Bunratty
Castle, was built in the 15th century by the Earl of Thomond and stands on the banks
of the Rathy River. From here The Earl 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 over 40 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. 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. We invite you to enjoy an unforgettable evening in the splendour of this
magnificent castle.
Guests reach the Castle through the Entrance Cottage
and a short atmospheric walk through the Folk Park to the Castle Gate. There a kilted
piper plays a tune of welcome. Then up the Castle steps and over the drawbridge to
the 'Bite of Friendship' offered by one of the Hostesses.
Now to the Upper
Great Hall, resplendent with tapestries and furniture of the 16th Century, where
you will receive a goblet or two of Mead. Here the Butler humorously relates the
history of Bunratty and the Castle Singers give you a taste of what is to come with
a medieval madrigal or two. The Earl and his Lady are crowned and you proceed to
the Banquet hall for Dinner.
In the Banquet Hall, the long oak tables, bench
seating and candle-light with the warm glow of the fire reflect the Banqueting style
of the medieval era. During the meal the Butler and the Ladies delight you with snippets
of music and song. The 4 course meal is a pleasant balance of contrasting Irish meat
dishes as used during period and is accompanied with red and white wines.
This
is followed by the high-light of the evening, the entertainment programme in which
the Butler and the Ladies of the Castle, (some of Ireland's best female choral singers)
accompanied by Harp and Fiddle perform a variety of Medieval and well loved Irish
songs.
BANQUET MENU
Spiced Parsnip Soup
Traditional Spare Ribs
In a Honey & Whiskey
Sauce
Breast of Chicken with Apple & Mead sauce, served with potatoes
and seasonal vegetables.
Fruit of the Forest Mousse
Coffee
(Vegetarian Option available)
This unsurpassed mediaeval experience
held in the world-famous 15th century Bunratty castle lasts two and a half hours
BACK