07 Jan Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle is included in many Ireland tours but it has a rich history worth reading about.
The site on which Bunratty Castle stands was a Viking trade camp in 970.
The present structure is the last of four castles to be built on the site.
Robert De Muscegros, a Norman built the first defensive fortress (an earthen mound with a strong wooden tower on top) in 1250.
Then his lands were later granted to Thomas De Clare who built the first stone castle on the site.
But then Richard De Clare, son of Thomas was killed in a battle between the Irish and the Normans.
His followers were routed and the castle and town were completely destroyed.
The castle was restored for the King of England but was again laid waste by the Irish Chieftains of Thomond under the O’Briens and MacNamaras.
It lay in ruins for 21 years until it was rebuilt by Sir Thomas Rokeby but was once again attacked by the Irish and the castle remained in Irish hands thereafter.
The powerful MacNamara family built the present structure around 1425 but by 1475 it had become the stronghold of the O’Briens who were the largest clan in North Munster. They ruled the territory of North Munster and lived in great splendor. The castle was surrounded by beautiful gardens and it was reputed to have a herd of 3,000 deer.
Under Henry VIII’s ‘surrender and re-grant’ scheme, the O’Brien’s were granted the titel Earls of THomond and they agreed to profess loyalty to the King of England. The reign of the O’Briens came to an end with the arrival of the Cromwellian troops and the castle and its grounds were surrendered. The O’Briens never returned to Bunratty but later they built a beautiful residence at Dromoland Castle…………. now a luxury 5 star hotel.
Bunratty Castle and its lands were granted to various Plantation families , the last of whom was the Studdart family. They left the castle in 1804 (allowing it to fall into disrepair) , to reside in the more comfortable and modern Bunratty House , which is open to the public in the grounds of the Folk Park.
Bunratty was to return to its former splendor when Viscount Lord Gort purchased it.
The extensive restoration work began in 1945 with the help of the Office of Public Works , the Irish Tourist Board and Shannon Development. It was then opened to the public in 1960 as a National Monument and is open to visitors year round. It is the most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland.
Ireland Luxury Tours has taken clients to the fantastic medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle…..and its been brilliant…
Tours of Ireland should include a trip to Bunratty…
