County Limerick
Adare
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Bunratty Medieval Banquet
Limerick
Adare
Adare is often described as the prettiest village in Ireland. A regular winner in the Tidy towns competition, Adare scooped the national title in 1976 and has been a contender ever since. The Third Earl of Dunraven built a street with thatched cottages and well-trimmed hedges at the gates of his early Victorian Manor in the 1820s.
History had already endowed Adare with an exquisite backdrop to further please the eye—an ivy-covered Norman Castle beside the river Maigue and the best collection of ruined medieval friaries in Ireland. These include a 13th century Trinitarian monastery, a 15th century Franciscan Monastery and a 14th century Augustinian Monastery. Adare has an informative heritage centre, which uses models and audiovisual displays explaining the history of the area. It is open from May to September.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425 and plundered on many occasions, it was authentically restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor with furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and style of the times.
Within the Castle grounds is Bunratty Folk Park, where 19th century village and rural life is recreated. Traditional crafts are carried out in their natural setting and during the summer period visitors can also see characters/ animators depicting 19th century life.
Bunratty Medieval Banquet
Bunratty Castle was built in the 15th century by the Earl of Thomond, from here he ruled over his Chiefdom and entertained lavishly, in fact he was famous for his hospitality. Following this tradition of hospitality, the world renowned Bunratty Medieval Banquet is held twice nightly throughout the year. For 35 years the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl's Butler, have welcomed guests from the four corners of the globe to join them at The Earl's Banquet. This is an evening of refinement and fun. The entertainment provided by the superb Bunratty Singers is a fitting compliment to a four-course meal, a lively meal reception and, of course, good wine. This show is subject to availability and pre-booking is essential.
Limerick
Limerick City, capital of the Shannon Region, has a colorful and fascinating history with castles, ancient walls, and museums testament to its past. Its City Charter is older than London's, granted to the city in 1197 by King John.
King John's Castle was built between 1200 and 1210 and was repaired and extended many time in the following centuries. The interpretative centre at the Castle contains an imaginative historical exhibition which tells the story of the Castle Archaeological excavations have revealed pre-Norman settlements and evidence from the traumatic siege of 1642. The courtyard and Castle display some of the trades and traditions of the 16th century with the aid of costumed characters. The Castle offers panoramic views of Limerick city and the surrounding countryside.
Throughout the late 1800s and much of the early and middle 20th century, Limerick went through some difficult periods, times which have been described so famously in Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes. Today it is a vibrant city and a worthy stop on your tour.