how are the castle banquets and shows? worth the money? or is it similar to what they have in Orlando (medevil times)?<BR><BR>thanks

Where?

We were in Ireland March 2000 and went to the Bunratty Castle for their show and dinner. The atmosphere was nice, food acceptable (you eat with your fingers) and the show was okay. Would I go back - probably not. The Abbey Tavern outside of Dublin (dinner & show) was much better - the irish coffee fantastic. It was more of a traditional irish singing type show.

We too went to the Medeival Banquet at Bunratty in Ireland. I agree with the above poster, it was OK but I would not go back. It was hard being intertained and feeling part of the show because it was so crowded...Long wooden tables packed with tourists. There was only one local at our table and he was only there because he had an American guest that wanted to attend. It is definitly a tourist attaction.

To make the Bunratty thing go with a bang. Make a lot of mild trouble. I went with my dad many, many Xmases ago, and he did just that. He was not drunk, but it was all very embarrassing. He even implicated a Fransiscan monk in the whole affair - and he a devout Catholic into the bargain. I also wondered why he had been practising "The Rose of Tralee" all week, asking old men in bars to help him remember the words.<BR><BR>Anyway, the culmination of the evening was a rendition of said song by a man with no buttons left on his shirt (they had all disappeared in an unfortunate, noisy yet strangely good natured tussle with the servants), complete with enthusiastic vocal support from the local Gaelic Football team. And a rousing ovation. A fine time was had by all.<BR><BR>I also went with him when he behaved himself. The experience conformed more to Connie's and cd's version of events. I wish he hadn't.<BR><BR>So, learn the words to Danny Boy, think of something amusing, inoffensive but mildly contentious with which to interrupt the master of ceremonies, and hope for the best.

Yep - for London Medieval Banquets I think you should be thinking more along the lines of Orlando.<BR><BR>The only medieval banquet I can see for London is near St Katherine's Dock.<BR><BR>http://www.medievalbanquet.com/html/frames.htm<BR><BR>I have absolutely no idea what it's like, but I'm sure it very showy and put on. However, it might be some peoples cup of tea.

People in our group got food poisoning at Bunratty Castle (undercooked food). Not worth the big bucks for lousy food and mediocre entertainment.

Although this question was originally about banquets in Ireland, I see that a comment has been added about the London area. We thoroughly enjoyed the banquet at Hatfield House, where Queen Elizabeth I spent her youth. The banquet is held in the very hall where she held her first concil meeting, and the pageant is based on Tudor events. The food and entertainment were excellent. Hatfield is a few miles north of London, but several tour companies can provide arrangements.