HIST & MYTH: Bunratty Castle - An Irish Fortress

Written by Ben Kesp. 

If the ground around the castle of Bunratty, Co. Clare, Ireland could talk, it would have such tales of epic battles, bloodshed and woes, having witnessed such events throughout its turbulent history. Today you can freely wander the castle and its winding stair cases, discovering the castle rooms. Sit in the king’s or queen’s chair overlooking the great hall as the ruling couples once had done, being entertained by minstrels dancing around a large open fire. 

Not only is the castle a magnificent feature, but attached is the Bunratty Folk Park that showcases the lifestyle and buildings of the Irish countryside throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Explore the houses, eat some freshly made homemade brown bread, ramble in the walled garden or enjoy the red deer among many other sights in this informative park that transports you to a time in the past.

But what about the rich history of Bunratty which dates back to the Vikings? The first motte and bailey castle, built from wood was constructed in 1251 by Robert De Muscegros on land granted to him by King Henry III of England. The lands were later taken back by Henry III who granted them to Thomas De Clare, a descendent of Strongbow or Richard De Clare and Lord of the Kingdom of Leinster – of the first Norman Conquest. 

Thomas built the first stone castle on the site between 1276 and 1277 and it was fought over many times. By the 14th century, the De Clare’s fled Bunratty and the castle was burned and eventually collapsed. Around this same time period, the city of Limerick was an important post for the English and Bunratty was used to fortify the surrounding area, however before a new castle was finished construction, which would have been the third to occupy the site, it was attacked and burned to the ground. 

A Room within the Castle 

The site at Bunratty was determined to have a castle installed on its land and finally a fourth castle was built and this is the current castle we see today. The castle fell into the hands of the O’Brien Family of the Kingdom of Thomand, but its history has always been turbulent exchanging many hands until 1956 when it was purchased by the 7th Viscount Gort who set about restoring the castle with the Office of Public Works to the look and feel of the 17th century. Since opening in 1960 the castle and grounds are among the most visited sites in Ireland and not only for the castle and Folk Park but also for the medieval banquets which transport the visitor to a different time period through a very enjoyable experience. 

Explore Bunratty - a castle with a determination to survive!