Description: This is a purpose built attraction to draw in the tourists that land or are leaving from the Shannon international airport, not far away. The castle itself is real enough, and the cottages were brought from other parts of the country so they are authentic. Many people might think it pretty much a tourist trap and it's true, it does cater to busloads of tourists, with two sittings of the banquet a night. It's more of a "show" and it feels very much like a Disney version but it is quite popular. There's even an old pub that has traditional entertainers. I can't tell from any website if you can visit the site without a banquet but I think perhaps you can. The food was ok, the entertainment was chorus of lovely ladies, mostly local students all of whom were well versed in the castle history and could sing passably well. If you're on a bus tour, which we were, and there isn't much else to do, you might want to pay up and go with the group, which is what we did, otherwise, it's a bit pricey and a bit cheesy.
The banquet "experience" went like this: We were led into the castle and up a steep narrow stone spiral staircase to the Great Hall where two court musicians played for us as we sipped honey mead. The harpist and violinist were seated at the front of the room while women clad in velvet gowns decorated with gold brocade mingled among the tourists and chatted with them. The young woman we spoke to said she does this as her summer job while she's at university to become a teacher!
There was then a few songs by the assembled group of women and we were led into the dining area, which used to be the soldier's barrack area. The tables were long with benches. The only implement you had was a sharp knife to add to the authentic feel. You drank your spiced parsnip soup out of the crockery bowl and ate your spare rib appetizer with your fingers. There were finger bowls and you had a bib tied round your neck to use to wipe your hands on. The meat on the ribs was so tender it fell off the bone. The main course was roasted capon, veg and potatoes and dessert was a sponge cake with berries and cream which at least was served with a spoon.
The costumed women served courses, and in between, entertained along with an entertaining butler, an actor of course, with heavy makeup and an obvious wig. But the crowd loved it and the women were remarkable singers although there was one that seemed to have a sour look on her face the entire time. Perhaps she was nervous but I kept wanting to tell her she was going to spoil appetites if she didn't smile once in awhile.
We were invited to take coffee in another room but it was too crowded so we went out to the courtyard where a piper was playing in the twilight. We walked back through the folk village, taking our time though most of the cottages were closed for the day. Tomorrow is a trip up the west coast to the Cliffs of Moher, around Galway Bay and up into Connemara.
Close