tourism

Bunratty renovation stymied by state bodies’ ownership row

Clare Co Council refuses to take over care of the major tourist attraction unless €15 million is put in place for renovation of heritage sites

Bunratty Castle is one of the country’s best-known tourist attractions: report found that the roof of the castle is in poor condition, and that the thatched roofs of the cottages in the folk park also need to be repaired

The renovation of Bunratty Castle and folk park has been stalled by a dispute between state bodies over its ownership.

The 15th-century tower house in Clare is one of the country’s best-known tourist attractions. It is currently owned by the Shannon Airport group, but the government has decided that it should be transferred to Clare County Council, which already operates the Cliffs of Moher site and the Loop Head lighthouse.

However, the council is refusing ...