BUNRATTY

In 1868, the parish of Bunratty contained the following places:

"BUNRATTY, a parish in the barony of Lower Bunratty, in the county of Clare, province of Munster, Ireland, 7 miles to the W. of Limerick. It is situated on the N. bank of the river Shannon, here widening to an estuary. Vessels of large burthen discharge their cargoes for Limerick in Bunratty Roads, where there is very good anchorage. This place is the site of a castle, founded about 1280 by the De Clares, some fine ruins of which still remain, and are converted into a police station. The district consists chiefly of pasture land. The living is a vicarage united with that of Kilfinaghta, in the diocese of Killaloe, Kilfenora, Clonfert, and Kilmacduagh. The principal residence is Bunratty Castle, the seat of T. Studdert, Esq., who is descended from the De Clares, and is the proprietor of the parish. There are several other seats. Fairs are held here on the 3rd February, the second Tuesday before Easter, the 3rd June, the 19th July, and the 20th October."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018