Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher + Ennis Town Tour

First Stop - The Cliffs of Moher

The day tour to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin departs at 07:00, travelling through Kildare, Laois, and Limerick before reaching County Clare. Along the way, you'll pass by Bunratty Castle, a medieval Norman fortress dating back to the 15th century, and Lahinch, renowned globally for its surfing and golfing attractions.

You'll arrive at the Cliffs of Moher around 10:45 . You're sure to be struck by the immense grandeur of the cliffs. Towering at 214 meters at their highest point and stretching 8 kilometers along County Clare's western coast, the cliffs offer awe-inspiring panoramic views. Braving the edge of the cliffs, guests can witness the mesmerizing sight of waves crashing against the cliff base and birds soaring on the wind, evoking a sense of being on the brink of the world.

During the 105 minute stop at the Cliffs of Moher, visitors have the option to explore O'Brien's Tower, an iconic structure perched on a headland, offering stunning vistas of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay.

Included in the tour is a premium admittance ticket to The Atlantic Edge Interpretive Center. Here, guests can delve deeper into the Cliffs of Moher's history and significance through photographs, exhibits, displays, and interactive experiences. The Ledge, a virtual reality cliff face adventure showcased in the audio-visual theater, provides a unique opportunity to experience life both above and below sea level at the cliffs.

Ennis Town & Walking Tour

Departing from the Cliffs of Moher, you'll embark on a journey to Ennis, hailed as Ireland's friendliest town. Visitors are encouraged to explore the town's hidden treasures through an optional guided walking tour, delving into its rich culture, vibrant community, and colourful history.

Ennis stands as a pivotal hub of traditional Irish music, an integral aspect of the nation's cultural heritage. Renowned musicians, both domestically and internationally, call this town home. Guests are urged to seize the opportunity to visit local pubs, renowned for their lively traditional music sessions and hearty lunch offerings.

Bunratty Castle

Last stop on this wonderful tour is at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. Bunratty Castle traces its origins back to 900 AD when it served as a Viking fortress and trading post. In 970 AD, the legendary military leader Brian Boru seized the castle, marking the end of Viking control in Ireland. The current castle, renowned as the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland, was constructed by 1425 AD.

Bunratty Castle played a pivotal role during the Confederate War, also known as the 11 Years' War, which occurred between 1641 and 1653 in Ireland. Positioned strategically, it facilitated the blockade of maritime access from Limerick Port through the river Shannon. While Limerick City and its port were under Irish Confederate control, Bunratty Castle was held by the Roundhead Rear-Admiral Penn, father of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania in America. Following a prolonged siege, the Irish Confederates emerged victorious, sparing the life of Admiral Penn, who was permitted to sail to Kinsale in Cork and later to the American colonies.

Visitors to Bunratty can delve deeper into its fascinating history, exploring not only the castle but also the Bunratty Folk Park during the 105 minute stop. The park features a "living" village setting with 30 buildings, ranging from a Georgian House built in 1804 to rural farmhouses and village shops, offering a glimpse into different social standings of the time. The Village Street, the heart of the Folk Park, showcases a colorful array of shops and buildings from the 19th century urban Irish landscape, including a school, doctor's house, pub, and post office.

The vibrant atmosphere of traditional Irish music fills the air, while village characters such as the schoolteacher, policeman, and village doctor add to the immersive experience.

As the visit to Bunratty comes to an end, you'll be able to relax and reflect on their memorable experiences as the journey back to Dublin commences.