Must See Sights and Landmarks in Bunratty Area

"Originally constructed in the 13th century, and is situated upon the King’s Island, in the Irish city of Limerick; it towers beautifully above the River Shannon and is a very scenic site, that attracts many tourists. Though the existing castle dates back to the 13th century, upon the order of King John in the year 1200, the site actually dates back to the year 922, where the island had been inhabited by the Vikings. The castle was built during the Middle Ages, and is one of the most impeccable well-preserved Norman Castles in the entirety of Europe; between the years 2011 and 2013, the castle was massively renovated, to restore it back to its former glory."

"There’s just something magical and fairy-tale like about them and King John’s medieval castle in the heart of Limerick is no exception. The castle is ideal for kids, as it has interactive features to stimulate children’s interest in the medieval castle’s history, such as 21st-century touch-screen technology, 3D models and discovery drawers. Explore the castle turrets and meet characters from the past such as the stonemason."

"Although establishments date back to 922 AD, the catsle was built in the 13th century on the orders of King John. A pristine and strategic location, the castle was built on an Island off the coast of Limerick. in 1194, the Anglo-Normans finally captured the area in 1195 under John, Lord of Ireland."

"If you’re driving then a place I would recommend going to near Limerick is Bunratty Village and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. I actually visited here on a family holiday when I was about 11 and loved it!. I drove through the village on my way from Shannon to Limerick this time and it brought back so many memories. The buildings in the village are very typical Irish stone built buildings and many of them are home to B&B’s now if you need somewhere to stay nearby."

"Step back to medieval and Victorian times with a full-day admission ticket to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park near Shannon Town. Explore the 15th-century castle to see its rich furnishings, chambers and artworks, and wander through the folk park, a recreation of a 19th-century Irish village brought to life with costumed animators. See the replica cottages, shops, farmhouses, and Bunratty Walled Garden, and learn about traditional village life over a century ago."

"The medieval and Victorian 15th century Bunratty Castle with its 19th century Folk Village will be a perfect historic retreat in the County Clare. The Bunratty Castle now acts as a history museum with its furnishings and tapestries dating back to 15th and 16th century and a number of historic artworks. The highlight of the tower house is the Medieval Banquets held in the evening where the &ldqu...Read more"

"Just 20 kilometres south of Limerick you’ll find Lough Gur, doused in 6,000 years of history. It’s the only area in the entire country that you can see evidence of every era since Neolithic times, so history buffs won’t want to miss this. Address: Lough Gur, Bruff, County Limerick"

"The Williamite War came to an end in this city in 1691 with the second Siege of Limerick. Catholic Irish and French Jacobite forces were eventually defeated by the Protestant Williamites, from Ulster, England, Scotland, the Netherlands and Denmark. The Treaty of Limerick was signed on 3 October 1691, and was a turning point in Irish history, leading to the “Flight of the Wild Geese”, when 24,000 Catholics left the country for France."

"Not an overly impressive sight in its own right, Limerick’s Treaty Stone symbolises an agreement that ended the Williamite War. The truce didn’t last for long, and the events that led to it still echo on. It’s not an overly impressive relic in its own right, but it has fantastic views, a plaque explaining the history (which dates back to 1691) and offers a real sense of stepping back in time."

"The original Knappogue Castle was constructed in the year 1467 by Sean Mac Conmara, who was the son of Sioda Mac Conmara; it is a large medieval tower house, that originally served the purpose of a watchtower during the midst of much military conflict. During the 19th century, like many castles in Europe and Ireland, Knappogue Castle was restored into the style of the Gothic and Medieval era, after being acquired by Theobald Fitzwalter Butler, 14th Baron Dunboyne, in the year 1855; they spent a large amount of time renovating and restoring the castle, whilst also adding several additions to it, such as the drawing-room, the long room, and a west wing. Where: County Clare, IrelandWhen: 1467Style: MedievalOpen for visit: Yes, for more information check here."

"A glance at the Ireland of old is on offer at this riverside, long-ruined castle. Adare Desmond is essentially a shell of the old structure, but there’s enough left to justify tours, and the buildings and their surrounds make for a fantastic slightly off-the-beaten-track exploration. There’s a sacred fairy ring just around the corner, and very little development visible from the sight, giving this a real sense of the Ireland of its 13th century construction."

"Just outside the town of Adare (which we recommend in its own right, see below) Adare Desmond Castle is a 13th-century riverside fortress, now in ruins, sat right next to an ancient ring fort. Regular tours during the summer give an insight into the spot’s revolutionary history while an exhibition gives a sense of life at the castle through the Middle Ages."

"North of the Square, Ennis Friary was founded by Donnchadh Cairbreach O'Brien, a king of Thomond, between 1240 and 1249. A mix of structures dating between the 13th and 19th centuries, the friary has a graceful five-section window dating from the late 13th century, a McMahon tomb (1460) with alabaster panels depicting scenes from the Passion, and a particularly fine Ecce Homo panel portraying a stripped and bound Christ."

"Limerick’s Catholic cathedral was conceived by the English architect Philip Charles Hardwick and completed in 1861. The 94-metre tower, a constant part of the city’s skyline, dates to 1882 and was built with limestone quarried not far away in Rosbrien. More than 130 years later it remains the tallest structure in Limerick."

"A walk through history, the Cathedral is located in the quieter part of the city. As of present, the church has the tallest spiral in the whole of Ireland."

"Within a 170-hectare forest 800m south of the centre, this stunning 'lost' garden was the private domain of the wealthy Vandeleur family – merchants and landowners who engaged in harsh evictions and forced emigration of local people in the 19th century. There's a simple cafe and a garden centre. Woodland trails wind around the surrounding forest, which has a colourful array of plants including magnolias, acacias, acers, oaks, monkey puzzle trees, bamboo, ferns, banana trees, hydrangeas and a beech maze."