Bunratty Castle

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Bunratty Castle
Native name: Caisleán Bhun Raithe
Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle
Location: Bunratty village, County Clare, Ireland
Coordinates: 52°41′48″N 8°48′42″W / 52.69667°N 8.81167°W / 52.69667; -8.81167Coordinates: 52°41′48″N 8°48′42″W / 52.69667°N 8.81167°W / 52.69667; -8.81167
Built: c. 1425
Restored: 1954
Restored by: 7th Viscount Gort
Governing body: Shannon Heritage
National Monument of Ireland
Reference #: 478[1]
Bunratty Castle is located in Ireland
Location of Bunratty Castle in Ireland

Bunratty Castle (Irish: Caisleán Bhun Raithe, meaning "Castle at the Mouth of the Ratty") is a large tower house in County Clare, Ireland. It lies in the center of Bunratty village (Irish: Bun Ráite), by the N18 road between Limerick and Ennis, near Shannon Town and its airport. The name Bunratty, Bun Raite (or possibly, Bun na Raite) in Irish, means the 'bottom' or end of the 'Ratty' river. This river, alongside the castle, flows into the nearby Shannon estuary. From the top of the castle, one can look over to the estuary and the airport.

The castle and the adjoining folk park are run by Shannon Heritage.

Contents

[edit] History

Key events in Bunratty's history include:

An Irish language plaque at Bunratty Castle

The castle is now famous for its medieval banquets, at which the "Bunratty Singers" perform.

[edit] Folk Park

Rose Cottage at the Folk Park

Alongside the castle is an extensive folk park, particularly popular with families, tourists and schools. This features reconstructions of historical cottages and buildings, recreating the general feel of the 19th century with a period style village main street. Old tools, furniture and artifacts are displayed, with the village kept alive by some inhabited shops, an old home bakery and peat fires in cottages. Today it is a major tourist attraction along with the castle as it sees thousands of people pass through its gates every year.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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