We toured Dunguaire Castle (wow, 5 years ago) and wished we were going to the banquet but it was sold out for the nights we were in town. Seemed intimate and not really kitchy.

We did stay at Kinnity Castle and have a "normal" dinner. Kinnity was a great stay for us. The dinner was a fixed menu for 42. eu. My appetizer was great but my dinner of monkfish was, not so much.. My husband ordered the duck and it was excellent. The service was very good.
They were doing some construction when we were there so I'm sure it's complete now. It was a small spa downstairs.

Leep Castle is nearby and we were able to visit it because a group was visiting at the same time. It's reputedly a very haunted castle. The owner, Sean Ryan is one of Ireland's best tin whistle players. His daughter danced while he played and then she sang two songs while playing the harp. It was magical.

Have a wonderful time. I do miss Ireland

aprilmay, my college-age daughters and I loved the Dunguaire castle medieval banquet! We booked it ahead by e-mail. We arrived early and walked around outside a bit...got a beautiful shot of the water outside the castle, behind the castle with a mother duck and her babies...or was it a swan? Sorry have to ask biologist husband, I forget which type of water fowl it was...

Anyway then we got in line early, we were the second family in line, right behind a nice couple, at the door...I was so excited I insisted on us waiting in line. My husband enjoyed it too, but I know he went especially for us "girls". No, it's not anything like a luau in Hawaii! Dunguaire is smaller and more intimate than Bunratty which is why I chose it (though I hear people enjoy Bunratty as well.)

Be sure you have a designated driver to get back to your accomodations. They started us out with mead...yummy! We brought bottles to take home. Then there is also wine with dinner at Dunguaire...you definitely need a designated driver!!!

We stayed at Dromoland our first night in the country and went to Bunratty that night. We were concerned with the "cheesy" part too, but as we ouselves are not ultra-sophisticated (ok, I said it!), we deigned to go. Was fun, with decent food, and great music. Negatives; large grouping and rather crammed in at the tables. But it did force you to become friendlier with your neighbors, so if you are a loner, may not be for you.
I would probably do a Luau, if that helps! When in Hawaii....

aprilmay,

With DW June, we thorougly enjoyed our dinner and the show at Dunguaire Castle banquet.

We learned a lot about Irish history that we didn't know prior to our visit.

The girl playing the harp was excellent.

We stayed a nearby B&B and visited a local pub which really capped off our evening.