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The Battle for Bunratty Castle

Witness a Clash of Clans at the Battle for Bunratty Castle!

Teams of highly skilled knights from all four provinces will descend on Bunratty Castle & Folk Park on Sunday, 7th June, from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Watch as they engage in full-contact, non-choreographed combat to recreate the spectacle and melee of a medieval foot tournament, with knights clad in steel armour wielding blunted swords, axes, and more.

Witness the skill and strategy on display in one-on-one duels and brutal group fights, as warriors recreate the spectacle of a medieval foot tournament as would have been seen on the grounds of the castle 600 years ago when it was first built.

Join us on Sunday, 7th June, from 10.00 am to 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm to 5.00 pm, and see who will take the crown!

Battles for Bunratty

Sunday, 7th June 2026

Choose your favourite knights and cheer them on as they go toe-to-toe; will you champion the valiant Knights of Munster, the fierce Dublin fighters of Fragarach or will you favour the ferocious Black and Back 1316 team of Athenry.

Witness brutal melee fights known as Buhurt, where teams of warriors take each other on to be the last team standing, using their weapons, strength, and savvy tactics to put their opponents on the ground.
 
Maybe you will be lucky enough to be given a favour to tie on your chosen champion who will fight for your honour and glory. Feel the atmosphere of chivalry, honour, and respect that defined medieval combat.
 


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Meet The Characters

Meet the knights and their squires in the Medieval camp, learn about their way of life and marvel at their weaponry.

Experience a true to life medieval encampment. Meet the characters, learn about these turbulent times in Irish History, learn about their lifestyles, customs, skills and get a close-up look at authentic armour and weapons.

Witness the preparation and training required for those facing into battle and see how their customs, crafts and traditions have shaped modern society.

This is your chance to witness history come alive!  Don't miss the Bunratty Castle Grand Medieval Tournament!
 


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Medieval Camp

Knights of Munster

Meet the Team

Sir Brendan, heads the Knights of Munster, mostly based in Cork, but spread across the Province, Brendan has a wealth of experience, having fought at tournaments across Europe and beyond, and brings with him many newer members who are eager to prove themselves in the List and proudly wear the three crowns of Munster on their sleeve. As the home team they are here to win and defend the honour of Munster.

Cheer them on with “Munster Abú”

They fight in red and yellow surcoats.
 


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Meet the Team

The oldest of the four clubs fighting in this tournament, 1316, hail from the Medieval town of Athenry and were formed by 4 like-minded individuals from different walks of life, with shared goals and values to advance the sport in the West of Ireland. 1316 is so named after the second battle of Athenry, which occurred on August 10th 1316. Recorded as the second bloodiest battle in our rich history, with heavy losses on both sides. As primarily a Buhurt club (one focused on group fights rather than duels), they honour those fallen warriors of old each time they enter the list.

Their motto is "Ceann agus Croi" in our native tongue, or "head and heart" in English, and it sums up what is most important to them.

They fight in black, burgundy and white.
 
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1316 Medieval Fight Club

Fragarach

Meet the Team

Team Fragarach, meaning "The Answerer", is named after the sword of Nuada, the mythical first High-King of all Ireland and is proud to uphold the reputation of that fearsome weapon. Based in Dublin, Fragarach has rapidly grown into the biggest club in the country and is currently led by Captain Petr. Their reputation for respect, fair play, and tough fighting is well deserved.

They fight in green, blue and white surcoats.
 
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Meet the Team

The newest team on the island of Ireland, representing Ulster, the Knights of North Down, was formed 2 years ago, around a small core of experienced fighters from Scotland. Though small, they are growing and determined to prove themselves, and after the long trip down to participate in the Battle for Bunratty, they will be eager to fight as hard as they can.

They fight in black, yellow and red.


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The Knights of North Down

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