Bunratty Castle

Editor’s note: Jessica Cross, a USC student, spent last semester at the University of Limerick in Ireland. For several weeks she has been sharing some of her experiences with the readers of The Columbia Star.

Ireland is a land of castles. In Limerick County alone there are over 400 castles, ranging from small watchtower–like constructions to large structures maintained specifically as tourist attractions. Castles like King John’s, Blarney, and Bunratty sustain folk parks, dungeons, and gift shops because of the number of tourists they draw weekly.

Blarney Castle is situated between Limerick and Cork counties. It is a custom for tourists in Ireland to visit the castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. The legend states that kissing the stone will give one “the gift of gab.”

Bunratty Castle rests on the land of a folk park just outside of Limerick County. Bunratty Folk Park, a home to farm animals, historic churches, and old cottages, hosts a banquet on the weekends. Music from a harp, violin, and the smell of rich mead might greet tourists on a Friday evening where dinner is eaten with fingers and a small dagger.

Mead, an alcohol made from honey and water, is said to have been given to newlyweds in hopes of the couple obtaining fertility. It is believed to have been discovered by Irish monks during medieval times and enjoyed by everyone from Irish peasants to the high kings of Ireland.