castles historical around bunratty shannon

Ireland's most popular attraction, Bunratty Castle is also the most complete and authentic mediaeval castle in Ireland....

The original tower house of Knappogue Castle was built by Sean Mac-Con MacNamara in 1467. During the 1641 rebellion the castle was occupied by Cronwellian forces. In the 18th and 19th centuries further additions were made to the original structure. The castle was abandoned in the 1920's and was restored by the Hon. Mark Edwin Andrews and his wife Lavonne in 1966.

Today world famous Medieval Banquets are held at the castle. The Castle is also a popular location for wedding receptions a...

A 16th century MacNamara Castle, right off the road leading from Newmarket to Sixmilebridge, 1km further on you turn left and travel another 1km to the site.

The castle has long been unoccupied, but the estate, then the property of the Vandeleur family, became celebrated in the 19th century as the site of a rural co-operative enterprise, initiated by the then landlord, John Scott Vandeleur, as a means of dealing with the militancy of his refractory tenants. He introduced English expert...

It consists of a multi-sided enclosure, fortified by a strong wall probably of 15th century date. At the north end, overlooking the Shannon, is a four-storey tower, and to the east is a tower of three storeys, with a gabled roof and a fireplace on the first floor. Both of these buildings probably belong to the second half of the second half of the 16th century. There are also stout walls of another building within the enclosure.

Mahon O'Brien surrendered the castle to Grey, the Lord...

19th century harvest traditions brought to life at Bunratty Folk Park.
Harvest traditions from over 100 years ago will be brought to life at Bunratty Folk Park, when a traditional 19th century Harvest Day will be held by Shannon Heritage, the tourism subsidiary for Shannon Development. One of the highlights of the day will be the vintage threshing machine in the haggard at the Folk Park. Visitors can watch the crew of farmers at work, demonstrating the art of threshing, as they sepa...