This is my favorite castle to visit in Ireland. I love the history behind it and the castle itself with it antiques collection from Spain, Germany and other places.. The folk park is quaint and charming. The thatched roof houses are a wonderful sight. The medieval banquet is entertaining and the food is great. Granted there are other castles not far from Bunratty, King John's Castle (or Limerick castle), Knappogue castle to name a few that most people would find more charming as well. But, I would recommend people to visit Bunratty, it is worth the time.

We arrived too late to go into the Folk Park so we walked around some of the shops and had a drink in Durty Nelly's, Ireland's supposed oldest pub.
We had reservations for the 8:45pm dinner/show. We were greeted by a kilt-wearing bagpiperin the courtyard. We went into a great room in the castle where we were served a piece of "friendship" bread that tasted like a soft pretzel and a cup of Mead. The Mead takes some getting used to. They had musicians there to entertain while we all stood around waiting for dinner to begin. We were lead into the main dinner hall and we served a few courses. Pork ribs, soup, wine, chicken, potatoes, and dessert. The show was fun and we sat next to a great couple from Belfast, who made the night even more enjoyable. It was very pricey, about $75 per person, but it was the only dinner in a castle we experienced while in Ireland. I would definitely recommend it for travelers who like the social aspect of sitting with strangers to enjoy a wonderful evening and getting to know each other. We stayed so long that they actually had to kick us and the Belfast couple out because they were closing up. Fun times!

I have no idea what the negative reviewer is talking about - Bunratty is a gem. And not all the buildings are reproductions...and those that are are darned well done! The castle is fascinating, and you should try to attach yourself to a tour (there's a lively little fella there that puts his all into the presentation - you could listen to him for hours!). There are 2 or 3 places to eat (and there's Durty Nelly's right across the road). Soup and bread at the pub is filling and not too expensive. And, even though it seems like it should be cheesy, I recommend the banquet at the castle - it's really good fun. Sure, it's touristy and a bit over the top - but it's FUN. I was convinced to go by some Irish friends that said they had a blast - and so did I. Really talented musicians. The grounds of the Folk Park are extensive - don't miss going up to the Manor house to see the red deer grazing on the lawn. And the yard where they keep the old farm machinery is a must. Bunratty is great because it gives visitors a chance to view life in Ireland as it was in several different eras - and as for the smell of peat, it's heavenly!

My husband and I visited Bunratty on the first of our week long trip across Ireland. The castle was lovely, in incredibly great condition The area around the castle (folk park) was wonderful to see. There was so much history here and was wonderful to visit. The banquet dinner at the castle in the evening was so much fun. The entertainment, food and guests were so enjoyable! I would highly recommend!