Visitor numbers at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare have increased significantly in 2023, with 344,000 visitors so far, up 14pc on 2022.
The Bunratty Medieval Banquet, one of Ireland’s oldest evening entertainment shows, has experienced a 30pc increase in attendance, with 43,000 people attending this year to celebrate its 65th anniversary.
The increase in visitor numbers is attributed to ongoing investments in Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and other Clare attractions. The Clare County Council and the government have invested over €4m in these sites, including Knappogue Castle, Craggaunowen, and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher.
An additional €6.5m has been earmarked for investments in Clare County Council’s portfolio of attractions, including Inis Cealtra (Holy Island Visitor Experience) in Mountshannon, during the first six months of 2024.
The investments have also led to job creation in various departments such as operations, finance, HR, ICT, administration, sales, and marketing across multiple tourist sites.
The success of the attractions is seen as a positive development for the wider Clare economy and reinforces the reputation of Clare as a quality destination with appeal for both domestic and international tourists.
