The present castle, likely built by the MacNamaras and completed around 1450, became the chief seat of the O'Brien clan from around 1500. Restored by the 7th Viscount Gort and opened to the public in 1960, it is now furnished with 15th- and 16th-century furniture and hosts nightly medieval banquets, alongside the adjoining Bunratty Folk Park.
Visiting Bunratty Castle
Yes — major visitor attraction with daily tours; ownership transferred to Clare County Council in 2023.
"The present castle, likely built by the MacNamaras and completed around 1450, became the chief seat of the O'Brien clan from around 1500."
Where to stay nearby
The closest castle hotel is Dromoland Castle, 9.39 km away in Newmarket-on-Fergus — 16th-century-origin castle, ancestral seat of the O'Briens of Dromoland (descended from Brian Boru), rebuilt after the family submitted to Henry VIII.
Nearest castle hotel · 9.39 km
Dromoland Castle
Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare · 5-star / luxury
Check rates & book →