Bunratty Castle

Our first duty as tourists in Ireland is visit the much heard-about Bunratty Castle.  This is one of the most popular tourist spots.  The location was settled by the early Normans in the 10th century and went through several iterations before the current castle was built in 1425.  The castle is the main attraction but surrounding it is the village where you can see many animals and replica of old Irish life.  It is very well done and was built to appeal to the modern-day tourists.  Even the toilets are modern and clean.  They have a Medieval Banquet in one of the big rooms.  I heard it's very popular among the tourists but it's pricey, about 50 euros a piece or about $65 a person.  The castle is about 5 minutes from the Shannon Airport.
One reason I try not to travel in the summer months is the crowd.  I heard Bunratty Castle gets very crowded in the summertime with many shops lining the access road selling authentic Irish goods - all with the ubiquitous Made in China label.  The day we were there in late April, it was cloudy and cold and the crowd was small, the way we like it.  The parking lot (or car park as the Irish would say it) was less than half full.
I can't imagine the place being overrun by eager tourists.  It looks big on the outside but it's very tight inside.  The passageways and doorways were built for people a few hundred years ago. Back then the tallest person was probably about 5 foot tall.
Our next stop is the Cliffs of Moher, about 45 minutes away.

Bunratty Castle, built around 1425

The Great Hall where they hold the Medieval Banquet

Main Living Room

The Chapel

The Earl's Solar Room where you can get plenty of sunlight

Big Spending tourists from Arizona

What?  You don't like my dancing?

A Street in an Old Irish Village.  

Pigs training for the Tough Mudder race