Bunratty

Introducing Bunratty

Conveniently located beside the N18 motorway and with plenty of bus-sized parking, Bunratty – home to government schemes to promote (milk?) tourism – draws more tourists than any other place in the region. The namesake castle has stood over the area for centuries. In recent decades it’s been tarted up and surrounded by attractions. A theme park re-creates a clichéd Irish village of old (where’s the horseshit we ask?) and each year more and more shops crowd the access roads – many selling authentic Irish goods just off the boat from China. There are some rather pricey group-dining options that are big with the bus crowd.

Buses and groups lay siege to Bunratty April to October. With all the hoopla, it’s easy to overlook the actual village, which is at the back of the theme park. It is a pretty place and has numerous leafy places to stay and eat. It’s a good place if you want something close to Shannon Airport, only 5km west.

There’s a small visitor information office (364 321; 9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri all year, Sat & Sun mid-May–Sep) in Bunratty Village Mills, a strip mall near the castle. There are ATMs and exchange services.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009