Bunratty
Encyclopedia
Bunratty is a village in County Clare
in the parish of Newmarket on Fergus, Ireland
.
Throughout the famine years, Bunratty's population fell into decline. In the 1950s, Bunratty’s most prominent structure, Bunratty Castle
, grabbed the attention of the Hunt family, Lord Gort and the Irish Government, and so began the most extensive renovation in the history of the Irish State. Although Bunratty Castle thrived, being a number one destination for early transatlantic tourist, the village continued to decline.
The village had been reduced to the pub, Durty Nellys (established around 1620) and a run down house.
County Clare
-History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones...
in the parish of Newmarket on Fergus, Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
.
History
The first settlement in Bunratty was by Vikings in 970 AD. Bunratty had reached it peak in 1804 AD, with a thriving economy, expanding community, and the construction of much of the buildings and infrastructure that remains to today. At the time, Bunratty Bridge was the largest single arched bridge in the country.Throughout the famine years, Bunratty's population fell into decline. In the 1950s, Bunratty’s most prominent structure, Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle is a large tower house in County Clare, Ireland. It lies in the centre of Bunratty village , by the N18 road between Limerick and Ennis, near Shannon Town and its airport. The name Bunratty, Bun Raite in Irish, means the 'bottom' or end of the 'Ratty' river. This river, alongside...
, grabbed the attention of the Hunt family, Lord Gort and the Irish Government, and so began the most extensive renovation in the history of the Irish State. Although Bunratty Castle thrived, being a number one destination for early transatlantic tourist, the village continued to decline.
The village had been reduced to the pub, Durty Nellys (established around 1620) and a run down house.
Recent developments
In recent times there has been new construction including residential properties, holiday units, cafes, Bunratty Castle Hotel and a conference centre.See also
- List of towns and villages in Ireland