Bunratty Day Visits
Q. What time does the castle and folk park open?
A. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park opens daily at 9:00 am.
Q. What time is the last tour of the castle?
A. The final admission to Bunratty Castle is at 4:00 pm, allowing time for preparations for the evening Medieval Banquet.
Q. What time does the Folk Park close?
A. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park closes at 5:30 pm.
Q. How much time should we allow to tour the castle and folk park?
A. We recommend allowing at least 1½ hours, though many visitors prefer to plan for 2–2½ hours to fully enjoy the experience.
Q. Do you offer guided tours?
A. A guiding service is provided within the castle; however, we’re unable to guarantee a guide at a specific time.
Q. Are dogs allowed?
A. Dogs are very welcome throughout the Folk Park. For safety and comfort reasons, they are not permitted inside the castle or food and beverage areas, with the exception of service dogs.
Q. Do you supply wheelchairs?
A. Yes, a limited number of wheelchairs are available for guest use, subject to availability on the day. A refundable €25 deposit is required for the duration of use.
Q. Is there a lift in the castle?
A. Unfortunately, there is no lift in the castle.
Q. Is the Folk Park suitable for wheelchair users?
A. Yes, the Folk Park is generally suitable for wheelchair users. Please note that some areas have gradients where assistance may be required.
Q. How many steps are there at the entrance to the castle?
A. There are 19 timber steps leading to the castle entrance.
Q. Do you have an ATM service?
A. There is no ATM available on site.
Q. What constitutes an adult, student, or senior ticket?
A. Students must present a valid student card, and senior tickets apply to guests aged 65 years and over.
Q. Do I have to book online?
A. Booking online is not essential, but it is strongly recommended, especially during the summer months and event periods. Guests who book online also enjoy a 10% discount on standard ticket prices.
Q. If I am an annual member, do I still need to book my tickets online?
A. Annual members do not need to book online for general admission. Simply present your valid membership card along with photo ID at admissions on arrival.
Q. Is there a car park?
A. Yes, there is a free car park located adjacent to the entrance of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
Q. Are there dining options available on site?
A. Yes, several dining options are available. The Earls Pantry, located in the admissions building, and the Bunratty Tea Rooms and Corn Barn Restaurant (both seasonal) within the park offer a selection of hot and cold snacks, sweet treats, and beverages.
Q. Can I bring a picnic and eat it on the grounds?
A. Absolutely, guests are more than welcome to enjoy a picnic on the grounds of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
Q. Will there be entertainment on site?
A. Yes, our village street animators regularly provide entertainment throughout Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
Q. Are dogs allowed throughout the premises at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park?
A. Dogs are welcome in the Folk Park but are not permitted inside the castle or food and beverage areas, with the exception of service dogs.
Q. Are baby-changing and baby-feeding facilities available?
A. Yes, these facilities are available in the main toilet block, located just outside admissions on the Folk Park side.
Q. Is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park wheelchair accessible?
A. While Bunratty Castle itself is not fully wheelchair accessible due to its historic, protected structure and the 19 steps at the main entrance, the castle basement is accessible and features informative displays on the castle’s history. The Folk Park is accessible overall, though some paths may be uneven in places.
Bunratty Banquets
Q. What are the times of the banquets?
A. Our banquets take place at 5:30 pm and 8:45 pm.
Q. Do we need to make a reservation?
A. Yes, we kindly recommend booking in advance. Reservations can be made online through our website or by contacting our reservations team.
Q. Do they operate every night?
A. Banquets run nightly during the high season (April–September). Between October and March, availability is subject to demand.
Q. Do you provide a children’s menu?
A. We do not offer a separate children’s menu; however, we are happy to provide a child-sized portion.
Q. Do you serve beer and spirits at the banquet?
A. Beer and spirits are not served during the banquet. Guests can enjoy mead, red or white wine, and water. Tea and coffee are served in the basement once the banquet has concluded.
Q. Is there a vegetarian option?
A. Yes, a vegetarian tartlet served with vegetables and potatoes is available.
Q. Do you take care of special dietary requests?
A. Yes, we’re happy to accommodate special dietary requirements when requested in advance. Please let us know at least 12 hours prior to your visit.
Q. What is the duration of the banquet?
A. The banquet experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Q. Can we request special seating?
A. You’re welcome to make a seating request. While we’ll do our best to accommodate it, seating arrangements are determined by the duty manager on the night, and specific seating cannot be guaranteed.
Q. Can we stay in the castle after the banquet?
A. Once the show has finished, we kindly ask guests to depart the castle.