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Bunratty Castle
& Folk Park

Step Back in Time at Ireland’s Premier Medieval Experience, Just an Hour and 30 minutes from Brielle House.

Blarney Castle under blue skies

A Fortress of
Folklore and Feasts

Standing proud since the 15th century, Bunratty Castle offers a richly immersive journey into Ireland’s medieval past. Its towering presence and atmospheric rooms have hosted feasts, gatherings, and legends for centuries—and today, visitors can walk the same stone corridors, rooms and great hall.

Beyond the castle walls lies Folk Park, a lovingly restored 19th-century village complete with thatched cottages, smoke-filled hearths, and traditional crafts. Costumed interpreters bring life to daily scenes—from farmhouses to the village pub — offering a rich portrait of rural Irish life in years gone by.

As dusk settles, the castle transforms into the setting for Bord Bia Banquets—sumptuous medieval-style feasts with harp music, candlelight and hearty Irish fare. It’s a multisensory experience that lingers long after the last toast.

Visitor Information
for Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Location

Located approximately 2 hours from Brielle House, Bunratty makes for a wonderful full-day cultural journey—pair it with a cruise on the Shannon estuary or a scenic drive through Clare.

Opening Hours

Open daily from morning to early evening; tickets are required for castle, folk park, and evening banquets. Booking is strongly recommended, especially for the medieval banquet experience.

Accessibility

Extensive parking is available on-site. While much of the folk park is accessible, some castle sections include narrow stairs or uneven floors. A shuttle and accessible pathways link key areas, and amenities include restrooms, a café, and a gift shop.

Our Guests Say
the Nicest Things

Christina M

This is a lovely self catering accommodation, really cosy, comfortable and very clean.
Ann had left some essentials to start us off such as milk, coffee, cereals which we were grateful for as we didn’t need rush out after a long day travelling. We will definitely be staying again.

Aidan A

Accommodation was excellent and very clean. Owners were very nice.
Homely atmosphere. Location is excellent. Walking distance to to everything in Mountmellick. Will go back there

Kim L

We came over from the UK and stayed here for a week in October whilst visiting family and friends in the Midlands. It was a perfect location, near all the places we needed to be and easy to get to from the ferry. Brielle House is a lovely, warm, cosy cottage, well equipped and comfortable.

Helen S

We needed an overnight spot when attending the Taylor Swift concert in Dublin. The home is Lovely. Beautifully presented, spacious and very clean. Very kind host. Generous milk. Tea. Coffee. Cereals and biscuits left for our use. I have no hesitation recommending this home. It would make a great base if touring the Midlands, etc. Thanks, Anne, of Brielle House Guest Accommodation

Jo B

Great place one of the best I have ever stayed in. My family highly recommend staying here!

Brielle Awards

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