In the centre of Bunratty village you will find a large 15th tower house which is Bunratty Castle in County Clare, Ireland. The village is located between Limerick and Ennis near Shannon Airport. Shannon Heritage runs the adjoining folk park and the castles as tourist attactions.
Image by PublicDomainImages from Pixabay
Bunratty is derived from the Irish Bun Raite (or possibly, Bun na Raite) which means “river basin” of the ‘Ratty’ river. The ratty river flows alongside the castle and then into the nearby Shannon estuary.
It is rumoured that their might have been Norsemen settlement or trading camp on this site and this is reported in the Annals of the Four Masters. It is reported that this settlement was destroyed by Brian Boru in 977. None of this has been proven though and no actual remains have been found.
Around 1250, the first castle at Bunratty was constructed after King Henry III of England granted the cantred or district of Tradraighe (or Tradree) to Robert De Muscegros. In 1251 the new landowner cut down around 200 trees in the King’s wood at Cratloe and these tress may have been used to construct a motte and bailey castle.
Currently Bunratty Castle is not only a castle but also a luxury hotel.
For more information on Bunratty Castle: or to book at stay in this hotel
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Lord Howard Howard Blair
Monday 18th of July 2022
We as a group visited Bunratty Castle and stayed at Bunratty Hotel. Had a great time at the dinner in the Castle. A must if you are visiting Ireland.
Corinne
Sunday 12th of December 2021
It is beautiful