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Set on 26 acres of unspoilt Clare countryside

Bunratty Folk Park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting.

Rural farmhouses, village shops and streets are recreated and furnished as they would have appeared at that time according to their social standing, from the poorest one roomed dwelling to Bunratty House a fine example of a Georgian residence built 1804 home of the Studdarts, the last family to occupy Bunratty Castle.

The Village Street

Prepare to experience village life in 19th century Ireland!

The Village Street is the epicentre of Bunratty Folk Park. Here you will find a collection of brightly coloured shops and buildings side by side. The sweet sounds of traditional Irish music are carried through the air, and the village characters, including the schoolteacher, policeman and village doctor are on hand to entertain and enthrall all who visit.

The village houses and shops in the Folk Park have been chosen from many different areas, to form a collection of typical 19th-century urban Irish buildings including the School, Doctor’s house, Pawnbrokers, Pub, Drapery, Printworks, Grocery, Hardware shop, Pottery and a Post Office.

In the early 19th century the country people provided for most of their own needs in food, clothing and supplies and bought only luxuries such as sugar, salt and tea. Fairs and markets in the Village gave the farmers and rural craftsmen the opportunity to sell their products for cash, while shops provided for the rural dweller's needs.

However, during this time, exciting new products were becoming available in the local shops, which started to rival, and eventually replace home production.

The village is set at a time of fundamental change in Irish society, and as such illustrates the growing money-orientated lifestyle of many of the villagers alongside the traditional, self-sufficient rural culture.

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Meet rare breeds of native animals

Bunratty Folk Park is home to a wonderful collection of rare and heritage animal breeds, offering visitors a glimpse into Ireland's agricultural past. The park features indigenous breeds of sheep, cattle, pigs, ponies, and poultry — many of which were commonplace in the early 1900s, the era that inspires the folk park's living history experience.

Beyond the farmyard, the park is also home to majestic Irish Red Deer, playful pygmy goats, and our beloved Irish Wolfhounds, Rian and Mide.

*Please note that animal availability may vary throughout the year depending on the season.

Bunratty's Animals

Where fairies hide & pixies seek

Full of magic, imagination, and fun, our Fairy Trail is perfect for children of all ages. Young visitors are encouraged to use the interactive booklet to solve clues and answer questions as they make their way around the trail. You can download the Bunratty Trail booklet before you arrive or collect one at Admissions.

Encompassing the upper end of the folk park, this Fairy Trail is a magical experience that offers visitors a glimpse into the enchanting world of fairies. Be sure to look out for the mystical land where these fun-loving imps have created a miniature version of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The fairies and pixies are industrious creatures—constantly adding to their community and dwellings. Over time, they create and develop new fairy houses and many other hidden treasures.

Be sure to look for these every time you visit, as there will always be something new to discover. However, please take care not to disturb their homes and places of work. The fairies take immense pride in their creations, ensuring they remain magical for you, their cherished visitors.

Enchanting Fairy Trail

Viking Playground

A World of Adventure Awaits

Our Viking Playground is a firm favourite with little visitors. Located just off the Village Street, the playground features:

- A Viking Playship
- Rope Walks
- Belt Bridges
- A variety of Swings suitable for all ages
- Slides
- 25m Zipline
- Picnic Benches
- An impressive 4 tower play castle
- Ice Cream Hut (In operation April - September only)

In addition, the playground is located right next to Míde and RIan, our beloved Irish Wolfhounds' paddock. Children adore it, and so do their delighted parents.

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A window to the past

Spread across 26 acres, Bunratty Folk Park features a collection of traditional Irish farmhouses. The first farmhouse, Shannon Farmhouse, was erected in 1959 on land designated for the Shannon Airport runway extension. Rather than demolishing it, the decision was made to relocate the farmhouse to Bunratty, giving rise to the conception of Bunratty Folk Park.

Today, the folk park encompasses various farmhouses representing distinct facets of the Shannon region. Visitors can explore and appreciate these structures, each offering a glimpse into the lifestyles of diverse classes in Irish country life during the early 1900s.

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Folk Park Farmhouses

A living reconstruction of the homes and environment of Ireland of over a century ago.

Don’t miss the beautiful walled garden at Bunratty House. It is a surviving part of the demesne which was originally formed around Bunratty Castle. The garden was built for the house c 1804. As walled gardens go it is small, just less than half an acre, this was due to the fact that a large garden would have existed within the demesne, located north of the castle.

View Regency Walled Garden

Regency Walled Garden

SHOP & DINE

For a one-stop shopping & dining experience, visit the Café & Bunratty Craft and Design Store while you visit!

The Café offers the finest Menu items from healthy breakfast items, interesting lunch dishes, great coffees to indulgent desserts while our gift store stocks a wide range of gorgeous glassware from every corners of the country. And then there’s the eclectic and exciting array of perfumes, pewter, jewellery and button art also on offer. Not forgetting of course, the iconic Aran knitwears for all age ranges.

Bunratty Craft & Design Dining at Bunratty