Christmas at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Enjoy a Family Christmas Experience to remember at Bunratty Castle & Folk park this year with Christmas Trail of Lights 2022, located just under 7 minutes drive from us here at the 4* Shannon Springs Hotel.

With a little sprinkling of magical fairy dust over this quaint little corner of County Clare Santa has created a magical illuminated festive trail for all to enjoy! Experience an enchanted walk through the winter woodlands and twinkling lights of Bunratty Folk Park and you never know you might even catch a glimpse of the big man in the red suit before he jets off to his workshop in the North Pole!

Santa Claus, still mindful of social distancing, will be making a special visit to the drawbridge of Bunratty Castle to deliver a very special Christmas message for all the boys and girls, promising that he will be visiting them on Christmas Eve before taking off to his workshop in the North Pole leaving his most important personnel in the park to hold down the fort in his absence.

Pop by the Golden Vale Farmhouse and say hello to Mrs Claus as she busily prepares for Christmas Day. Take a stroll past the Corn Barn where Santa has relocated some of his “COE’s” (Chief Operating Elves) and watch them as they build and wrap Christmas gifts in preparation for Christmas Eve! The Village Street, as always, will be illuminated for the occasion with seasonal characters, including Scrooge, The Grinch, The Fairy Princess and Jack Frost on hand to enthral and entertain you as you make your way through the magical festive trail.

Please note Santa will not be offering personal visits in his grotto this year

Also for 2022, the ever popular Bunratty Polar Express Train will return. Hop on board the Bunratty Polar Express and enjoy a magical train ride through the woodland wonderland that is Bunratty Folk Park. Passing the enchanting fairy village, the twinkling lights of Bunratty House and Ardcrony Church with many more delightful displays in between.

Ever dreamed about having breakfast with Santa? Now is your chance …. Join Santa and his merry band of elves for an unforgettable feast in the magical surrounds of Teach Nollaig located in the heart of Bunratty Folk Park. Please note the Breakfast with Santa Experience is not included in the standard Trail of Lights ticket and must be booked separately.

More Information:

Dates: Running from Friday November 25th to Friday December 23rd, 2022.

Booking procedure

To purchase your tickets click here. There will be 7 x 2 hour time slots per day at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm.

Tickets are priced at €20 for Adults, €20 for Children aged 3 -18 and under 2 years are free of charge.

PLEASE NOTE: Christmas Trail of Lights does not include a gift and personal meet & greet with Santa (Santa will not be offering personal visits in his grotto this year)

Tickets for Christmas Trail of Lights 2022 in Bunratty must be booked separately – Pre-Booking is essential to avoid disappointment

Make a Night of It This Christmas

Make it an extra special Christmas for all the family by checking in to the Shannon Springs Hotel for a family break after a day of fun and festive treats at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. Relax and unwind in one of our stylish, spacious and recently renovated family rooms which includes one double bed and 2 single beds and boasts all the comforts required for an enjoyable stay. Enjoy a family dining experience like no other in The Old Lodge Gastro Pub which has a unique combination of indoor and outdoor dining and serves gastro pub style lunch and dinner menus daily until late including our impressive and very popular kids menu which is sure to keep the little ones happy. After a restful nights sleep in your luxurious family room, start the day right with our delicious range of breakfast options ensuring the whole family is fueled and ready for another day of family fun.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Shannon Springs Hotel this Christmas where a warm welcome and a cheerful festive atmosphere awaits.