Visiting The Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle
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Picture Ireland in your mind and you will see magnificent castles and glorious sea cliffs. Stop daydreaming and go on an Irish Vacation, it really can be affordable, and visit the beautiful Cliffs of Moher and historic Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
Why You Should Visit The Cliffs of Moher Region
Cliffs of Moher
Every year, about 1.5 million tourists visit the Cliffs of Moher. It is ranked as one of the most visited tourist destinations in Ireland.
Most rightfully so because just by looking at the pictures you will see how Instagram-worthy the cliffs are, from the different angles and from the different views. When you actually go there, the sea cliffs will take your breath away.
There are different ways to view the beauty of Cliff Moher. Most go to the official Visitor’s Center that was built on the hillside approaching the cliffs.
The visitor’s center has media and displays showing a bird’s eye view of the cliffs, underwater caves as well as geology, and flora and fauna of the sea cliffs.
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There are also two paths that run along the cliffs – one official one passing the Visitor Center and O’Brien’s Tower and an unofficial path that is closer to the edge.
To view the cliffs from the sea level, take ferry trips; to view them from up above, take fixed-wing aircraft tours from Connemara Airport.
You may find the cliffs will look familiar if you’ve seen the movies Princess Bride and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince since some scenes were filmed here. Some music videos were also filmed in this breathtaking location as well.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
About an hour away from the famous sea cliffs is another popular destination in the MidWestern region of Ireland, the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
The Bunratty Castle was built in 1425 and restored in 1954 with 15th and 16th-century furnishings and artworks. Shannon Heritage is proud to say that this is “the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland.”
There’s a drawbridge, towers and other things you imagine a castle should have.
The Bunratty Castle is most popular for its medieval banquet which has been open to the public since 1963. It is a great night of song, dance, and good food.
You will be entertained by actors acting as hostesses, butlers, Lords and ladies of the castle. Musicians also play pipes, harps, and fiddles.
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A tour of Bunratty Castle is not complete without a tour of the Bunratty Folk Park.
There are 30 buildings on 26 acres in this open-air museum, one of which is the Ardcroney Church of Ireland church which was moved and reopend in the Park in 1998.
This “living” village by the castle has a doctor’s house, grocery, post office, printers, a school ad many different houses.
Immerse in the way the Irish lived in the 19th century by meeting costumed characters like Bean a Ti or woman of the house, RIC or Royal Irish Constabulary policeman, a school teacher and many more.
Don’t forget to visit the Bunratty Fairy Village as well as the Bunratty Walled Garden.
If these exciting tourist destinations in Ireland won’t get you excited then I’m not sure what will. Put these in your must-visit list when you go to Ireland and fall in love with this beautiful country.
