Bunratty Castle: Medieval Banquet Ticket & Live Music Feast

Summary

Medieval feasting with music, laughter & honey mead at Bunratty

You’ll share laughter over candlelit tables inside Bunratty Castle, taste honey mead as harpists play nearby, and join locals in age-old songs during this medieval banquet. With live entertainment, unlimited wine, and a four-course feast included, every moment feels both festive and oddly personal—like stepping into another century for an evening you won’t quite shake off.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not supposed to use your fork,” the host laughed, catching me mid-bite as we settled into the long oak tables inside Bunratty Castle. I’d barely made it past the drawbridge before a kilted piper’s tune got stuck in my head — honestly, it’s still there. The castle itself is all stone walls and candlelight, tapestries hanging heavy in the air. Our local guide, Siobhán, offered us a ‘Bite of Friendship’ (some kind of bread? I don’t know — but it was warm and oddly comforting) before we climbed up to the Great Hall. Mead in hand, I tried to mingle with the Ladies of the Castle but mostly just grinned awkwardly at their perfect posture.

The medieval banquet part is no joke — four courses, endless wine, and this constant hum of laughter mixed with harp music. At one point, they crowned an Earl and Lady from our group (not me, thank god), and then someone got dragged up for being a “scoundrel.” The butler kept checking if we approved of each dish like we were actual nobility. My favorite bit was when the musicians went quiet for a second and you could hear nothing but fire crackling and someone’s nervous giggle echoing off those old stones. It felt weirdly intimate for such a big hall.

I didn’t expect to feel so swept up by all the singing — Irish madrigals sound different when you’re surrounded by centuries-old walls and slightly tipsy on honey mead. When we finally stepped outside again after two and a half hours (give or take), the night air felt colder than before or maybe it was just all that warmth inside sticking to me. If you’re thinking about booking this medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle from anywhere near Limerick or even on a day trip from Galway or Dublin — just do it. You’ll probably leave humming something too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle

• Arrive at Bunratty Castle
• Welcome by kilted piper
• Cross drawbridge and receive Bite of Friendship
• Enter Great Hall and enjoy goblet of Mead
• Mingle with Ladies of the Castle
• Listen to castle history and medieval Madrigal
• Witness crowning of Earl and Lady
• Descend to Banquet Hall with medieval setting
• Enjoy four-course dinner with fine wines
• Listen to Ladies of the Castle with harp and fiddle
• Butler seeks Lords approval for dishes
• Watch scoundrel brought before Earl
• Enjoy 35-minute Irish medieval music spectacle

Top questions

How long does the Bunratty Castle medieval banquet last?

The entire evening lasts about two and a half hours.

Is food included in the Bunratty Castle banquet ticket?

Yes, your ticket includes a four-course dinner with unlimited wine.

Are drinks included at Bunratty Castle’s medieval banquet?

Unlimited wine is included along with honey mead on arrival; other beverages are also provided.

Is there live entertainment during the medieval banquet?

Yes, there’s live Irish music performed by singers and musicians throughout dinner.

Can vegetarians be accommodated at the Bunratty banquet?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Are children allowed at the medieval banquet?

Children can attend but must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if minimum numbers aren’t met for my booking?

If minimum numbers aren’t met your booking may be changed or refunded.

Where is Bunratty Castle located?

Bunratty Castle is in County Clare, Ireland—close to Limerick city.

What’s included

Your evening includes entry to Bunratty Castle with live entertainment by local musicians and singers, unlimited wine throughout dinner plus honey mead on arrival, a full four-course meal with all taxes and fees covered—just let them know if you need vegetarian options when you book.