We did the Folk Park night in early July and really enjoyed it. It is a very initmate atmosphere and the dancing that you see is fabulous. Try this link for the rates and menu. We made a deposit by e mail and paid the balance when we got there. Well worth it! Click here: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park (I cant seem to get the web sight link to print properly)-- try this www.shannonheritage.com and follow the castle links..

Message: BrimhamRocks
Thanks for the explanation.
It really doesn't sound too
appealing.
Natalie

Actually the Mead was kind of tasty ( in a sweet honey sort of way.) I wouldn't drink it all night, but the glass or 2 they offer you is a nice start to the banquet.

If you don't want it, or can't have it (children, adults who don't drink) they do have juice available - just ask.

I agree with Debbie. One or two small cups of mead are ok. I had it years ago, and I don't believe I drank much of it, myself. For the novelty, at least, it's worth a try.

message: Debbie, BrimhamRocks
I'm sure we will try it, this whole trip should be great whatever we do. natjgc

About Kathleen's Irish Night--was curious for late Sept/early Oct. so e-mailed the hotel and they are only holding it Tuesday and Thursday if no group is booked. Starts at 7pm, ends at 9:30pm and price is 43Euro per person. includes Irish meat, 3 course meal, wine, tea/coffee and the entertainment. Do need reservations.
[email protected]

If you want something to drink, besides Guinness, that is very Irish, try a Cider. Yes, it is regualr cider, but it has about 10% alcohol and a little carbonation. Wonderful stuff!

The Bunratty Woollen Mills, right across the street from the Folk Park, has the best selection of hand-knit sweaters! I'm from Texas, so I wanted only a vest (they call it a "waistcoat") since it is not as cold here, and I wanted it hand-knit from Merino wool. This was the ONLY store that had exactly what I wanted!

Thanks for all the help, fodor rats. I was unable to talk husband into the banquet but can force him to go to the ceili (I do think meade was the make-break issue).

Will start a new thread on beer, however, because I think there might be a need to explore all the alternatives!

Again, much appreciation for your time and solid details!

Just returned from Ireland yesterday and we concluded with the castle banquet which was a great way to end the trip. The entertainment was fun and the foods was ok -don't expect a gourmet feast but it was tasty enough and fun to eat with just fingers and a knife. I have to praise the quality of the singing, most of the entertainers are music/voice majors, (I asked and was told)and the redition of Danny Boy brought tears to a number in our group. As for mead, it was only served at the reception and my spouse tells me the alcohol content is something like 10-13% which explains the happy feeling I had. It is sweet, like a sake or an ice wine.