Trail of Lights | Christmas | Bunratty Castle and Folk Park |

A Magical Festive Trail

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park are delighted to announce with a little sprinkling of magical fairy dust over this quaint little corner of County Clare Santa and his elves have once again created a magical illuminated festive trail for all to enjoy this Christmas 2022!

Spread across the park’s extensive 26 acres, take a wander along the park's charming paths and enjoy an array of illuminated festive displays along the way. Meet a host of colourful festive characters, take a ride of the Bunratty Polar Express or a whirl on our magical carousels. And you never know you might even catch a glimpse of the big man in the red suit before he takes off to his workshop in the North Pole.

Read on to find out more ....

Sneak Peek .... Christmas Trail of Lights

Booking Procedure

Trail of Lights

The Trail of Lights Christmas Experience will operate from November 25th to December 23rd.
There will be 7 x 2 hour time slots per day at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm.
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your slot time for check in.

Tickets: Adults: €20 per person
Child: €20 for Child aged 3 -18
Children under 2 years - free of charge.

** PLEASE NOTE: Christmas Trail of Lights does not include a gift and personal meet & greet with Santa.

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Say Hello to Santa at Bunratty Castle

The man of the moment, Santa Claus, will be making a special visit to the drawbridge of Bunratty Castle to deliver a very special Christmas message for all the boys and girls, promising that he will be visiting them on Christmas Eve before taking off to his workshop in the North Pole leaving his most important personnel in the park to hold down the fort in his absence!

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Follow the Festive Trail of Lights

Follow the Trail of Lights and stumble upon festive illuminated displays including the Abominable Snowman of Bunratty, the Giant Christmas Jumper of the Earl of Thomond, Arctic Igloo the twinkling lights of the Bunratty House and Ardcroney Church, a Traditional Nativity Scene and much more!

* MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED*

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Train & Carousels Rides

Festive Fun

Hop on board the Bunratty Polar Express and enjoy a magical train ride through the woodland wonderland that is Bunratty Folk Park. Pass our enchanting fairy village, the twinkling lights of Bunratty House and Ardcrony Church with many more delightful displays inbetween.

Take a whirl of our Traditional Victorian or Kiddies Carousel Rides and experience the true spirit of Christmas with family and friends.

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Meet colourful characters at every turn

Pop by the Golden Vale Farmhouse and say hello to Mrs Claus as she busily prepares for Christmas Day. Take a stroll past the Corn Barn and enjoy our magical winter wonderland and elves workshop displays.

The Village Street, as always, will be illuminated for the occasion with seasonal characters, including Scrooge, The Grinch, Mickey and Minnie Mouse on hand to enthrall and entertain you as you make your way through this magical festive trail.

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Festive Characters

Puppet Shows

Join the mischief maker

Who is up for a giggle and some mischief making this festive season???
Also making a welcome return for Christmas 2022 is our fun, festive puppet shows!

A firm favourite with families of all ages, these delightful performances will run several times daily and are guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit.

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Christmas Giving Tree

We are delighted to announce the return of our special Christmas Giving Tree as part of our 2022 festive experience.

Our Giving Tree is a very special part of our festive experience this year and will be in aid of a local Children's charity.

We are encouraging all who visit Bunratty this festive season to bring along a gift, if possible, to place under the tree, which we in turn will donate on December 23rd.

Dining & Shopping

Christmas Treats & Festive Gifts

Food and Drinks

Throughout the duration of the Christmas Trail of Lights experience, there will be numerous dining options available to enjoy a sweet festive treat or savoury snack. From freshly brewed barista coffees and sweet bakes to hot food and snacks.

Our Coffee Truck and our tea rooms will be serving an array of hot and festive drinks.

If it is something stronger you seek, Macs Pub, located at the top of the Village Street serves a selection of craft beers, wines and spirits.

Find that Perfect Christmas Gift

Our Bunratty Craft and Design Store will be open throughout the festive period selling an array of seasonal themed gifts and decorations, homewares, jewellery, knitwear, toys and more. The perfect one stop shop for all your Christmas shopping, be sure to stop on by and pick up that perfect present with our helpful team on hand happy to offer advice and recommendations on the perfect Christmas gift.

In Teach Nollaig

Waking up on Christmas morning to find a stack of presents under the tree from Santa is a memory we all treasure forever but just imagine having breakfast with the big man himself!

Now is your chance .... Join Santa and his merry band of elves for an unforgettable feast in the magical surrounds of Teach Nollaig located in the heart of Bunratty Folk Park.

PLEASE NOTE THE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA EXPERIENCE IS NOT INCLUDED IN STANDARD TRAIL OF LIGHTS TICKET.

CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO FIND OUT HOW TO BOOK

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Breakfast With Santa

A Winter's Tale Christmas Show

An evening of festive song, music & feasting

For a Christmas night out with a difference, " A Winter's Tale - Christmas Show & Dinner" is an enchanting blend of classic Christmas tunes and contemporary classics performed by the world renowned Bunratty Castle Entertainers.

Taking place in Teach na Nollaig located in the magical surrrounds of Bunratty Folk Park, guests are then invited to take a seat and indulge in a candlelight four-course festive feast, complete with house wines as the world famous Bunratty Castle Entertainers perform an enchanting rendition of much loved Christmas carols, contemporary Christmas classics all while enjoying on a 4 course festive feast.
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December 27th to 31st

Post Christmas Visits

Please note Bunratty Castle and Folk Park will close from December 24th to 26th for the Christmas period, reopening on December 27th.

We are delighted to share that many of our illuminated displays and lights displays, along with the Victorian and kiddies carousel rides will be operational from December 27th to December 31st, 9.30am to 5.30pm for visitors to enjoy.

Please note all the seasonal characters including Santa Claus, puppet shows and Bunratty Polar Express Train will not be operational during this period.

Covid 19 Health & Safety & FAQ's

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is accredited with the Fáilte Ireland Covid 19 Safety Charter which means we are committed to following the guidelines, terms and conditions of the charter throughout the business with the health and safety of our customers and staff always our number one priority. Click here to view our Covid 19 Health & Safety Charter.

As this is an outdoor trail, we advise visitors wrap up warm and wear waterproof clothes as the weather in the West of Ireland can be inclement at times during December. The trail may be muddy in parts, so wellies or waterproof boots are recommended for adults and children alike.

Please check out our FAQ's page in advance of your visit to ensure you have an enjoyable and safe visit.

Check out our Christmas FAQs

Trail of Lights 2022

Sneak Peek .... Christmas Trail of Lights

Booking Procedure

Train & Carousels Rides

Festive Characters

Puppet Shows

Dining & Shopping

Breakfast With Santa

A Winter's Tale Christmas Show

December 27th to 31st