Bunratty Castle

The location of Bunratty Castle was a trading camp for the Vikings (around 970 A.D.). In 1250, a motte and bailey were erected as the first fortification. Thomas de Clare put up the first stone structure in 1270 as part of the Norman occupation of Ireland. It was destroyed in 1318 after a battle between the Normans and the Irish.

Bunratty was rebuilt for the King of England, however, the Irish once again destroyed it in 1332. Sir Thomas Rokeby built yet another structure in 1353. This one was also attacked and captured by the Irish. The building did not stand long.

This structure is the last to have been built here by the MacNamaras in 1425. The O'Briens, Kings of Thomond, claimed Bunratty. They agreed later to submit to the King Henry VIII of England, becoming the Earls of Thomond. After Cromwell's arrival in the middle 1600's, Bunratty was surrendered to his armies. The castle and lands passed through several hands and by 1804, Bunratty had fallen to ruins.

The castle was purchased by Viscount Gort in 1945. Work began to restore the building. In 1960, Bunratty was opened to the public as part of a folk park which recreates the village surrounding the castle.