Folk Park Characters

Meet the Colourful Characters of Bunratty Folk Park

History comes alive at Bunratty Folk Park. Explore the lives of everyday people in 19th century Ireland as you wander through our reconstructed village. Meet our characters, learn about their daily routines, and immerse yourself in a bygone era.

The Fisherman

Meet Michael Connors, a comfortable farmer who also enjoys fishing on the banks of the River Shannon.

Michael farms 40 acres of good land with about 20 cows and some smaller animals. He lives in the Shannon farmhouse with his wife Kate and children Michael, James, Liam, and young Nellie. Michael often goes fishing for salmon in the Shannon with Edmund Enright, who lives in the Cashen fisherman’s cottage.

Whilst salmon were the most common catch for the men, eels, crabs, and lobsters were also fished for at the mouth of the Shannon. Anything you want to know about fishing, boat building, net making, or even alcohol smuggling, these men are your go-to.
 


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If you need a letter delivered or want to know the town gossip? Meet Padraig O’ Cathain, Bunratty Folk Park’s resident Postman.

You might come across Padraig in any part of the park. He could be delivering letters to Bunratty's residents or simply hanging out, chatting with people. Padraig has a keen interest in foreign countries, so if you are a visitor from overseas, he might ask you to assist him in delivering one of his many letters.
 
Although Ireland did not become a stamp issuing country until 1922, the Irish post office has been in existence for almost 300 years previous. Red post boxes scattered around the Emerald Isle were turned green following the gaining of Irish independence.


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The Postman

The Teacher

We hope your homework is done and you have your times tables revised.

Meet Bunratty Folk Park’s very wise resident School Master. A stern but very clever School Master teaches the students at Belvoir National School in the folk park. Punctuality is his pride and joy, so make sure not to be late for his class! In this class, you can expect to have a go at mathematics, singing, and poetry, and maybe be treated to a session of physical exercise! In 19th-century Irish schools, the emphasis was placed on the three ‘R’s: Reading, ’Riting, and ‘Rithmic, and this school is no different. Just remember to bring a sod of turf to class as payment.
 
One rule in this class - Respect the School Master! As one of the most respected figures in Irish society, he will expect utmost regard from all pupils. Any ‘jig acting’ from the class and he will place you behind the blackboard where you’ll face a classic Irish punishment!


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Do you know man could make anything from metal you desired, had tools of healing properties, was the town’s horse doctor, and also acted as the dentist?

Well, at Bunratty Folk Park’s our local Blacksmith is Jamsie Connors.

Jamsie is a sincere hard-working man with loads to do but never one to complain! The forge is his life and he spends every moment of his day in there. Pop into the Forge to see Jamsie at work, whilst also listening to his many stories. The Blacksmith’s trade is a hereditary role, meaning it was passed down through the Connors family. He knows everything there is to know about this special trade, but he won’t reveal all his secrets.

The only thing Jamsie has not gotten around to is travelling. He has never even left his parish. Let him know where you’re travelling from, and he is sure to have many questions to ask you!


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The Blacksmith

Bean An Ti's

Visit our lovely Bean an Tí’s for a chat and a slice of traditional Irish soda bread.

Don’t miss the opportunity to have a great chat with one of our charming Bean an Tí’s. These lovely ladies have great knowledge about all aspects of life. Strike up a chat with them whilst they’re taking a stroll through the village, or visit the Golden Vale where they’re sure to have the fire lit.

If you’re feeling peckish for an Irish traditional snack, grab a slice of tradition Irish soda bread. The Bean an Tí’s bake loaves of soda bread as soon as the rooster crows, so make sure to get in early!


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A classic Irish job, meet Michael Vaughan, Bunratty Folk Park’s resident farmer.

Michael tends to spend his day at the farmyard, where he repairs farm machinery, tends to the poultry, and works on the butter churn. In the farmhouse lives Michael, his wife Nora, and his six daughters. Because he doesn’t have a son to help on the farm, Michael does the majority of the work himself. And he will make sure you hear all about it!  Maureen, the eldest of Michael’s daughters, is soon to be wed! Herself, her mother, and her five sisters are around the folk park buying their dresses. These women are too busy for farmwork.
 
Michael loves showing people around the farm but is very suspicious of strangers going near his butter churn. In Irish folklore, piseogs, or evil spells, may be placed on you by others. The butter not churning is a sign of one, so Michael is wary of who goes near his churn. Michael refuses any evil spells to be made on his land.
 


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The Farmer

The Musican

Music is a key factor of Irish culture and tradition. Meet our village musicians.

As you wander through Bunratty folk park, you may hear the delightful sound of traditional Irish music. This is thanks to our talented village musicians at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Stop up to have a proper listen to the magical sounds or have a little dance.
 
Don’t be shy to ask any questions as they will be more than happy to delve into the world of traditional Irish music with you.
 


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Meet Constable Declan our resident RIC policeman.

Join Constable Declan on a fact-finding mission through a fascinating time in Irish history! They lived in a very interesting era, filled with new discoveries and big changes. It wasn't always easy, but Constable Declan was always brave and ready to lend a helping hand.

Constable Declan worked for the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC), similar to a police force for all of Ireland (except Dublin, which had its own). The RIC helped keep things peaceful, stopping arguments and making sure everyone followed the rules. They even had important jobs like counting farm animals and checking if people were selling good food. 


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The Policeman

The Doctor

Meet Doctor Hickey

Learn all about life in the Doctors House with the venerable Dr. Hickey. The doctor's house reflected his standing in the community; it was respectable but not ostentatious! He would have used his parlour as a consulting room and dispensary, often performing minor surgery on the spot! Many of the plants and shrubs grown in this garden would have also been used for medical purposes back in the olden days.
 


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