{IRELAND}

County Clare, Ireland

October 21, 2024

Destination Ideas for the First Time Traveler

Sometimes, I like to end our Ireland trip by staying at the Bunratty Castle Park Hotel. They have one of the best breakfast potatoes I’ve ever tasted. Crisp and crunchy on the outside but soft and delicious on the inside. My mouth waters just thinking of them. You can choose from a traditional Irish breakfast or order from the American selection’s menu. The hotel rooms have a warm, welcoming atmosphere and the decor is both stylish and quaint. Each room has its own special charm and on one occasion, I had a room with a window seat that overlooked the courtyard. We were lucky enough to have a front row seat for a wedding. It was fun for my daughter and I to see a pumpkin carriage decked out in white flowers drive up with the wedded couple.

My mother and I always had adjoining rooms each time she traveled with me. Everyone at the check in desk was friendly and offered helpful suggestions each time we stayed. The elevators are kind of small and slow. I like to sit in the lobby and enjoy a cup of tea. They have a pool/spa if you like to swim. Unfortunately, when I checked out the hotel website recently, it looks like it had a fire a few years ago and their website now reads: under construction. I haven’t been back to the folk park since COVID. Hopefully, they are making improvements to the hotel and will be open soon. I had very fond memories of special times spent at this hotel. Luckily, there are many other places to stay at little further out from Bunratty Park. Email me if you have any questions about accommodations. You can check out the Bunratty hotel website at: www.bunrattycastlehotel.com.

Explore and Enjoy:

Bunratty Castle is in the heart of County Clare, Ireland and is situated in Bunratty Village. The castle folk park was established and dedicated in 1964. On my first trip to Shannon as a flight attendant in the 1980’s, a Pan Am pilot invited me to go to the parks medieval banquet. The theme of the park was captivating. I could get a good feel for how my ancestors lived & I have attended many banquets since. It’s always fun to go with a large party.

The castle tour grounds take a few hours to absorb all the centuries of history, so plan on spending the day. They have a lovely café where you can grab a snack or eat a meal or bring your own lunch for a picnic on the grounds. When my mother needed a wheelchair, they were able to provide one for us. I can’t help but buy some trinkets from their gift shop when exiting the park.

A Fun Time

The medieval banquet takes place in one of the fortresses where you eat at long wooden tables after touring the top floor expansive hall. Everyone is encouraged to try a glass of mead. I enjoyed a nice glass of wine instead. The first time I tried mead; I couldn’t finish the glass. It was way too sweet for my taste. Luckily, you can have other drinks with your medieval dinner. Don’t be afraid to eat with your hands. However, you are provided with a knife and spoon. Yes, dessert is served at the end of the evening meal, and the entertainment portion of the evening is both humorous and fun. My 80-year-old mother made it up a long winding flight of stairs to a massive room where you are presented with the glass of mead to kick off the evening. From there the fun never stops. It is an adventure my mom is glad she didn’t miss.

Travel Tip: Wear sturdy shoes when you go.

Where to Eat

The Creamery inside Bunratty Castle has old world charm and good food. We like to have a small lunch to tied us over before the medieval castle dinner. You can order from an extensive menu. They serve breakfast, lunch or dinner. Of course, my daughter and I go for the desserts. We like to sit outside at the stone tables to enjoy the coolness of Shannon and kick back. It feels like you’ve gone back in time a few centuries. Check out their menu: www.creamerybar.com

A trip to Shannon is not complete without stopping for a bite at Durty Nelly’s Pub. It is down the hill from the Bunratty Castle Hotel on the main street or just go one block up from the castle. Their parking area is small so sometimes if the weather is right, we walk to dinner. I have enjoyed eating at this pub since the mid 1980’s. It is known as the original Durty Nelly’s because it was est. in the year 1620AD. Wow! If those walls could only talk.

The last time my daughter and I ate there, she ordered mussels. The waitress came back to say they were out. Disappointed, it took her awhile to decide on what else to eat. Fortunately, the waitress came back to tell her a nice local wanted to give up his mussel dinner for her. What a kind gesture. Another reason I love this country. Everyone is so nice. Of course, this made my daughter very happy. We order mussels quite frequently on our visits. Anywhere you go in Ireland, they are delicious!

What to Drink???

I ordered a beer on tap with my meal. I was told it was imported and locally the favorite. It turns out their imported beer was from the United States. I was served a glass of Coors. Coors it turns out is the local favorite in Shannon after Guinness. Go figure. Check out their menu items: www.durtynellys.ie

Travelling with your Children

If you are travelling with children another day could be spent at the Shannon Aviation Museum. There is much to explore and learn as they have plenty of exhibits to teach about aviation history. Shannon is located on the west side of the Isle along the Shannon River Walk. It has the longest waterway in Ireland. I’ve enjoyed many lovely strolls along the river after an evening meal ever since the 1980’s. It hasn’t changed much in all this time.

Make sure every family member has a warm sweater or coat with a hood as evening temperatures dip to 49’ with rain. Make sure to pack a small travel umbrella too. Shannon is a quaint little town to travel through on you way to Ireland’s bigger cities. It’s also the gateway to the not to be missed: “Cliffs of Moor.”

 #Travel Tip

Bunratty castle is within walking distance of the Bunratty Castle Hotel or if you prefer to drive, then they have a car park. Throughout the year, the park has special events like Halloween Haunt. Check out their website for all the details: www.bunrattycastle.ie

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