An exhibition charting the history, evolution and popularity of the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet has been launched.
More than 3 million people have attended the banquets since the dramatic idea of a medieval meal in a 15th century Irish castle captured the imagination of travel agents, dignitaries, and celebrities worldwide in the 1960s.
Past and present banquet performers and producers, Elected Members and officials of Clare County Council, the Trustees of Bunratty Castle and family members of the late Dr. Brendan O’Regan, who introduced the first commercial medieval banquet at the newly restored Bunratty Castle in April 1963 have all attended the event.
Officially opening the exhibition, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Tony O’Brien said the banquet’s international appeal remains as strong today as it did back in the 1960s when the visionary Dr. O’Regan spearheaded its inception.
He added, “An integral driver to the growth of US visitors to the West of Ireland in the 1960s, this magical evening of medieval music, mead and merriment is still going strong 60 years later having welcomed over 3 million guests and overcome economic and social adversity throughout its long history. I want to congratulate everyone associated with its continued success.”
The Bunratty Banquet 60th Anniversary Exhibition will run until November of this year and Brand Marketing Manager for Shannon Heritage, Adrienne O’Flynn says it features pictorial records of the banquets over the past six decades, video footage of performances from the past to the present day, interviews with former and current performers and producers, and displays of costumes and instruments that have been donated by past entertainers.
And you can hear more on this on Clare Fm’s Morning Focus this Friday morning from 9am.
