Online Bookings
As we open our doors to welcome you all, we have implemented new safety measures throughout Bunratty Castle and Folk Park to ensure your safety and the safety of our team.
Below you will find our most Frequently Asked Questions around the precautions we have in places to protect against COVID-19.
Q. Do I have to book online?
A. All guests are required to book online for us to control the number of people at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park at any one time. Annual Members will need to reserve tickets in advance and must bring their membership card and ID with them on arrival. Walk ins welcome. Please note that online bookings will be prioritised over walkins & should we reach our maximum capacity for any given slot, walk ins will be declined entry to that slot.
Q. If I am an annual member, do I still need to book my tickets online?
A. If you are an Annual Member, you will also need to reserve tickets in advance. You can do so my entering your membership number in the field provided on the booking page. You will not be charged. Please note you must bring your membership card & ID with you on arrival.
Q. How many visitors are allowed in at any one time?
A. In line with Government guidelines, up to 500 people allowed in any outdoor area.
Q. Is all the Castle open?
A. Yes the castle is fully open.
Q. What measures are in place to protect visitors and staff?
A. The safety of all our customers and staff is paramount.
The HPSC, which is part of the Health Service Executive (HSE), sets the public health guidelines on how to deal with contagious diseases. We are continuing to follow all the HPSC’s guidelines and have been liaising closely with them since the outbreak of the virus. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park have also been certified with The COVID-19 Safety Charter, a Government-endorsed recognition that our business is ready to re-open safely.
We have placed floor 2 metre floor markings across our sites as well as messaging and signage throughout the visitor attraction. We also have hand sanitising stations located across the site and protective screen at admission points.
Q. What sanitation measures are in place in the bathrooms/ baby changing areas?
A. Our bathrooms are regularly cleaned throughout the day by our trained staff. For your safety, we also provide disinfectant spray, handwipes and disposable gloves for use in these facilities.
Q. Where can I find hand sanitizing stations?
A. You will find hand washing facilities in our bathrooms while we also provide a clearly marked hand sanitation stations across the site. You will also find these stations in our car park, before entry to the Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.
These units are regularly checked throughout the day but if you do find one empty, we would be grateful if you could notify a staff member so we can refill it.
Q. Is the car park open?
A. Yes, our carpark is open at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The carpark is free of charge.
Q. How is social distancing being implemented?
A. We have placed floor 2 metre floor markings across our sites as well as messaging and signage throughout our visitor attraction.
Q. Do I have to wear a face covering?
A. In line with Government recommendations, visitors over the age of 13 years are required to wear a face covering in our indoor areas, including bathrooms, to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
People with medical reasons for not wearing a face mask as well as children under 13years of age are exempt.
Q. How can I dispose of my face covering?
A. Please use our no-touch bins provided. We kindly ask all visitors to be mindful of each other.
Q. Where can I use contactless payment?
A. All our pay points across our sites supports contactless payment. We ask all customers to use contactless payment where possible.
Q. Will the playground be open?
A. Yes, our playground is open and will be supervised as well as disinfected every hour by a member of our team. We kindly ask all visitors to please maintain social distancing.
Q. What coffee stations are open? / Is the shop open?
A. At present Mr O'Regans Cafe, Tea Rooms and Macs Pub are all open for takeaway service. Our retail store is also fully open.
Q. Can I bring a picnic and eat it on the grounds?
A. Yes, you are more than welcome to enjoy a picnic on the grounds of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Please adhere to Government guidelines with respect to coughing etiquette, social distancing and appropriate disposal of face coverings and waste. Please respect the park and fellow visitors by using our no-touch bins situated across the site and wash your hands frequently.
Q. Can we explore the park freely?
A. Due to Covid 19 precautions, we have introduced a one-way system around the castle and folk park to ensure everyone’s safety. The one-way system is clearly marked. Please, always follow the directional signage and maintain social distancing.
Q. Will there be entertainment on site?
A. Yes, our village street animators will be entertaining visitors in Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. All staff and entertainers will be adhering to social distancing measures. We ask all visitors to be mindful of this and always keep 2 meters from our entertainers. Thank you.
Q. Will the Pet Farm be open? Will we be able to view the animals?
A. We know how much of a favourite our pet farm is and we are delighted to tell you that we have moved many of the pet farm animals to outdoor paddocks for our visitors to meet. For your safety, we ask that you do not touch the animals.
Q. I am a member. How will my membership be dealt with due to Covid closure and now the limited re-opening?
A. For any queries on your membership and its current status please contact Reservations at your convenience: reservations@shannonheritage.com
Q. How can I cancel my membership if I wish to do so?
A. Please simply contact Reservations at your convenience about your membership at: reservations@shannonheritage.com
Q. My membership was bought for me as a gift how will that be refunded?
A. We will refund the membership to the original purchaser's card. Please contact Reservations at your convenience about your membership at: reservations@shannonheritage.com
Q. Are dogs allowed throughout the premises at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park?
A. Dog's are permitted throughout the Folk Park but are not permitted in the castle or food and beverage areas with the exception of service dogs.