May 26, 2018    Back to Bunratty Folk Park

The Bunratty Folk Park is so large, we headed back to see what we missed the first time.  The weather was fine, as it has been for much of Ireland (a big surprise, we were expecting a lot of rain).


We went through more period homes and learned more about life in Ireland in the past.

Cashen Fisherman's House

Cashen Fisherman's House

Cashen Fisherman's House

In the park, were musicians playing traditional music.  It gave us a chance to ask questions about the instruments and music in general.  In Ireland, students don't have a class in school to teach them music.  If you want to learn, it's up to you to pursue it through private lessons with a teacher or family member.  Most learning is by ear. In fact, besides one musician during a small part of the Medieval Banquet, we never saw a musician looking at music.  It was all memorized. 

Folk park musicians #1:   https://youtu.be/dObyL4FOOyQ

Folk park musicians #2:   https://youtu.be/WyYTxYtFaks

Irish musicians.  

Collin making a friend. 

A lesson in weaving:  https://youtu.be/IhmSzir1kb4

https://youtu.be/bAuWY_xJmXQ

An Irish pig.  How do we know?  He squeals in Gaelic!

The chickens wandered freely around the park.

Video:  https://youtu.be/wzmmZoGV2Jo

The Vertical Mill.

Ardcroney Church was moved stone by stone from Ardcroney in County Tipperary to the park.

The inside of the church.

Our donkey friend.

Lovin' on the donkey:  https://youtu.be/riEqxWBb9GM

There was a horse and pony in this pasture.

North Clare Farmhouse reflects the building style and materials of the rocky Moher area of north County Clare.

Inside the North Clare Farmhouse.

Inside the North Clare Farmhouse.

North Clare Farmhouse.  A perfect room for breakfast in bed!

North Clare Farmhouse.

This horse came over to say hello.

This is right before he nibbled Collin.  He was a little mouthy, but overall nice.

Horse with children:  https://youtu.be/DsTMEmqKUpo

Horse chasing chickens, this was his second go at them.  I didn't have the camera ready the first time:  https://youtu.be/KVRf-9FVc5Q

There were pirates in the playground!

Clare walking the plank:  https://youtu.be/ZO2doZpRWRw

Simon getting a nickname and permission to come aboard:  https://youtu.be/l-NTwPtDiRE

Captain Grace and her mutinous crew:  https://youtu.be/BvCcbrlf9-s

This is Angus (Irish spelling:  Aonghas) who runs the print shop in the Folk Park.  We spent at least a half an hour visiting with him.  He's had a fascinating life of travel.

We hope you enjoyed Bunratty Folk Park as much as we did!