‘Journey Through the Ages’ to celebrate six hundred years of Bunratty Castle

The Clare County Council-owned 15th-century fortress will host the ‘Journey Through the Ages’ event on September 20 and 21 at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, bringing to life the castle’s storied past.

Speaking about the celebration, Chief Operating Officer (Acting) of Clare Tourism Development, Geraldine O’Rourke said, “Bunratty Castle holds a truly iconic place in the hearts of people in Ireland and around the world.”

“Marking this 600th anniversary is incredibly important to us. It's about more than just a date; it's a celebration of its endurance, its rich history, and our commitment to preserving and showcasing this magnificent fortress for generations to come. This anniversary is a significant milestone, and we are so proud to mark it by bringing its history to life.”

There will be a variety of activities on offer to celebrate the occasion from 11am to 5pm on both days.

Transforming the castle back to its original use as a trading camp, a Viking clan will demonstrate ancient skills such as jewellery making, fibre crafts, and traditional cooking methods, offering an authentic glimpse into what life was like during the Viking Age.

A medieval encampment will be set up within the castle courtyard, where guests can watch master artisans at work, demonstrating ancient trades like leatherworking, basket weaving, and woodworking on a traditional pole lathe. For those with a morbid curiosity, a barber surgeon’s tent will be on hand to reveal the fascinating medical practices of the era.

There will be daily live combat displays, where guests can watch as fierce Viking and Norman warrior reenactors clash in a thrilling spectacle of skill and raw energy.

Viking and medieval-themed games like Hnefatafl (a Viking game similar to chess) and archery will be available for visitors to participate in.

The event will also extend into the Folk Park, where the latter centuries of the Bunratty’s history will be portrayed. Visitors can meet the residents of Bunratty House and take a guided tour to learn about life in this classic Georgian residence. The park's usual cast of characters, representing the late 19th and early 20th centuries, along with some visiting Edwardian ancestors, will also be on-site to meet visitors and demonstrate traditional skills like butter making, bread making and blacksmithing.

To close out the celebrations, the Bunratty Castle Entertainers will give a special live performance on Sunday, September 21, at 3pm in the castle's Main Guard. Seating for this performance will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early.

This landmark anniversary marks 600 years since the MacNamara clan first built the castle in 1425. It later became the seat of power for the O’Brien clan, descendants of the legendary High King Brian Boru, who ruled the kingdom of Thomond from its walls for two centuries. After falling into disrepair in the 19th century, the castle was restored by Viscount Gort in 1954 and reopened to the public in 1962. Today, it stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich heritage, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe each year.

A celebratory 600 discounted tickets are available on a first come, first served basis, for €14.25 each. All tickets are available online at www.bunrattycastle.ie/events.