Shannon and the Midlands:Layout 1 02/05/2007 16:26 Page 142
The Burren, Co. Clare
shopping shopping along with a wide range of superb entertainments and visitor
Quinns Craft Shop, Main Street, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare. Tel: (065) attractions in the Shannon area.
707 7052; Email:
sales@quinncrafts.com; Web:
www.quinncrafts.com. Located on the main street of the unspoilt publicbuilding places of interest
village of Ballyvaughan, in the heart of the Burren region of County Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Bunratty, Co. Clare. Tel: (061)
Clare, the Quinn family and their ancestors have been involved in the 360788; Email:
reservations@shannondev.ie; Web:
retail business, in the same location for almost a century. “I wish to
www.shannonheritage.com. Bunratty Castle, built in 1425, is the most
see heavenly things” is the motto of the Quinn family crest. They complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland featuring
strive to stock “heavenly things” and their philosophy has always been furnishings, tapestries and works of art that capture the mood of the
to present the very best of genuine Irish-made gifts from quality times. Medieval banquets are held in the castle year round
craftsmen and women operating in Ireland. Visitors should drop into (reservations necessary) – an experience not to be missed. 19th
‘Aggie’s’ kitchen for freshly brewed coffee or teas and homemade century Irish life is vividly recreated at the Folk Park. There are over
scones or ginger cake to die for! 30 buildings in an urban and rural setting. See Bunratty House, which
is a typical Victorian house with regency gardens, traditional Irish
BUNRATTY farmhouses, watermills, church, blacksmith’s forge and village street.
Bunratty Castle is one of the finest surviving examples of an Irish Traditional Irish nights are held in the folk park from April to October
Tower House. Strategically positioned on the River Shannon, centuries (reservations necessary) while the castle and folk park are open to day
of battles have seen it destroyed and rebuilt at least eight times. This visitors all year round.
ancient stronghold was first built in the 1400s by the McNamara clan
and has been carefully restored with authentic furnishings, stained shopping shopping
glass and precious works of art. The surrounding walled garden has Bunratty Mead & Liqueur Co. Ltd, Bunratty Winery, Bunratty, Co. Clare.
been transformed into a 19th century themed Folk Park, complete Tel: (061) 362222; Fax: (061) 362227; Email:
with cottages, a working blacksmith, weavers and even a pub. In the
info@bunrattymead.net; Web:
www.bunrattymead.net. If music be the
evenings the Great Hall plays host to medieval banquets where serving food of love then Bunratty Mead is surely the drink of passion. In
wenches bring food you eat with your fingers while comely maidens ancient times it became custom for the bride and groom to drink
entertain you on the harp. Shannon Heritage manages the castle, Mead for one full moon after their wedding, hence the term
“honeymoon” still used today. Bunratty Mead, the result of marrying
pure honey and fruit of the vine together with selected herbs recreates
this legendary wine. An original treasure, the clear, smooth Irish spirit
Potcheen had been banned in Ireland since 1661. Bunratty Potcheen,
the first to be produced legally and bottled in Ireland, is now available
for all the world to savour.
THE BURREN
There are few more striking places in Ireland than the majestic
limestone landscapes of the Burren in the north of County Clare.
Named for the Irish word “Boireann” meaning rocky land, the
area is the most extensive limestone region in Britain or
Ireland. The lunar landscape of the Burren has evolved
over the years into a unique botanical environment
where Mediterranean and alpine plants grow side by
side. Glacial, wind and rain erosion have formed limestone pavements
with deep fissures known as “grykes” in which well drained soils and
humid, sheltered conditions allow the melange of plants to prosper. It
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