Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a combined medieval castle and open-air folk park located in Bunratty village, County Clare, Ireland, approximately 10 minutes from Shannon Airport and 15km from Limerick City. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport options, parking, accessibility, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
This guide was updated in February 2026 to ensure accurate opening hours and ticket price information. Other guides may not reflect recent changes.
To skip the detail and just book Bunratty Castle tickets, head this way.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Bunratty, County Clare, V95 WP63, Ireland |
| Opening hours | Daily 09:00–17:30 |
| Last admission (Folk Park) | 16:30 |
| Last admission (Castle) | 16:00 (sharp — castle closes daily at 4pm to prepare for evening banquets) |
| Closed | 24th–26th December |
| Ticket prices | €18 for adults, €13 for students and seniors, €12.60 for children. |
| Nearest transport | Bus Éireann services from Limerick and nearby towns (stop near the attraction) |
| By car | Just off the N18 between Limerick and Ennis; approximately 10 minutes from Shannon Airport |
| Typical visit duration | 3–4 hours for both castle and folk park combined |
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park opening hours
The attraction is open daily from 09:00 to 17:30. Last admission to the Folk Park is 16:30; last admission to the castle is 16:00 sharp, as it closes each afternoon to prepare for the evening medieval banquets. The site is closed on 24th, 25th, and 26th December.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park ticket prices
Bunratty Castle entrance tickets cost €18 for adults, €13 for students and seniors and €12.60 for children. They can be booked online.
Ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
How to get to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
By car: The attraction is located just off the N18 Limerick–Ennis road. Follow signs for Bunratty from the N18. It is approximately 10 minutes from Shannon Airport and 15km from Limerick City.
By bus: Bus Éireann operates services from Limerick and nearby towns, with a stop close to the attraction. See buseireann.ie for current timetables.
By train: The nearest mainline station is Limerick Colbert Station, from which visitors can connect by bus or taxi.
Parking at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Free parking is available on site. Visitors with reduced mobility should note that access to the castle drawbridge area is possible by car for drop-off purposes.
How long to spend at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
The castle alone takes approximately 45–60 minutes to explore. The Folk Park, which covers 26 acres, takes between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on pace. Allow 3–4 hours in total if you plan to visit both. Families with children or those who wish to engage with costumed characters and demonstrations should allow additional time.
Note that the castle closes at 16:00 regardless of the overall site closing time, so visitors who arrive in the afternoon should plan to visit the castle first.
Accessibility at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
The Folk Park is largely wheelchair accessible, though some areas have sloping or uneven ground. Bunratty Castle has limited accessibility due to its historic structure, which includes steep spiral staircases and narrow passageways; wheelchair users are unable to access most of the castle interior. Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available on site. Visitors are advised to contact the attraction in advance if they have specific accessibility requirements.
Dogs are permitted in the Folk Park but not inside the castle or in dining areas, except for registered service dogs.
Inside Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: what to see
Bunratty Castle is a 15th-century tower house containing primarily 15th and 16th-century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art. Visitors can move through the Great Hall, bedrooms, chapel, and upper chambers, and access the battlements for views over the surrounding area. Informative guides are present throughout the castle.
Bunratty Folk Park is a 26-acre open-air museum recreating rural and village life in 19th-century Ireland. It contains over 30 reconstructed buildings including farmhouses, cottages, a village street with period shops (school, post office, doctor’s house, print shop, hardware shop, and pub), and a Regency walled garden. Costumed characters carry out traditional occupations such as baking, milling, and farming on a seasonal basis.
Additional features in the Folk Park include a fairy trail, a Viking playground, woodland walks, and farm animals. A separate evening experience — the medieval banquet — takes place inside the castle most evenings and must be booked in advance.
Dining at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Three food outlets operate on site. The Earl’s Pantry (in the admissions building) serves teas, coffees, and light bites. The Bunratty Tea Rooms offer traditional teas and cakes served in bone china. The Corn Barn Restaurant serves hot Irish dishes in a converted barn setting. A gift and craft shop is also available on site.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visit the castle first | The castle closes at 16:00 sharp each day. Visitors arriving in the afternoon should go there before the Folk Park. |
| Allow a full half-day | The official recommendation is 3–4 hours for both attractions. Arriving at opening (09:00) makes this comfortable. |
| Book banquet tickets in advance | The evening medieval banquet is a separate ticketed experience and must be reserved ahead of time. It is not suitable for children under 4. |
| Wear suitable footwear | The Folk Park is mostly outdoors across 26 acres. Comfortable, weather-appropriate footwear is essential. |
| Prams and pushchairs | Prams can be used throughout the Folk Park, but cannot be taken inside the castle. |
| Photography | Cameras are permitted throughout the site. Check on-site signage for any specific restrictions inside the castle. |
| Special events | Ticket prices and opening conditions may differ on event days. Check the official website for the current events calendar before visiting. |
| Wi-Fi | Free Wi-Fi is available in designated areas of the site. |
Frequently asked questions about Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park suitable for children? | Yes. The Folk Park includes a Viking playground, fairy trail, farm animals, and costumed characters. The castle involves steep stairs and may be less suitable for very young children or those with mobility needs. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Bunratty Castle? | Online booking is recommended, particularly in peak season, but tickets can also be purchased at the door. |
| Is Bunratty Castle & Folk Park open on Sundays? | Yes, it is open every day except 24th–26th December. |
| Is Bunratty Castle wheelchair accessible? | Only partially. The Folk Park is largely accessible; the castle interior is not, due to steep stairs and narrow passages. |
| What time does the castle close? | The castle closes at 16:00 each day (including on days when the Folk Park remains open until 17:30). |
| Is the medieval banquet included in the admission ticket? | No. The medieval banquet is a separate evening experience that must be booked and paid for independently. |
| Are dogs allowed at Bunratty Castle? | Dogs are allowed in the Folk Park grounds but not inside the castle or in any dining areas. Service dogs are permitted throughout. |
| How far is Bunratty Castle from Shannon Airport? | Approximately 10 minutes by car, just off the N18. |
Things to do near Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Cliffs of Moher (approx. 50 minutes by car): one of Ireland’s most visited natural landmarks on the Wild Atlantic Way. A combined ticket covering the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty, and Vandeleur Walled Gardens is available through the official Bunratty website during certain periods.
Craggaunowen (approx. 20 minutes by car): a 16th-century restored castle with a living history site run by the same operator (The Clare Collection), covering prehistoric and early medieval Ireland.
Knappogue Castle (approx. 25 minutes by car): another Clare Collection site — a 15th-century castle in Quin, County Clare, which also hosts evening banquets.
Limerick City (approx. 20 minutes by car): King John’s Castle, the Hunt Museum, and the city’s riverside quarter can be combined with a Bunratty visit on a full day out.
