This was a highlight of our trip. It was a convenient stop in LImerick on the ride from Galway to the Dingle peninsula and we were so glad we added it. The castle is so well preserved and interesting, with fabulous period furniture and decor. It was fun to explore up and town the tower stairs and discover cute rooms around each corner. If you are in Ireland for the castles, this one should be on the list. The grounds and surrounding village area are picturesque. You can certainly spend longer there than we did, but it was worth the short time we had to visit. Their gift shop has a lot of grea/different items. We were fortuate to be there in the off season when it wasn't cowded, which I'm sure made it more enjoyable, but I would still think it is worth a stop any time of the year.

Bunratty is a cute village. The castle is the center of town. We strolled into The Creamery for a late lunch but left underwhelmed. We ordered fish n Chips and a sandwich. We stayed at a lovely B&B and the owner says she never goes there or the place across the street. We took a short walk down the Low Road to Bunratty castle. Interesting that you enter thru a gift shop and then they charge 16.50 for adult admission to see the castle, grounds, etc. Decided to pass. There was also a wedding event taking place. Our visit was in June 2018. We loved Ireland and are currently planning to return this spring!

This was a wonderfully educational experience! The staff was very knowledgeable and ready to answer questions of all kinds concerning life at the times covered. Multiple language guides were available. The shops had local wares and craftspeople. We spent 4 hours and enjoyed each minute. It was also nice the oldest pub in Ireland is right outside.

There's been a change in layout since first I started coming to the castle - not physically, since that'd be a bit difficult to do to a however many centuries old structure, but the path through the accessible areas is different than it was. It really alters the experience (provided you leave long enough between visits). The costumes the staff wear are not terribly authentic in appearance, but to be honest they're going more for a medieval theme than reenactment, and those are completely different ballparks. There's a great view of the surrounding countryside (and the park) from the top of the tower/keep/whatever it's called of the castle, but the staircases are authentic, narrow, and steep, and the only thing harder than getting all the way up is coming back down again. Especially if it's been raining and people's shoes are wet. Doubly so if there are people trying to come up as you're trying to get down. In the park itself, the cottage next to the tea room is a great spot, especially when they're making apple pie. It's sold in the tea room, and the smell of it is one of the best advertisements you can get.

We enjoyed walking around the grounds and listened to a few demonstrations from the local “residents”. Shopping was nice and the small tours were nice. Saw some animals, entered the church and explored the beautiful landscapes. The castle was cool with lots of spiral stairs to climb to get to the top but worth the risk. Amazing views from the top. Lunch was excellent in the cafe. Vegetable soup was incredibly delicious with brown bread. So yummy and inexpensive.

The Bunratty Castle was excellent and restored with lots of artefacts inside. Guides to help you and answer your questions. After the castle was the various buildings depicting rural life during the castle time and beyond to the Lords house at the far end of the gardens. Lots of actual buildings with people playing a part within them. For example the school house, a pawn shop and a post office. A real Irish Pub to get a pint of Guinness. Some livestock and farming equipment on display. It was fantastic and fun!

Moycarkey Two Mile Boris Active Retirement Group from Tipperary wishes to extend a huge thank you to all the staff that looked after us so well today on our trip to Bunratty Castle. From the moment we stepped on the train in Thurles we were treated so well..from the staff of Iarnrod Eireann in Thurles, Limerick Junction, Colbert Station. and to Bus Eireann who provided a great service to Bunratty..not forgetting the wonderful reception and food at Durty Nellys and of course Bunratty itself. It made our day so pleasurable and was much appreciated by all the group..many thanks to all.

My son and I enjoyed an afternoon at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and attended the medieval banquet in the evening. The castle is wonderfully restored, and the tour and Folk Park buildings are really interesting. The grounds are beautiful, and the entire staff is friendly and helpful. The banquet was very fun, with great music, humor, food, and wine. I accidentally left my eyeglasses at the banquet, and they were kind enough to mail them back to me in the States. That level of customer service is not easily found these days, and overall the staff and whole experience was excellent!

Ireland praises itself on welcoming people, and being friendly . However on my recent visit to the castle and in particular the bar in the village. The lady serving was not very friendly, a bit curt with her remarks and not a person I would have serving drinks to a diverse group of people who visit our country. A friendly smile goes along way, and certainly not a person who is curt or short with her attitude towards visitors. Impressions last. Cheers Joseph

I visited and loved Bunratty Castle and Folk Park as a child and loved it. It’s still just as good as I remembered! The people working there were so friendly and full of chat. The castle was impressive and the old buildings in the park were amazing. It is a great day out.