Colourful Characters

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.

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!

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.
 

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. 

There’s no better way to explore Bunratty Castle than with a guided tour!

Our Castle Tour guides are always ready to warmly welcome you into the magical Bunratty Castle and give you an informational tour of each room. The tour is 20 minutes long, and contains information on the history of Bunratty Castle, the history of each room, the defensive features of the castle, and the artefacts in each room belonging to Lord and Lady Gort’s collection.

Be sure to ask any questions, as the castle tour guides are always more than happy to answer. There is no question too big or too small.