The Stronghold Of The O’Brien Clan - Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

The present castle, last of a series on the same site, was built around 1425 by the powerful McNamara family, but by 1475 it had become the stronghold of the O’Brien clan, and during the 16th and 17th centuries it was home to kings and later earls, of Thomond or North Munster. The castle contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings in the style of the period of the Great Earl.

The Folk Park is set on 26 acres featuring over 30 buildings in a rural village setting. Farmhouses and shops are furnished as they would have a the time, and set on recreated streets.

Here is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

Built around 1425, it was an important stronghold for O’Briens.

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The school house is from Belvoir in County Clare. It would have accommodated 80 children.

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Bunratty Castle and Folk Park: A Window on the Past

By Elizabeth Healy

The History of Bunratty Castle

By Breen, Martin

Exploring Ireland's Castles

By Blake, Tarquin

Looking through the gate to the castle

These next couple of images are from the Main Guard which was the main living room of the common soldiers.

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Inside the Great Hall, which was the original banquet hall and audience chamber of the Earls of Thomond.

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The vaulted ceiling of the Great Hall

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The walls are hung with French, Belgian and Flemish tapestries and art.

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The fireplace in the center of the Great Hall

A bed chamber

Around the castle

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The view of the roof

The ceiling here, in the South Solar, is partially a replica, in Tudor-style.

This is one of the bedrooms. Most of the rooms were very small, which was not helpful to taking pictures.

The Earl’s kitchen

Inside the private chapel

A few exterior views of the castle

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This exhibit shows the Bunratty Castle Banquets

The Blacksmith Forge

Loop Head House is the house of a fishing farmer in West Clare.

Cashen Fisherman House

This Shannon Farmhouse was the first building reconstructed at Folk Park. It originally stood on the site of the main runway at Shannon Airport.

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This the home of a farmer from Golden Vale Counties of Limerick & Tipperary.

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Inside the Doctor’s House, this room was used as both a dispensary and surgery.

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Insider Artisan House

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Inside McInerney & Sand Hardware Store

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J. J. Corry’ Pub

Inside J.J. Corry’s Pub

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Brown’s Pawnbroker shop

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What you should know:

• If you have issues with tight spaces, do not climb the tower stairs of the castle. The circular stairway is very narrow and cannot accommodate people passing, going up and down.

• You can buy your tickets on-line or in person.

• Public restrooms are available.

• There is a cafe on site.

• You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day here, depending on your level of interest.

• One price includes parking, admission to the castle and the village.

• Check the website for days and hours of operation and if there are any special events.

Location: just off the N18 Limerick / Ennis Road, Bunratty West, Co Clare, Ireland.

For more information: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park