Bunratty Castle

After our adventures at the Cliffs of Moher, we traveled off to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Bunratty is really a tower house in County Clare located between Limerick and Enis. Not only is there a very impressive tower house, there is a really cool folk park that gives visitors a glimpse into 19th century Irish home life.
Bunratty was restored during the 1950's and opened to the public in 1960. It was lovingly restored and has lots of period furnishings and a very informative tour.
The folk park is huge! There is a main street area with stores, a working pub, a doctors house and even a school house. There are several examples of cottages from the very poorest to the wealthy land owner. There is a blacksmiths house, a mill and even a church. All are open to the public to walk through, look at and many times have actors ready and waiting to talk to you.

There were two highlights to visiting this castle. First were the castle hounds. I have been intrested in Irish Wolfhounds for a few years now, and have always wanted one but never had seen one in person. The castle boasted two that live on the grounds - Finn and his sister. (We were told the sister's name but the accent made it impossible for me to catch) These were some magnificent and SMELLY dogs. Josh is still telling me no but I am making it my mission to get one of these dogs some day!

The second highlight was ment as a suprise for the kids. Twice a night a banquet is held at Bunratty Castle. We were met in the hall and offered a glass of mead or punch and while waiting to be escorted into the dining hall, we were entertained by a fiddler, a harpist and some very talented singers. Once taken into the dining hall, we were treated to a feast of soup, chicken veggies and dessert as well as red and white wine and water. There are no utensils but that is in keeping with the time period where they only had knives to eat with. There was also entertainment during the meal with lots of singing that ranged from bawdy to beautiful. It was a really cool way to end our visit to the castle and Jax and Skye both had a great time. Jax made the night of some Australians that were visiting. Apparently my kid is really funny and quick with his one liners.
I posted more pictures below so check them out!!!!