Historic Sites in Bunratty

"Just 20 kilometres south of Limerick you’ll find Lough Gur, doused in 6,000 years of history. It’s the only area in the entire country that you can see evidence of every era since Neolithic times, so history buffs won’t want to miss this. Address: Lough Gur, Bruff, County Limerick"

"A glance at the Ireland of old is on offer at this riverside, long-ruined castle. Adare Desmond is essentially a shell of the old structure, but there’s enough left to justify tours, and the buildings and their surrounds make for a fantastic slightly off-the-beaten-track exploration. There’s a sacred fairy ring just around the corner, and very little development visible from the sight, giving this a real sense of the Ireland of its 13th century construction."

"Just outside the town of Adare (which we recommend in its own right, see below) Adare Desmond Castle is a 13th-century riverside fortress, now in ruins, sat right next to an ancient ring fort. Regular tours during the summer give an insight into the spot’s revolutionary history while an exhibition gives a sense of life at the castle through the Middle Ages."

"Lough Gur Stone Circle is one of Ireland’s archaeological and historical gems. The beautiful and enchanted lake lies 21 km south east of Limerick city. From the level surrounding countryside it unfolds in beauty its placid waters and rugged hills – a fairyland of stone circles, ancient habitation sites, megalith tombs, crannogs and castles."

"North of the Square, Ennis Friary was founded by Donnchadh Cairbreach O'Brien, a king of Thomond, between 1240 and 1249. A mix of structures dating between the 13th and 19th centuries, the friary has a graceful five-section window dating from the late 13th century, a McMahon tomb (1460) with alabaster panels depicting scenes from the Passion, and a particularly fine Ecce Homo panel portraying a stripped and bound Christ."

"The original Knappogue Castle was constructed in the year 1467 by Sean Mac Conmara, who was the son of Sioda Mac Conmara; it is a large medieval tower house, that originally served the purpose of a watchtower during the midst of much military conflict. During the 19th century, like many castles in Europe and Ireland, Knappogue Castle was restored into the style of the Gothic and Medieval era, after being acquired by Theobald Fitzwalter Butler, 14th Baron Dunboyne, in the year 1855; they spent a large amount of time renovating and restoring the castle, whilst also adding several additions to it, such as the drawing-room, the long room, and a west wing. Where: County Clare, IrelandWhen: 1467Style: MedievalOpen for visit: Yes, for more information check here."

"A tiny outdoor market in gorgeous village Adare, this farmer’s market is growing fast, having started out as a direct link to customers for business-leaning local farmers. New additions include stalls selling clothing, gardening equipment and plants, jewellers, bakers and some great furniture upcycling. It’s the kind of place you can explore thoroughly in less than half an hour, but surrounded by thatched roofs, ancient structures and a fairy fort, you won’t regret dropping in."

"The Milk Market has been a part of Limerick life since 1852. Your little ones will be fascinated by the collection of stalls, selling everything from homemade jam and knitted clothes to colourful flowers. You can easily spend a few hours here browsing the stalls and aisles, examining what the market has to offer and if the kids get tired you can stop for a bite at one of the many creative food stalls."

"Here you’ll discover the very best of fresh local artisan produce from farmhouse cheeses and chutneys, just-caught fish, meats, organic fruit & vegetables & much more"

"Food & Wine Hall on the city’s main street, O’Connell Street, located on the ground floor of The George Hotel, part of the Savoy Group collection, in the heart of Limerick city’s shopping and restaurant quarter, an original and inspirational new resource for food and wine lovers. Takeaway Coffee and Treats are available along with delicious lunches to go."

"Whatever you think of the exterior of this slightly clunky-looking hotel overlooking the River Shannon, it’s beautiful inside, and you won’t be looking at its stark outline while you’re chowing down. In a scene that’s oddly competitive (the Irish do love a good hotel breakfast), the Absolute has a spectacular array of breakfast options, taking in the Full Irish, fruit, cereal, porridge, pastries and (pride of place) a clever pancake machine. There’s a nice atmosphere, and no chance you’ll leave the buffet hungry."

"In a small city with a big heart, you will find the 4-star Absolute Hotel. Rated as the number 1 hotel on TripAdvisor in Limerick and voted as one of the top 15 hotels in Ireland by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2019. Stylish, comfortable and modern, this city centre hotel is nestled in the Medieval quarter of Limerick, only minutes' walk away from classic landmarks such as King John's Castle, the Hunt Museum, Thomond Park and many other Limerick attractions."

"The top-rated hotel in Limerick in terms of user-reviews, according to Booking.com, is The Absolute Limerick. With bird’s eye views over the Abbey River, this four-star hotel offers a stunning waterside setting and elegant rooms in equal measure. It is in walking distance to major Limerick sights, and has been ranked time and again as a top stay in the city."