Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle is a large 15th-century tower house in County Clare, Ireland, between Limerick and Ennis near Shannon Airport. Fortifications occupied the site from around 1250, but the present structure was built circa 1450 by the MacNamara clan and passed to the O'Briens around 1500, who expanded it and made it their chief seat. It changed hands during the 1640s Confederate Wars after a siege.
Left derelict for centuries, it was restored from 1956 by the 7th Viscount Gort and opened to the public in 1960, furnished with authentic medieval artefacts. Ownership transferred to Clare County Council in 2023. The castle operates alongside an adjoining folk park and is open to visitors.
Visitor information
- Location
- Ireland
- Country
- Ireland
- Tier
- C (Worth a visit if you're already in the area)
- Coordinates
- 52.6967, -8.8118
- Official site
- http://www.shannonheritage.com
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Bunratty Castle?
- Bunratty Castle is in Ireland, Ireland (approximately 52.6967, -8.8118).
- Can you visit Bunratty Castle?
- Yes — Bunratty Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at http://www.shannonheritage.com for hours and tickets.
- What tier is Bunratty Castle on the Castle Atlas?
- Bunratty Castle is rated C tier on the Castle Atlas — Worth a visit if you're already in the area.
- What can you see at Bunratty Castle?
- Bunratty Castle is a large 15th-century tower house in County Clare, Ireland, between Limerick and Ennis near Shannon Airport. Fortifications occupied the site from around 1250, but the present structure was built circa 1450 by the MacNamara clan and passed to the O'Briens around 1500, who expanded it and made it their chief seat. It changed hands during the 1640s Confederate Wars after a siege.