01 Jul Bunratty Castle, County Clare
This is a large 15th century tower house worth seeing on any tours of Ireland.
The first known settlement at the site may have been a Viking trading station.
It was destroyed by the famous Irish chieftain Brian Boru in 977 AD.
This structure is actually the fourth castle on the site.
It was built by the MacNamara family around 1425 AD.
Bunratty Castle was the stronghold of the O’Brien Clan.
They were the High Kings of Munster.
Later the Earls of Thomond were there and they ruled the region.
There is a folk park now attached to the castle which is very interesting to visit.
It is set on 26 acres with over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting.
Rural farmhouses and even village shops are recreated and furnished as they would have appeared at that time.
Beside the castle is a fantastic pub called “Durty Nellys”.
It has great live music to be enjoyed with a pint of Guinness.
Contact Ireland and Scotland Luxury Tours for private, chauffeur driven tours of Ireland.