Christmas at Bunratty 2023

Santa is back in his grotto!!!!

You better watch out as Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is delighted to announce that Santa Claus has exclusively revealed he will be making a welcome return to his grotto on the Village Street at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park this festive season after a 3 year absence.

The Christmas Experience at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is one of Ireland’s most loved and sought after Christmas events and this year is set to be the biggest and best yet, a festive celebration to remember in this magical setting. 

Santa is back in his Grotto

Booking Procedure

From December 1st to 23rd December, Santa will be based in his famous grotto on the traditional village street in Bunratty Folk Park ready and waiting to greet and welcome children from all over Ireland and listen to their Christmas lists, adorable anecdotes and of course give them with a special gift to thank them for their visit.

PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL

  • Adult: €18 per person
  • Child: €35 per person
  • Baby 0-12 months: €10 per person

To visit Santa, tickets must be pre-booked online to gain admission.

To book tickets please click on BOOK NOW button below 
 
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What's included ...

Santa Visit, Trail of Lights, Characters, Rides & more

WHAT'S INCLUDED ...

Personal visit with Santa Claus and Gift 

Full access to Bunratty Folk Park Trail of Lights Experience

 Ms Claus in the Golden Vale Farmhouse 

Polar Express Train Ride

 Traditional Carousels Ride

Giant Festive Illuminated Displays

Tunnel of Lights

 Puppet & Magic Shows

Traditional Christmas Tales with our resident Seanchaí

Meet Christmas Characters on the Village Street

  Toddler Play Area

Festive Themed Shops
 

Optional Extra (not included):

  • Souvenir photo of Santa Visit

Souvenir photo with Santa in his grotto is provided by an external supplier and are available for purchase.


Price: €12.50 for 1 photo / 3 for €25


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26 acres of Magic & Wonder

Tis the season to be jolly and in addition to Santa Claus making a welcome return to his grotto in this quaint little corner of County Clare, due to popular demand his merry band of elves will also return this year to create a magical illuminated festive Trail of Lights for all to enjoy across the 26 acres of Bunratty Folk Park.

Once you have given your Christmas list to Santa, take the time to explore the winter wonderland that is Bunratty Folk Park with twinkling fairy lights, friendly elves, indoor and outdoor installations and all of your favourite festive characters all included in your ticket price!


Follow the Trail of Lights

Meet a host of festive characters

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, Artic Igloo and our magical Tunnel of Lights.

Christmas Characters 
Pop by the Golden Vale Farmhouse and say hello to Mrs Claus as as she prepares treats while making sure Santa’s suit is washed and ironed for his big journey across the globe on Christmas Eve or take a wander along the village street,  illuminated as always in a true festive splendour and meet a host of seasonal characters on hand to enthral and entertain you as you make your way through this magical festive trail.

Tales & Traditions
Other festive attractions include  traditional Christmas tales fireside with our resident Seanchaí, a toddler play area, puppet shows and festive themed shops. 

 


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Christmas Trails & Tales

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 Carousel Ride and experience the true spirit of Christmas with family and friends.
 


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Puppet & Magic 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 2023 is our fun, festive puppet and magic 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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Dining & Shopping

Christmas Treats & Festive Gifts

Food and Drinks 

Throughout the duration of our Christmas Experience at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, 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

The 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.


Important information for Membership Holders

Please note, a personal visit to Santa's grotto is not included in your annual membership as per our membership terms and conditions.

Please note however that general access to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park throughout the month of December is included. During this time, members can enjoy the light installations, festive characters (exclu. Santa), train rides, carousel rides, puppet shows and more.

To gain admission, simply present your valid membership card and photo ID at admissions on day of your visit.
No pre booking required.


Member Information