Ireland Trip Part 28: An Inside Look at Bunratty Castle

This dining hall was refurbished

This is part 28 of our Ireland Trip, and we'll give you an Inside look at Bunratty Castle. In the previous blog, we gave you a history of the castle and told you that the castle we walked through was actually the fourth one that stood on the lot. This blog will give you a look inside the structure, explain what happened to it over time, and how it's now being used. There were some specific rooms that were refurbished. .

A refurbished fireplace

SO WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CASTLE OVER TIME? 
It's always interesting to learn how these castles were used over time, and why they were abandoned and re-discovered. Here's the story of Bunratty Castle: 

A short video tour around the Dining Hall of the Castle

Tom in the dining hall

   For some time in the mid-19th century, the castle was used as a barracks by the Royal Irish Constabulary. In 1894, Bunratty was once again used by the Studdert family, as the seat of Captain Richard Studdert. In the late 19th century, the roof of the Great Hall collapsed.

Tom and Rob at one of the towers

    In 1956, the castle was purchased and restored by the 7th Viscount Gort, with assistance from the Office of Public Works. He re-roofed the castle and saved it from ruin. The castle was opened to the public in 1960, sporting furniture, tapestries and works of art dating to around 1600.

HOW IS THE DINING HALL AND CASTLE USED TODAY? 
It's actually used to hold banquets today and we imagine that weddings are also held there. The castle is famous for its medieval banquets, offered since 1963, at which the "Bunratty Castle Entertainers" perform today.

MERLE'S FUN DINING EXPERIENCE - 
Our friend Merle and her late husband visited the castle and experienced the dining adventure. Here it is in her words:

We also experienced a wonderful dinner at Bunratty Castle - where we were chosen “King & Queen” for the evening. 

Whatever food was to be served to us had to be eaten by “lesser, low-life” individuals first and if they didn’t die from a poisoned meal, then we’d get fed.  I got to throw a guy {another tourist} in jail because he was “trifling” with M’Lady!  

NEXT: A WALK THROUGH HISTORY IN BUNRATTY FOLK PARK