Are you looking to book a summer holiday in Ireland but struggling to find a holiday destination? For a unique and memorable holiday experience we think Bunratty village in County Clare is the perfect holiday destination in 2020.

Our holiday homes are ideally situated beside Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland. The powerful MacNamara family built the present structure around 1425 but by 1475 it had become the stronghold of the O’Briens, the largest clan in North Munster.

Bunratty village has an array of amenities and top tourist attractions within easy walking distance of our holiday accommodation. Whatever your aspirations, needs or budget Bunratty is a dream destination in Ireland, plus, a gateway to many famous attractions and hidden gems.

To save you time we have put together a list of things to see and do in Bunratty whilst on your next self catering holiday in County Clare.

Bunratty Village & Bunratty Woollen Mills

The small village of Bunratty is located off the N18, the main Limerick to Galway road, making Bunratty easily accessible from many regions across Ireland.

Bunratty Castle towers over Owenogarney river and a wonderful site to see from our holiday accommodation in Bunratty. The local river flows into the nearby Shannon estuary, a fantastic local attraction providing an array of water sports and boating activities for you to enjoy. The village has a selection of shops, restaurants and bars all within easy reach.

Conveniently located next to our holiday homes is Bunratty Woollen Mills, an Irish family run business. This wonderful shop sells the best in Irish crafts, including Waterford Crystal, Beleek China, Irish Aran knit wear, Celtic jewellery, linen and tweeds. For a nice dining option visit Hummingbird Café, open 7 days a week, selling freshly baked cakes, savoury delights and much more.

After a day’s exploring pop over to Bunratty village for a drink or dine in the local restaurants only a few minutes walk away. From Durty Nellies and the Creamery bar to J.P. Clarke’s and Gallagher’s restaurant, you will be well catered for on your next self-catering holiday in County Clare.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Visit Pa’s Pet Farm, experience village life in 19th century Ireland, explore the Fairy Trail and wander through the stunning walled garden at Bunratty House.

Meet baby lambs, rabbits, ducks, goats, chickens and much more at Pa’s Pet Farm. Child and adults will learn about animals in a safe environment where education and fun are combined. Children will also love the onsite Fairy Trail. Full of magic and fun, a memorable experience for kids, sure to delight their imagination!

Experience village life in 19th century Ireland, discover a collection of typical 19th century urban Irish buildings including the School, Doctor’s house, Pawnbrokers, Pub, Drapery, Printworks, Grocery, Hardware shop, Pottery and a Post Office.

Don’t miss the beautiful walled garden built for Bunratty House c 1804, a surviving part of the demesne which was originally formed around Bunratty Castle. Enclosed by four original stone walls with views from the garden to the east which overlook the reclaimed salt marshes of the Owengarney River Valley and to the south towards the River Shannon estuary.

After a busy day exploring Bunratty Castle & Folk Park visit O’Regan’s Café serving healthy breakfasts, lunch dishes, and a wonderful selection of desserts.

At Bunratty Castle you can enjoy the nightly medieval banquets held in the castle which are sure to be a memorable evening of song and fun for you and your self catering guests.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park will reopen on June 29th for the summer season. This unique holiday destination is sure to keep you entertained during your next self-catering holiday in Ireland.

Walk: 8 minutes

The Burren National Park

The word “Burren” comes from an Irish word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place. This unique national park has a lunar-like landscape of rock and cliffs with several walking trails, woodland, otters, mink, lizards and wild flowers. 1500 hectares in size, the park land was bought by the Government for nature conservation and public access.
Drive: 30 minutes

Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory

Taste award winning chocolate at Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory. Learn how chocolate is produced and indulge in delightful cakes at their organic and award-winning café, The Burren Café.
Drive: 45 minutes

Burren Perfumery

Stop off at the Burren Perfumery, a family company that run a small-scale business in wilds of the Burren. The perfumery is a working factory producing perfumes and cosmetics using natural and organic ingredients.
Drive: 50 minutes

Doolin & Ailwee Caves

The Aillwee Caves is a unique cave system in the karst landscape of the Burren. Onsite you can also visit the Birds of Prey Centre, learn about the ancient art of falconry and see hawks and owls up close. Twenty minutes southwest you can observe the largest free hanging stalactite anywhere in the world at Doolin Cave.
Drive: 55 minutes

Doolin Cliff Walk

Experience the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way along the Doolin Cliff Walk. The route will take you along a paved path, a delightful walk with the sound of rolling waves and animated seabirds to keep you company.
Drive: 55 minutes

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs rise to 702 feet at their highest point and stretch for over 8 kms along the Atlantic Ocean. A haven for wildlife, the cliffs are a special protected area (SPA) for seabirds and there are many rare flora including Cat’s Eat and Sea Pink. The remarkable Cliffs of Moher on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way also houses their visitor experience, an underground building where a huge domed cave contains an excellent interactive exhibition.

Take the 1-hour cruise from Doolin and experience the Cliffs of Moher from a different perspective. Both Doolin Ferries and Doolin2Aran Ferries provide excellent return trips to the Aran Island and tours of the Cliffs of Moher.
Drive: 55 minutes

Aran Islands

“The Islands of Saints and Scholars”, the Aran Islands are located just off the pretty village of Doolan. Locals speak Irish as well as English in a setting of Celtic churches of historical significance. Visit the World Heritage site of Dun Aonghasa which is set on dramatic 300 ft cliff edge.
Drive: 55 minutes to Doolin Pier

Lahinch

Lahinch is home to one of Clare’s prettiest beaches and a top spot for surfing enthusiasts. People travel from all over the world to catch the waves on this gorgeous beach. Lahinch is a small town on Liscannor Bay, between Milltown Malbay and Ennistymon and a great place to also play a round or two of golf.
Drive: 55 minutes to Doolin Pier

Loop Head

Loop Head Lighthouse, one of the discovery points along a new heritage trail that has been developed along 60 km of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Visit this scenic peninsula to sample delicious fresh seafood caught locally and enjoy spectacular scenery along the peninsula’s coastal roads.

On this incredible peninsula you can go dolphin watching, bird watching, snorkelling in natural rock pools, relax in a seaweed bath, try paddle boarding, coasteering or sailing.
Drive: 60 minutes

Limerick Medieval City

Visit King John’s Castle and St Mary’s Cathedral, full of medieval treasures at every turn. Founded in 1168 on the site of a former palace donated by Donal Mor O’Brien, last King of Munster.
King John’s Castle is one of the finest examples of a medieval Norman structure in all of Ireland. Learn about the many battles that plagued Limerick from the 13th to the 18th century. The castle boasts an award-winning interactive exhibition

The Milk Market is a food market located on Mungret Street. This unique and interesting market sells a wide variety of foods, much of which is produced locally. The market is one of the oldest in Ireland. The main market day is on a Saturday; however, smaller markets also take place on Fridays & Sundays.

Go kayaking along the Abbey and Shannon rivers or visit the many boutique stops and shop ’til you drop. Then in the evening head to Dolan’s or The Locke for a lively traditional Irish music session.
Drive: 15 minutes

Loosely planning a day can save a lot of time on the road, we hope our list of top attractions and hidden gems will help you get the most from your next holiday in Bunratty, County Clare!

Summer Holiday 2020 – Special Offers

Saturday, July 4th – July, Saturday 11th

Bunratty West Holiday Village, Bunratty – Was €1020/Now €792 – Book Now

Saturday, July 11th – July, Saturday 18th

Bunratty West Holiday Village, Bunratty – Was €1020/Now €792 – Book Now

Saturday, July 18th – July, Saturday 25th

Bunratty West Holiday Village, Bunratty – Was €1020/Now €751 – Book Now

Saturday, July 25th – August, Saturday 1st

Bunratty West Holiday Village, Bunratty – Was €1020/Now €735 – Book Now

Saturday, August 1st – August, Saturday 8th

Bunratty West Holiday Village, Bunratty – Was €1020/Now €735 – Book Now

Saturday, August 8th – August, Saturday 15th

Bunratty West Holiday Village, Bunratty – Was €1020/Now €735 – Book Now