Day 4 (Monday)

Today we went to Bunratty Castle, which was built around 1425. During the 16th and 17th centuries it was an important stronghold for the O'Briens. Bunratty was renovated when Viscount Lord Gort purchased it in 1954. The extensive restoration work began in 1945 with the help of the Office of Public Works, the Irish Tourist Board and Shannon Development. It was then opened to the public in 1960 as a National Monument and is open to visitors year round. It is the most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland. My favorite room was the South Solar room, which is composed of guest apartments, but it reminds me of a great library room.