Comments on: An Evening at the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet

By: Buhn Raithe: Bunratty Castle – Living History, With A Pint « Pagans, Saints, and Potatoes

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:09:57 +0000

[...] The Bunratty Castle and Folk Park also includes living history exhibits, which recreates village life, farm life, and costumes of the 18th and 19th century. Of course, no castle visit is complete without the Medieval Banquet. There was much singing, a lot of food, and quite a few pints (except on Good Friday. Plan accordingly). Irish Fireside gives a terrific description of what happens at the Bunratty Castle Banquet. [...]

By: Jim Sanford

Jim Sanford — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:44:41 +0000

Brendan, Congratulations on your decision to bring your family to Ireland. My grandsons still remember their experience at Bunratty, the folk park and the banquet. They were ages 5, 7, and 9 at the time and enjoyed the pageantry, music and wonder of the entire evening.

By: Brendan Counihan

Brendan Counihan — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:57:13 +0000

Hi! I see you brought your grandchildren to the Bunratty banquet. We are considering bring the family, including grandchildren aged 4, 7 & 8, do you think that they will fit in ?

Best regards,

Brendan

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:28:13 +0000

My wife and I are heading to Shannon early next month for a coach tour that starts with the medieval banquet at Bunratty. So of course I was interested in reading this account of the event, and happy to learn that it is an enjoyable experience. Thanks for the review.

By: Kerry Dexter

Kerry Dexter — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:06:35 +0000

thanks for the report, Corey. as much time as I’ve spent in Ireland, I’ve not been either, for the same reasons you had not. now I am thinking I should go, and arrange to interview some of the musicians as well..

By: Luke

Luke — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:40:26 +0000

Oh, how random! I was just perusing my blogroll and I came across a recommendation of this entry in a blog that I frequently read.

I live in Adare, just outside Limerick city and one of my closest friends actually performs at the Bunratty banquets! You probably saw her singing. Thank you for such an honest review, I have to admit that even I was skeptical as to the authenticity of the banquet experience but I’ve heard that it’s not just for tourists! I’ve had recommendations from a lot of my Irish friends.
After reading this, I’m definitely looking forward to giving it a go!

By: jessiev

jessiev — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 14:59:20 +0000

what fun, corey!! i am laughing at this great, great post.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:15:30 +0000

I chose Bunratty over the others to go to and enjoyed it so much, in fact one of the proformers was the daughter of a lady whose bed and breakfast we stayed at in Blarney and she called ahead to tell her we would be there so she looked for us and came and talked to us etc, friendly times etc. It was so long ago but I STILL remember the conversations I had with the people at our table and how now I want to rent a boat and stay on the Shannon like the couple from Israel did! Good times!

By: Thomas G. Byrne

Thomas G. Byrne — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:53:35 +0000

2008 was my third time partaking in the festivities at the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet, each time on a tour with Pat Preston of http://www.irelandexpert.com fame. There were several folks named Tom at my table, one of whom was part of a different group and was celebrating his birthday. As the evening’s “villain” was reveled, I took a drink of soup in relief as all his friends pointed to him when the name “Tom” was announced. Then, as it was clarified that the “Tom” in question was instead ME, the soup came spraying out of my mouth in laughter. Definitely a night to remember!!

By: Michele Erdvig

Michele Erdvig — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:08:47 +0000

Great reveiw Corey. I’ve been to all the banquets and the corn barn several times over 37 years. They all have top-notch muscians and entertainers. I consider a “tourist trip” something that is not worth the money spent on it. The Shannon Heritage entertainments are certainly not tourist traps. They are an entertaining evening of food and fun. When I first started visiting the banquets you only got a knife to eat with. Nowadays you get utensils. I’m with you about the fleas and gruel.

Michele

By: Jim Sanford

Jim Sanford — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:49:01 +0000

Yes it is touristy but I would disagree with the negative connotation of “trap” because it is one of those places everyone should experience. The folk park and castle are great to see and the banquet is certainly an unforgettable experience. I thought I would never go back to Bunratty after our first trip to Ireland in ’97 because, although I enjoyed it I figuered “been there, done that”. I have been to the banquet now three times mainly to see the joy on the faces of family and friends most recently in June of 2009 with our children and grandchildren. It is definitely a must see/must do. Haven’t been to the “Traditional Night” in the Corn Barn but will do that on our next(9th) trip.

By: Ruth Kuehn via Facebook

Ruth Kuehn via Facebook — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:20:55 +0000

I agree with Christi about the Barn being more fun. Once was enough at the Castle

By: Hailey N. Bunnell via Facebook

Hailey N. Bunnell via Facebook — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:19:29 +0000

We were there last Friday afternoon. Walking up and down those spiral stairs is dangerous! How could people live there?! Hahaha

By: Rebecca Furnish via Facebook

Rebecca Furnish via Facebook — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:18:58 +0000

I had exactly the same reaction — I thought it would be silly but we both enjoyed it.

By: Christy Nicholas via Facebook

Christy Nicholas via Facebook — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:18:37 +0000

We had great fun at the ‘Ceilidh in the Corn Barn’ at Bunratty – less posh, more down to earth

By: caite@a lovely shore breeze

caite@a lovely shore breeze — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:45:10 +0000

yes, it may be a bit of a tourist trap, but I have visited the village several times and the banquet twice and I enjoyed it a good deal. You are right..the performers are very good.

By: Geoff

Geoff — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:37:19 +0000

Corey,

I’ve attended this banquet many times with group tour I have led and agree with you on all counts. It is one of those “tourist traps” that is really worth a visit — ‘tourists” from all over Ireland attend and enjoy.