Any tips on Medieval Castle Banquets in Ireland? We are planning to skip County Clare unless that is the only area with a Banquet. Thanks!

Bunratty in Clare is the most famous of the banquets, but you could try either KNAPPOGUE CASTLE near Quin, County Clare or DUNGUARIE MEDIEVAL CASTLE BANQUET is located in Kinvara, County Galway.

oops - just realised that one of the alternatives I gave you was also in Clare!!! you could try the one in Galway I guess!!

I did a google search for you and came up with this:

http://www.visitireland.com/attractions/banquets.asp

It was a fun/touristy thing to do.

We had a great time at the medieval banquet at Bunratty. That was our first night in Ireland, and it was such a great way to start off our trip. I loved the farm at Bunratty as well. If you're traveling with teenagers or college-age people, they will also be excited to see Durty Nelly's nearby, but it is a thing to skip for most everyone else.

Just a thought -- the Medieval Banquet was a fun thing to do the last night in Ireland.

Durty Nelly's is a place to go just so you can say "been there, done that." Mac's Pub in the Park is a nice place to grab lunch or down a few pints. You don't have to pay entry to the park to get to Mac's. Just down the road there's a fenced gate. Just ring the buzzer and the gate will open -- drive in, park your car, and walk to the pub. It's a "locals" thing. Got the tip from the B&B we stayed in.

They are all basically in Co Clare. Dunguaire is just a couple of miles over the line in Co Galway. I don't know of any others in the country.

Bill

Thanks everyone! Does anyone remember about how long it took to get to Bunratty, from Dingle if you were in that area? I know the trip planning websites have estimates but I would like to have your input too. Thanks!

Mouse:

3.5 - 4 hours. The good news is that you don't have to go through the heart of Limerick.

If you are just driving there for the banquet, I wouldn't say that it is worth it. It's a long drive for a 2 hour show. They are entertaining though.

Bill

We were there back in November and it took us 3 hours; from Dingle town to Dromoland which was only 10 minutes from Bunratty. The banquet was alright, but I would personally find something a little less touristy, or at the least, one that offers you more "leg room". We were squashed together like sardines. Did not enhance the mood. But the musice was good and the food was alright.

Never went to the banquet, but did visit Bunratty Castle and Durty Nelly's. I heard the food was just so-so and it didnt seem worth the money to spend if the food wasnt great. I did hear that the Knappogue banquet was much better.

Mouseonthemove,

If you're looking for some traditional dancing in addition to the banquet, try Knappogue. I think Bunratty does the music and entertainment but no dancing.


Cheers,
Christopher
http://www.EnchantingIreland.com