A WINDOW ON HISTORIC IRELAND

Stone castles were first built by the Normans who guarded their territory from a structure known as a "motte and bailey" - a watch tower on a artificial hill, surrounded by a stockade. The Irish chieftains soon copied this means of defence, particularly during the 15th century when there were over 80 tower houses in the baronies of Bunratty and Tulla.
The Castle is a cross between the earlier Norman Castles and later Gaelic tower houses. It is a rectangular tower with three main floors and four, six-storey corner turrets. It has been furnished with the finest collection of Medieval furniture in the country, thus preserving a vital part of the Celtic heritage.

Educational tools & preparing for your visit

FREE preparatory visit for teachers. Detailed teacher’s notes and student worksheets are available. An Education Officer is on site and there are classroom and audio-visual facilities. Guided tours and active workshops in French, English and German organised on request.

Topics which might be discussed beforehand in the classroom are the history of castle building and architecture, Medieval furniture and artwork, sieges and warfare, feudal dominance and the Gaelic resurgence, and the social history and heritage of Ireland. The Folk Park examines domestic chores and life, social status, food, trade, and craft activities. Schools can also participate through the Arts Education Centre in the "Story" project.

This is an international cross-curricular project, involving students in a series of heritage-based projects. In some cases, an exchange program can be developed with other schools in Ireland to compare the history and heritage of the participants. For more details, contact the Education Department.

Groups can also participate in the Bunratty Medieval Banquets or dance and listen to stories and music at the local "Ceili", held in the biggest barn in the district.