irish village with thatched cottages, smoke coiling from chimneys, a forge and working blacksmith, weavers, post office, pub, children's play zones and small cafe.
The present castle dates to the early 1400s, built by the energetic MacNamara family, falling shortly thereafter to the O'Briens, in whose possession it remained until the 17th century. Fully restored and loaded with 14th- to 17th-century furniture, paintings, wall tapestries and antlers, the castle is home to a dungeon , a main hall and the magnificent and colossal Great Hall .
A few of the buildings in the folk park were brought here from elsewhere, but most are recreations. In peak season employees in period garb explain the more family-friendly and rose-tinted aspects of the late 19th century. Faux but fun.
