Is Irish in your DNA profile? Have you ever wanted to browse through a real Irish castle? Stan and Raquel Lindaas, owners of Heritage Consulting, LLC, highly recommend a visit to Bunratty Castle near Shannon in County Clare, Ireland.
The 15th century castle is believed to be the fourth structure on this same site, built by the McNamara family around 1425. Various warring royals and rebels controlled the castle over the centuries. In 1956, it received a new roof and other restorations allowing it to open to the public in 1960. Furniture, tapestries and works of art represent the styles of the early 17th century.
The castle and adjacent Bunratty Folk Park occupy 26 acres and are a popular tourist destination, currently managed by Shannon Heritage. They have done a wonderful job of representing life as it was in earlier centuries. There are about thirty structures in the “living” village, including cottages for touring, trade demonstrations, stables with real animals, vintage shops and a pub. Roving street musicians provide quaint entertainment of the times. Our video presents an example of the entertainment we observed. Enjoy!
