Bunratty

Only last day, as my flight wasn't until 5pm, I headed south to Bunratty Castle and Folk village, which is not far from the Shannon Airport. As it was the middle of the week, there weren't many people around. The folk village has houses/cottages from across Irelands time and status levels. 

Colourful

Inside a smoky house.

The castle is impressive. Most of the pieces inside are random antiques, collected by the Earl and Lady in the 70s when they resorted the castle. They are from a range of eras and countries.

Bunratty Castle,

British armour.

a murder hole in the ceiling of the entrance

Draw bridge entrance

Main hall

They hold medical banquets in the main hall which sound really fun. (Maybe next time.)

Tapestry

Very large antlers.

You can climb the towers which I did. And I am still regretting that decision 4 days later - my legs still ache! But the view was good.

Top of the tower

View of the river.

Super steep and narrow stairs.

Turtle shells in the kitchen (no idea why)

Of course after climbing the first tower, I decided to climb the second one. Equally as steep!

Steep!

View over the village

Sneaky hole from the stairs over the main hall.

I found the perfect cottage. So cute and even has a mezzanine level.

2 bedroom cottage with open plan layout.

The original fold-up bed.

Posh place.

The Irish half door (or barn door)

They were setting up for their Christmas session and even paint the cottage walls.

REALLY large door knocker!

They have a really sweet fairy village on the way tot main house.

Toad stool

Red deer fairy hut.

Dragoon fly lake

The gardens from the main house were nice. I didn't go into the house as they seemed to be doing their Christmas stuff and I didn't want to get in the way.

Village church

I also found the village pub which had a peat fire burning. The smell is amazing. I want one! It was really cozy, sitting by the fire with a book and pot of tea. I only left because it was getting busy with a lot of noisy American tourists from a tour group. Everything was "so cute" and "quaint". 

The trip back was ok though I was at the airport really early. There is not a lot to do in Shannon airport. But I did finish my Christmas shopping! :)