Shannon Group’s tourist experiences and attractions company, Shannon Heritage, is delighted to announce the launch of a new Pet Farm and Fairy Trail at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in Co. Clare.
The two new attractions will be launched today (Sunday 23rd June) and a host of exciting fairy themed events will take place from 12pm – 5pm, which also happens to coincide around the time of International Fairy Day.
‘Pa’s Pet Farm’ is dedicated to the memory of Pa Crowe, one of Shannon Heritage’s longest serving employees and the person responsible for bringing the first animals to the folk park back in the 1960’s. The farm will be home to a variety of animals including rabbits, lambs, goats, chickens and ducks and visitors will be able to meet some of the park’s cutest and cuddliest creatures under the supervision of expert farmers.
The pet farm also offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the animals and how they are cared for while resident at Bunratty Castle, along with their feeding routines, how we ensure they experience the best level of care and comfort and the role that Bunratty Castle plays in preserving breeds of animals native to Ireland, such as indigenous breeds of sheep, goats, cows, pigs, ponies, and poultry.
Our beautiful falabella pony, Frank and Irish Wolfhounds Saoirse and Meabh will also be visiting their furry and feathered friends in their new home throughout the day. The Pet Farm will be open every day from 10.30am to 3.30pm June to September.
The new Fairy Trail will bring children on a magical mystery tour around the stunning 26 acre parkland at Bunratty Castle. It is created by the award winning company Brilliant Trails who were also responsible for the fairy trail experiences launched at Malahide Castle in May 2018 and the education trail at Craggaunowen that was launched in June 2018.
Visitors will be able to explore the magical fairy fortress that is the Fairy Travel Centre and learn all there is to know about fairies, including where fairies go on their holidays and enrol in Fairy University to find out what it takes to get your wings! Or why not find a quiet nook in the Fairy Library and read from the fairy’s magical book of spells?
Children are invited to come dressed as their favourite fairy on the day and will also be able to take part in a several fairy good activities including storytelling with the Queen of the Fairies; face-painting; bouncing castles and a kiddies disco. There will also be fairy themed treats on offer during the day including fairy fruit wands, magical fairy cakes, pixie punch and much more.
This summer there will also be fantastic daily interactive activities with the resident characters at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Whether it’s the Bean an Ti baking fresh griddle bread by the fire or Mr Hassett the school headmaster teaching you a few words of Gaeilge or live traditional music sessions on the village street – you never know who or what you might encounter!
We can’t guarantee that the Bean an Ti or The Headmaster will be partaking in any yoga at Bunratty but that won’t matter as we will have our experienced yoga teacher Julie Hyde providing Family Yoga Sessions on selected Sundays throughout June and July.
Taking place on the idyllic lawns of Bunratty House (an indoor venue will be used if weather is wet) and suitable for all ages, you can find inner peace and connect with nature with this blend of yoga, mindfulness and breathing exercises along with songs to uplift our spirits.
Niall O’Callaghan, Managing Director of Shannon Group’s tourism company, Shannon Heritage said: “We are delighted to be launching the new Pet Farm and Fairy Trail at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. These two new excellent attractions are part of what will be a very exciting summer at Bunratty Castle. Visitors can learn about the history of the castle, experience what village life was like in 19th century Ireland, meet our Irish Wolfhounds or partake in yoga sessions. Bunratty Castle has something for everyone.”
Visit www.bunrattycastle.ie/fairy-trail