The rain did not keep us from enjoying Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. It was a light rain or drizzle for a majority of the day. After enjoying a scone for breakfast, we ventured into Bunratty Castle and Folk Park which was both educational and fun. We first explored the Folk Park and then the castle.
The Folk Park is a living reconstruction of the homes and environment of Ireland over a century ago. Rural farmhouses, a village street complete with shops and Bunratty House with its formal regency gardens are recreated and furnished as they would have appeared at the time.
Paul is in front of the Loop Head House of a fishing-farming family in West Clare. The thatch is roped down to protect it against the Atlantic gales.
The picture below is a blacksmiths forge. The blacksmith made tools for many other craft workers and tradesmen. The hand operated bellows kept the fire blazing. Blacksmiths were one of the most important and respected men of the community.
I am in front of a mountain farmhouse. A poor farmer’s house of a type found on the borders of Limerick and Kerry. It had a loft for extra sleeping space.
The garden vale farmhouse (below) was a home of a farmer from the rich lands in the Counties of Limerick and Tipperary. It had stables and a corn barn. The women of the house was making mince meat pies during our visit.
The pictures below are photos from the insides of the various homes. I was somewhat surprised how the homes of the ‘poor’ and ‘rich’ were not all that different.
Next stop was the village street. The village had shops which were chosen from many different areas to form a collection of typical 19th century urban Irish buildings. Below is photo of a doctor’s house which was used for both dispensary and surgery. It was interested to see how they had supplies to make their own medications. Also pictured below is a small bar, J.J. Corry’s Pub, which is representative of a typical village pub. There was also a potter’s workshop, a pawnshop, a hardware store, and post office.
Much of Ireland is covered in rock. We talked with a local bar owner the previous day about the use of rock for fences. He indicated that initially the Irish put the rocks in piles to help make the land sufficient to plant crops. As time went on, they made use of the rocks in the construction of rock fences.
The Ardcroney Church was moved stone by stone from Ardcroney in County Tipperary to Bunratty Folk Park.
The Hazelbrook House, built in 1898, was home to the Hughes Brothers who started a dairy industry in the 1800’s and later produced HB Ice Cream which became a household name in Ireland.
The Bunratty House was not open during our visit, but the gardens below were open. The gardens were formal and had a great view of the pretty country side in the distance.
Next up was the main attraction. The Bunratty Castle, built in 1460, is a stolid, massive structure with four square towers. It has been fully restored and decorated with 15th to 17th century furniture and furnishings in the style of the period of the Great Earl. It provided insight into the life of those times. Bunratty also hosts banquets, but we opted out of what probably would have been a fun experience.
The castle is entered by a drawbridge to the Main Guard. As we toured the castle, it became apparent it was constructed for defense. Much of the people living in the castle were guards or soldiers who were hired to protect from invasion.
After conclusing our visit to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park we had lunch at Durty Nelly’s. It is an old-world pub beside the Folk Park. It’s décor and atmosphere have inspired imitations around the world, including one I have visited a few times on the San Antonio River Walk.
After a wet and soggy (still very enjoyable) morning, we opted to spend time indoors at our luxiorious hotel, Dromoland Castle Hotel and Country Estate. This was by far the nicest place we stayed in Ireland. Dating from the 19th century and now one of Ireland’s grandest hotels, Dromoland bristles with towers rising up over a picture-perfect lake like a storybook illustration from King Arthur. The staff were very helpful and our room was part of the actual castle (not a hotel adjacent to a castle). Upon arrival we were greeted by a letter from the General Manager welcoming us and providing a summary of the services and facilities available to us during our stay. They had the typical golf and spa options, but also a School of Falconry where you can experience live birds of prey up close and personal, clay shooting, archery, horse riding, and fishing. Based on the luxurious facilities, the helicopter pad, and the services offered, we concluded this was a summer playground for the rich of Ireland.
We opted to enjoy tea or coffee both days while overlooking the lake and 18th hole. There were three restaurants on site. We had tea and dinner the second night in The Gallery. It is their version of casual, but included serving us using silver and china in a room that had amazing architectural features including large molding, doors, and beautiful draperies. The first evening we had dinner at the Fig Tree Restaurant which is a bistro style restaurant located in the golf and country club.
We also checked Scrabble out from the front desk and played it both nights. While leaving Bunratty, we bought a bottle of wine and enjoyed that the second night.
Before heading back to Dublin, we explored the grounds a bit. Paul was interested in the golf practice facility which had 10 fully automated driving bays, including fully automated ‘Power Tees’. There was also a riveted face links style bunker, modeled on the famous ‘Road Hole’ bunker on the 17th at St Andrews.
There was a sign indicating Dromoland is a carbon neutral estate. I found this pretty interesting, but did not gain insight on how they achieve this. I did not notice any energy production onsite.
Dromoland Castle uses the tag line, “Distinction Since 1543.” I would not argue that. Highly recommended. Our tour book said one of the cons to this hotel is you will want to stay much longer than you can afford. We agree.
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