Ireland Family Travel: Visiting & Folk Park

If your family loves time travel, and exploring distant lands and times, read on. One of my family’s favorite places to do so is at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, on the west side of Ireland. Located near Shannon Airport, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a glimpse into many distant ages (and many different ways of living).

Now, there are two parts to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. As you can probably tell from the name, they include the castle and the folk park. And both are very different experiences – but all are wonderful for families to explore, and learn about Ireland’s history. Here’s the best of each:

Bunratty Folk Park

Bunratty Folk Park is a glimpse into 19th century Ireland. Located on 26 acres, the folk park shows different aspects of life in Ireland, from a fisherman’s cottage to an upper-class mansion. There’s also a “town” where you can see a post office, a school (with really hard wooden benches), shops where you can really purchase items, and a working pub. There are also animals – enormous Irish wolfhounds, goats and horses, chickens, etc. My daughter’s favorite parts were the gypsy cart and the extremely tiny horses. My favorite part was a cottage where local women (in costume) were making fresh apple pies. Alas, we didn’t stay around for the finished product – too much to see!

Plan on plenty of walking – and if you have a stroller or wheelchair, there are both paved and cobblestone pathways – and hills. The pathways are wide, and paved, for stroller or handicap accessibility. Buildings (especially doorways) are not accessible.

Details: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is run by Shannon Heritage, who “endeavours to preserve our culture and heritage, traditions and customs, castles and places of history for future generations to enjoy. Our attractions bring visitors into the magic and mystery of the Prehistoric, Celtic, Viking, Anglo-Norman and native Irish communities starting 5000 years ago and continuing to the present day.”
Open daily except for 3 days around Christmas.