Dunphy CommunicationsDunphy Communications
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mark Dunphy
    • In The News
  • Services
    • Public Relations
    • Crisis management
    • Media Training
    • Media monitoring
    • Speech Writing
  • Client News
Contact Us
July 24, 2023 by Dunphy Communications

‘Rebels and Rivals’ at Bunratty Castle

‘Rebels and Rivals’ at Bunratty Castle
July 24, 2023 by Dunphy Communications

The origins of one thousand years of settlement at Bunratty Castle will be brought to life this Saturday (July 29th) when the popular County Clare visitor attraction is transformed into a Norman village.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and the An Gaill Glais re-enactment group host “Rebels and Rivals”, a day-long event during which members of the public can witness life in a Norman encampment up close and personal, experience the sights, sounds and smells of Norman knights on campaign, and hear their stories of how they fought and sought to conquer the island of Ireland.

Bunratty can trace its foundation back to Norman times when Robert De Muscegros, a Norman, built the first defensive fortress, an earthen mound with a strong wooden tower on top, in 1250. His lands in the then Kingdom of Thomond were later granted to Thomas De Clare who built the first stone castle on the site. About this time Bunratty became a large town of 1,000 inhabitants.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare.

Stephen Hanley, General Manager of Clare Tourism East, commented, “We can’t wait for the lawns of Bunratty Castle to be taken over by An Gaill Glais who live the history of the period and not just the conflict. They also show what day-to-day life was like for warriors and their families, as well as the gallant Gaels who stood against the Normans and defeated them on many occasions.”

According to Marie Brennan, Events Manager at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, “Gaill Glais, or ‘The Grey Foreigners’ was the name given by the Irish to the Invading Normans in 1170. The An Gaill Glais group of re-enactors live the history of the Norman period.”

Ms Brennan added, “During the Normans visit to Bunratty this Saturday, the public will be able to enjoy medieval mirth and merriment, educational demonstrations, arts and crafts, and get a true insight the life of the Knights of old, ladies and warriors of An Gaill Glais as they bring the past to life for one day only,”.

“The public will be able to meet the troop of gallant warriors and loyal soldiers from Brother Jason, the returned crusader and now leader of the Lord’s bodyguard to Cathal the Archer, the lord of the battlefield,” said Cornelius O’Sullivan from The Gaill Glais group of re-enactors.

He continued, “They can enjoy a firm handshake from Sergeant at Arms Ross and learn about his duties, as well as meet Conchobhar, the proud Gael, ready to tell the ‘oft forgotten story of his people, who stood and stopped the total Norman conquest of Ireland. One of the most important people in any encampment is Lady Eleanor. A strong and noble Norman woman, braver than brave warrior, she is a crucial member of the clan.”

Online bookings for Rebels and Rivals (standard rates apply) can be made on www.bunrattycastle.ie.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...
Previous articleTim Lucey appointed CEO of Rásaíocht Con ÉireannNext article Irish Wolfhounds return to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mark Dunphy
    • In The News
  • Services
    • Public Relations
    • Crisis management
    • Media Training
    • Media monitoring
    • Speech Writing
  • Client News

Latest Posts

St. Flannan’s College Expansion Could Become National Model for Rapid Builds

11:19 am 12 May 2025

Preserving the Past: Abbeygormican Project Earns National Acclaim

3:00 pm 06 May 2025

“Taste the Atlantic” at Ireland’s longest running slow food festival

2:46 pm 06 May 2025

Fire Officers back new Urban Search and Rescue hubs for Cork, Dublin, Galway and Laois

11:28 am 06 May 2025
Africa Day in Galway

County Galway Joins Nationwide Africa Day Celebrations

10:53 am 06 May 2025

Michael Cusack Heritage Centre Welcomes Dr. Mary McAleese as Honorary Patron

5:02 pm 01 May 2025

Burren and Cliffs Explorer shuttle bus service launches

4:43 pm 01 May 2025

CFOA’s Galway conference to explore future fire service innovations

1:36 pm 28 Apr 2025

Galway County Council announces 44 new affordable homes in Athenry

12:43 pm 28 Apr 2025
Dunphy Communications • Clare, Ireland • Copyright - © 2020 Contact
 

    %d