Attractions Bunratty Attractions Clare Bunratty Castle Bunratty Medieval Banquets

Local Attractions

	Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Bunratty Castle is just five miles from Shannon Airport and adjacent to the landmark pub known as Durty Nellies. Bunratty Folk Park, recreates rural and urban life in 19th century Victorian Ireland. There is an extensive array of vernacular buildings; indicative of all of the social strata from the poorest one roomed dwelling to Bunratty House, a fine example of a Georgian residence for the gentry. Traditional jobs and crafts are also represented, milling, the forge, pottery, printing, baking, farming etc. Costumed characters that recreate the traditions and lifestyle of a bygone age.

Bunratty Castle Nestled in the heart of the much visited village of Bunratty, just five miles from Shannon Airport, the Bunratty Castle Hotel sits on a hillside beside the River Ratty opposite the famous 15th century Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and the adjacent landmark pub known as Durty Nellies. As an added bonus, the famous Bunratty Village Mills Shopping Village is located within easy walking distance (too easy some 'men' would say) at the foot of the Hotel Complex.

	The Cliffs of Moher The Cliffs of Moher are located at the south-western edge of The Burren area near Doolin. The cliffs rise 120 m above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and extend for a distance of eight kilometers and to a height of 214 m. The Cliffs are a significant tourist attraction, and there is a visitor center and parking lot on the site managed by Shannon Heritage, which also operates O'Brien's Tower. A largely unenclosed walking trail runs along the top edge of the entire length of the cliffs, skirting private grazing lands and often running within mere meters of a sheer drop off into the ocean.

The Burren The Burren is a karst limestone region of approximately 300 sq km. It is composed of limestone pavements, which are eroded in a distinctive pattern known as karren. This pavement is crisscrossed by cracks known as grykes and underneath the pavement there are huge caves and rivers that suddenly flood when it rains. It contains dozens of megalithic tombs and Celtic crosses. Corcomroe. Poulnabrone Dolmen (to the left) is one of the most famus Irish dolmens. The name Poulnabrone literally means 'The hole of the sorrows'. The thin capstone sits on two 1.8m (6ft) high portal stones to create a chamber in a 9m (30ft) low cairn.

	The Great Doolin Stalactite Doolin Cave (Poll-an-Ionain) is home to a wondrous geological phenomenon - The Great Stalactite. Measuring almost 7 metres in length, it is one of the largest free hanging stalactites in the world and the longest stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that it is held on by a section of calcite, less than 0.3 m square. Visitors to Doolin Cave will experience an unforgettable adventure. You will become an explorer, donning a hardhat and flashlight as you make your way through the 100 metres long cave. The chamber housing the sparkling Great Stalactite is subtly lit, to highlight its delicate but awesome splendour. Visitor numbers are limited, with no more than 20 visitors per tour. More

Aillwee Caves Visitors to the cave are taken by friendly, informative guides through 1.3 km of passageway lit by a state of the art lighting system. Along the concrete paved route, stops are made to view animal remains, waterfalls and numerous cave formations. Time is also spent by our guides explaining to visitors how the forces of nature carved the cave out of the Burren limestone – a process which started over one million years ago. The visitor will cross bridges and descend steps to experience the magical and mysterious atmosphere of the underground Burren Region.
	Cragganowen - the living past Craggaunowen is located near the village of Quin, Co. Clare. Craggaunowen 'The Living Past' tells the story of the arrival of the Celts in Ireland and the many changes they wrought upon daily life. Their impact is evidenced in the creation of new tribal lake dwellings, farming and hunting methods which are explained by the costumed animators. A major feature of the visit, is a Crannog (meaning 'young tree’) which is a reconstructed lake-dwelling of a type found in Ireland during the Iron Age and Early Christian periods. Though some homesteads were inhabited during the Late Bronze Age and in some cases, were still being occupied as late as the 17th century.