Bunratty Favorite Tips by grandmaR Top 5 Page for this destination

Interior Decoration

Favorite thing: The Folk Park has over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting. We did not get to visit all of them, and unfortunately without the brochure that we got (it is still packed), I don't know which one is which, but they had some common elements.

All of them had some kind of fireplace, a bed or beds, and hutch or a similar piece of furniture to hold crockery and other such items.

Fondest memory: Among the buildings are the Shannon Farmhouse which was the first farmhouse to be reconstructed on the site. It wse was removed from where it originally stood on the site of a runway at Shannon Airport.

Other farmouses include the Loop Head Farmhouse of small fisher –farming folk, the Cashen Fisherman’s House with a floor of rammed clay, the Mountain Farmhouse with a loft for extra sleeping space, the Byre Dwelling from County Mayo with a pigsty nearby. and Bothan Scóir, a one roomed dwelling of a poor landless labourer.

Walking into these small homes was very interesting.

Village Street

Favorite thing: The village street is a recreation of what would have been seen in 19th century Ireland - you can visit the School, Doctor’s house, Pawnbrokers, Pub, Drapery, Printworks, Grocery, Hardware shop, Pottery and a Post Office.

Fairs and markets at the Village gave the farmers and the rural craftsmen an opportunity of selling their products for cash, while shops provided for the rural dwellers needs. In the early 18th century the country people provided for most of their own needs in food, clothing and supplies and bought only luxuries such as sugar, salt, tea ….The village houses and shops have been chosen from many different areas, to form a collection of typical of 19th century urban Irish buildings.

Unfortunately, we did not have time to visit anything except the school.

Animals in the Folk Park

Favorite thing: Although it isn't very friendly for mobility impaired, due to having non-paved walking surfaces, the folk part is not only interesting for older folks, but also for teens and children. The children should particularly enjoy the animals

Views from the Castle Towers

Favorite thing: My feet were so swollen that I couldn't climb the steps to go up into the towers, so i sent my grandson up to take photos for me. He was using an old Canon camera with a 100x300 zoom lens.

Exteriors