Bunratty & Limerick
 

I have limited time in the West of Ireland on an upcoming trip. If I plan on seeing castles at Blarney, Cahir, cashel, and Killkenny, is it still worth it to stop at Bunratty? Likewise, is it worth sacrificing time in Dingle and Killarney to see Limerick City? Much Thanks!!

I would try to stop at Bunratty if you have the time as the folk park is quite interesting and provides a glimpse into Ireland's heritage.<BR><BR>I wouldn't sacrifice Dingle and Killarney for Limerick City. In terms of sights, there really isn't that much to see in Limerick City. (By the way, it is also known as the "knifing" capital of Ireland). Not trying to scare you, just providing perspective.

Don't miss Killarney and the surrounding countryside! It's phenomenal. Limerick is a larger city, not representative of what's exciting about Ireland. Bunratty Castle can be skipped if you're pinched for time. Not enchanting at all.

<BR>We were there last Sept. for an Elderhostel I'd second what is said about getting to Dingle and Killarney, but do think Bunratty Castle and especially Folk Park is worth a visit. Limerick you can see from a bus window en route.<BR><BR>Bill & Lee, Springfield, MO

I loved Bunratty Castle and the Folk Park. The Medieval Banquet was wonderful. It was a unique experience IMO.<BR>We just traveled through Limerick City on the way to Dingle. <BR> Dingle was our favorite, though we did not do Killarney...maybe next time.<BR>Judy :-)

Skip Limerick City and Killarney. While the area around Killarney is lovely, the town itself is the biggest tourist trap I've ever seen (and I've been to South of the Border, Wall Drug, and Orlando!). Nasty place full of tour buses, bad overpriced food, pubs with folding tables and chairs, and shops full of plastic leprechauns. Revolting.<BR><BR>

I agree with skipping Limerick and not staying in Killarney. I would stay in Kenmare or around Sneem if you wanted to stay in the Ring of Kerry area.<BR><BR>I have skipped Bunratty on my other two trips to that section of Ireland, but I will be going there this time. When I was in Limerick years ago, I did see King Johns Castle which was OK. The most impressive part was that we got there after they closed (it was off season and they closed early), and they let us right in and spent all sorts of time talking to us. It's that attitude that makes Ireland so wonderful.<BR><BR>Bill

The dinner show at the Bunratty Castle is way overpriced and has disgusting food. Not worth the stop. And Limerick was one of most dismal cities I encountered in 3 weeks in Ireland. Both can be skipped without any regrets.

Wife and I went to Ireland 18 days in 1999. Loved it. A lot of people weill tell you that Bunratty is set up for the tourist (What isn't) We found the castle to be one of the best and we have toured thru Cornwall and North Wales. Agree to skip Limerick and Killarny sounds nice but it really isn't much. The Dingle is beautiful.<BR>Enjoy your trip.

I would also skip Blarney Castle. You'll waste too much time standing in line with the other tourists. Limerick City is pretty much a waste of time except for King John's Castle. The Folk Park at Bunratty is good to see, but I wouldn't do the banquet. Instead drive around in Co. Clare and see the Burren and some of the pretty little towns. It depends on what time of the year whether you'll like Killarney. We were there twice in off season and it's a nice little place without the hundreds of tourists. I really think the poster above is a bit too critical. The Muckross Abbey and Muckross House are certainly worth seeing.If you want to add another castle, there's Ross Castle in Killarney.

Actually, I was being kind about Killarney.<BR><BR>Ireland's full of so many great little villages and larger towns that I'm constantly baffled as to why anyone wants to spend any time in a place like Killarney. Just get in your car and wander around. It's amazing what you'll stumble upon.<BR><BR>Having said that, I have to admit to enjoying the Bunratty feast. My sister dragged us to when she was visiting us. We ended up having a great time (and almost getting kicked out in the process). It is expensive, though.

Agree with everyone on skipping Limerick City and spending more time in Dingle. If you go to Blarney don't forget to spend some time walking the grounds. While everyone was standing in line to kiss the stone we had the grounds to ourselves....My daughter loved it. Also Blarney Castle due to the steep narrow steps is not suitable for small children or the elderly. Banratty Banquet food is not the best but it's suppose to represent medevial fare not gourmet dining. It was still a fun way to end our vacation. Have a wonderful trip.

Re: Blarney Castle. The castle isn't all that great but come on, do you really want to be in the position of saying you failed to Kiss the Blarney Stone on your trip to Ireland?

I love killarney despite what Ann said. Skip Limerick, drab and depressing city. If you hit Killarney outiside of the June, july, Aug rush you will see tour buses but it's not THAT bad. As if there aren't a million tour buses in all of Ireland. <BR><BR>A note about kissing the blarney stone: I have college friends from Ireland who have told me and shown me first hand what the local boys do to the Blarney stone at night (urine and other disguisting stuff are all over that stone). I wouldn't put my lips near that thing!

Sam, How did you and the other "boys" get into Blarney Castle when it was closed?

I have been to Ireland three times and have missed kissing the Blarney Stone. The story about the urine is probably an urban legend, though I have heard some slightly plausible versions. None-the-less, I can't see why anyone would be disappointed not having kissed it. It's a silly tourist attraction. It has nothing to do with the beauty of Ireland. By the way, the castle grounds and castle are quite pretty. <BR><BR>I would say, don't kiss it just to say you didn't.<BR><BR>Bill

We did not go to Blarney Castle and have not regretted it. Bunratty Castle is very restored and the folk park was nice, but not a must. On the other hand, Cahir Castle was wonderful and Cashel although not really a castle was amazing to see. Saw Kilkenny from the outside as it was a beautiful day and wanted to spend it out-of-doors. I suppose I just liked the scenery, the feel of being in Ireland, rather than seeing restored castles. The ruins of ancient building were far more interesting to me than the restorations. I agree with everyone who replied, Dingle is terrific. We happened to have enjoyed Killarney National Park. We took a bus trip from the town which included a pony trap ride through the park (lots of waterfalls and scenery) and a boat ride back. Tourists are not supposed to drive through the area as the roads are unpaved and it would mean your car is in one place and you in another.

Limerick did look pretty dingy last summer, and a friend who spent his youth there would probably not have much good to say about it as a tourist destination. Frank McCourt didn't paint a very pretty picture of it either in "Angela's Ashes."<BR><BR>If you like places like Plimoth Plantation and Old Sturubridge Village, then you will probably enjoy Bunratty Castle and Folk park. The day we went I got a lovely piece of hot, buttered,hearth-baked bread in one of the restored houses on the grounds and there were women making an enormous apple pie in another house.<BR><BR>You can see some pictures of the castle and folk park here: http://www.corketc.homestead.com

i also agree about limerick a good sity to miss. the area around killarney is most gorgoues torc waterfall is not to miss. i have a picture of muckross house on the cover of my picture book and it is my dream house love that house. did you all know that from the sky the rock of cashel is shaped like a cross. will not plant these lips on the blarney stone but loved the gardens.wish i could go back this year but not able to, but lookout next year.

Anne - nice site with the photos. Well done.<BR><BR>To all thanks for good info. We are set for September in Ireland and like to read these kind of reports.

My husband and I travelled Ireland for our honeymoon...12 days... and never saw Bunratty. I will say we tried but it was too crowded and we got there too late. Blarney, although a tourist attraction was still fun, especially the grounds surronding it. Cahir was our absolute favorite castle...take the tour! The Rock of Cashel was worth it as well. Also, near the Rock of Cashel is a traditional Irsih show I would highly recommend called Boru Borun (I think, email me and I'll give you the correct name) Kilkenny was not our favorite but the only one we saw that was refurbished and full of history and art. <BR><BR>Do not sacrifice the beauty, fun, shopping and pubs of Dingle for Limerick City.