Last Updated on August 18, 2023 by Jim Ferri
If you’re in County Clare on Ireland’s west coast and looking for a fun evening, look no further than the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet.
Bunratty is a small village by the N18 road between Limerick and Ennis, approximately midway between Galway and Killarney, near Shannon and Shannon airport. The castle’s name comes from the Irish Caisleán Bhun Raithe, meaning “castle at the mouth of the Ratty.”
During many trips to Ireland over the years, I avoided Bunratty’s medieval feast, viewing it as too touristy. Now, after enjoying a wonderful evening there, I’d go back again. It’s just that much fun.
Bunratty Castle serves up an affordable, enjoyable, entertaining evening and a four-course medieval feast in the Castle’s Great Hall. Although once only enjoyed by the nobility who resided in the 15th-century castle, more than 3 million people who have visited Ireland have enjoyed it to date.
The food and wine are good, and the entertainment is excellent. You’ll remember the evening for a long time.
The Castle is part of Bunratty Folk Park, 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village set on 26 acres. Rural farmhouses, village shops and streets are recreated and furnished as they would have appeared at that time.
The village houses and shops in the Folk Park have been chosen from many different areas, to form a collection of typical 19th century urban Irish buildings – including the school, doctor’s house, pawnbrokers, pub, drapery, print works, grocery, hardware shop, pottery and a post office.
If You Go to the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet:
Bunratty West,
Bunratty, Co. Clare
Ireland
Tel: +353 61 711 222
https://www.bunrattycastle.ie/medieval-banquet/
Admission: approximately €65 per adult
Note: the castle is currently closed due to the pandemic
Editor’s Note: you may also enjoy How to See Ireland’s West Coast by Car in 9 Days, The Aran Islands, Ireland – Austere and Beautiful and Things to Do in Galway, the Most Irish Town in Ireland
Went many years ago. It truly was a fun night. Thanks for reminding me.