*Ollie and Billy Fitzgerald from Clarecastle, County Clare, pictured outside the Golden Vale Farmhouse at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Photograph: Brian Arthur
A COMPREHENSIVE Easter programme of family-friendly activities and entertainment for all ages have been announced for Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and Craggaunowen.
This Easter Bank Holiday weekend, the popular Clare visitor attractions will come alive with everything from circus acts to storytelling and train rides to living history re-enactments.
On Saturday, March 30th and Sunday, March 31st from 10.30am to 5pm, visitors to Bunratty will be greeted with treats from the Easter Bunny who will award a special prize to the person wearing the most creative Easter costume.
The Wobbly Circus will keep visitors entertained outside the Tea Rooms with a showcase of fire-juggling, unicycle and circus skills, while Garry Rossiter will be combining juggling, comedy, audience participation and danger through knife juggling, fire eating and stilt walking.
Origins of one thousand years of settlement at Bunratty Castle will be brought to life as members of the public get to witness a Norman encampment up close and personal, experience the sights, sounds and smells of Norman knights on campaign, and hear their stories of how they fought and sought to conquer the island of Ireland.
Traditional skills of times gone past also will be on display. Visitors to the park will witness first-hand how farm tools are made and hear about the history of blacksmiths in Ireland and the important role they once played in the community. At 2pm each day, the Bean an Tí will showcase the art and traditions behind Irish baking as the aroma of freshly baked soda bread fills the interior of the Golden Vale Farmhouse.
There will be traditional Irish music sessions and Seanchaí Mickey Joe will entertain and enthralls visitors with tales, traditions and entertaining anecdotes in J.J. Corry’s Pub.
Visitors also can hop on board The Bunratty Express and enjoy a magical train ride through the 26-acre folk park and woodland passing by the fairy village, the Georgian-era Bunratty House, Ardcroney Church, and paddocks that are home to Irish Red Deer and other native breeds.
The Easter Bunny takes the short hop from Bunratty to Craggaunowen where there will be further fun activities on Easter Monday from 1pm to 5pm.
Entertainment, including puppet shows, magic tricks, dancing, will be provided by Konor the Clown, and stories of Irish mythology and bygone days will be recounted by Caoimhin the Celt, Finegas the Druid and Seanchaí Mickey Joe in Craggaunowen Castle.
Meanwhile, local craftsman Jack Pinson will present a traditional woodworking showcase in the ringfort where which he will demonstrate the ancient skill of timber craftwork on the traditional pole lath.
Adrienne O’Flynn, Sales and Marketing Manager for Clare Tourism East said, “Easter is always a special and busy time for Craggaunowen and Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, and this year we have put together an exciting entertainment programme for both attractions. We look forward to welcoming people from near and far, particularly younger visitors looking to kickstart their mid-term break in style”.
See www.bunrattycastle.ie and www.craggaunowen.ie for Easter Event 2024 ticket details. Early booking is advised.
