Why was the Bunratty Castle built?

The site of present-day Bunratty Castle was established as a Viking trading camp in 970. Robert De Muscegros, a Norman, erected a wooden fortress on the site in 1250. In 1275, Thomas De Clare received the castle and land from King Edward I and replaced the wooden structure with a stone castle.

What is Bunratty Castle used for?

Castle
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park/Function

What happened in Bunratty Castle?

In the late 13th century, Bunratty had about 1,000 inhabitants. The castle was attacked several times by the O’Briens (or O’Brians) and their allies. In 1284, while De Clare was away in England, the site was captured and destroyed. The castle was again attacked but it did not fall until 1318.

Where is the location of Bunratty Castle in Ireland?

Location of Bunratty Castle in Ireland. Bunratty Castle (Irish: Caisleán Bhun Raithe, meaning “Castle at the Mouth of the Ratty”) is a large 15th-century tower house in County Clare, Ireland.

When did Robert de Muscegros build Bunratty Castle?

The site on which Bunratty Castle stands was in origin a Viking trading camp in 970. The present structure is the last of four castles to be built on the site. Robert De Muscegros, a Norman, built the first defensive fortress (an earthen mound with a strong wooden tower on top) in 1250.

When did the Gort family buy Bunratty Castle?

Lord Gort purchased the castle ruin in 1953 for a nominal fee when it was in danger of being demolished. He had a deep interest in Irish medieval history and took on the massive project of reconstructing and furnishing the castle building. Lord and Lady Gort donated Bunratty Castle to the Irish nation.

When is last time to go to Bunratty Castle?

Watch out for them if your visit falls during this time of the year. Admission is all year round, with Bunratty Castle opening hours as follows: 9-5.30pm, with last admission at 4pm. Admission ends then to allow preparation for the Medieval Banquets.