Christmas Experience FAQs
Q. What is the procedure upon arrival?
Upon arrival, please check in at Admissions by providing your name and booking time. You will receive a letter and map at Admissions with the scheduled time to proceed to the Grotto.
Q. Do I have to arrive exactly at the set appointment time?
No, you may arrive before the appointed time. Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before your allotted Grotto visit; however, you may come earlier than your time slot. If your Grotto time slot is 6:30pm, please note that the Christmas event will finish at 8:30pm. We will not be able to accommodate bookings that arrive on the incorrect date or outside their allocated time slot. Please note that the Christmas Experience closes promptly at 8:30pm.
Q. If my appointed time is, for example, 5:00 p.m., do I get to visit Santa at exactly 5:00 p.m.?
No, you have been allocated a half-hour time slot. You will see Santa between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. You will receive a letter from Admissions with your specific time to proceed to the Christmas Grotto.
Q. What is included in the Santa experience?
• Personal visit with Santa Claus and a gift.
• Access to Bunratty Folk Park Trail of Lights Experience
• Amusement Rides
• Ms Claus in the Golden Vale Farmhouse
• Polar Express Bus Rides
• Tunnel of Lights
• Puppet Shows
• Magic Shows
• Traditional Christmas Tales with our resident Seanchaí
• Meet Christmas Characters on the Village Street
• Souvenir photo of Santa Visit*
• A complimentary decoration per booking
• Festive themed shop
*Optional for an additional fee.
Q: What is not included in my ticket price?
Souvenir photos with Santa Claus are available for an additional fee and are not included in your ticket price. This is optional and can be purchased on the day.
Q. Can I bring a buggy into the grotto?
Yes, buggies are welcome inside the Grotto.
Q. Is there wheelchair access to the Christmas Experience?
Yes – however, the paths in Bunratty Folk Park are uneven in places, and there are some cobblestones along the perimeter of Village Street. During inclement weather, certain paths may become muddy. Please note that the Castle is not wheelchair accessible.
Q. What are the opening hours for the Castle?
Bunratty Castle opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes promptly at 4:00 p.m. daily.
At weekends, the Castle is open to the public from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Q. Are there dining facilities on site?
Yes, there are various dining options available, such as The Earl's Pantry, Bunratty Tea Rooms, and The Corn Barn Restaurant.
Q. Is it advisable to make dining reservations in advance?
No, reservations are not required, as tables turn over frequently. Unfortunately, we cannot hold tables during this busy time.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
Bookings are non-refundable. However, should you need to cancel for unexpected illness or emergencies, please contact the reservation office at bunratty@claretourismdev.ie or 061 711222.
Q: Will the Gift Store at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park be open during this period?
Yes. The Bunratty Castle Craft and Design Store, along with other outlets on Village Street, will be open throughout this period, offering a wide range of Christmas gifts, homewares, cosy knits, stocking fillers, and much more.
Q: I am a member. Can I visit the Castle and Folk Park without a booking during the Christmas period (December 1st to 23rd)?
Yes. Please present your valid membership card and photo ID at Admissions on arrival.
Please note that membership does not include a personal visit to Santa’s Grotto. This must be booked separately, and no discount applies for membership holders on Santa visits.
Q: Can I visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park during this period and not visit Santa?
Yes, Normal Admission rates apply. Visit https://www.bunrattycastle.ie/book-tickets/ to purchase tickets.