Bunratty (Irish: Bun na Raite, meaning "End of the Raite river") is a village in County Clare in the parish of Newmarket on Fergus, Ireland.
The first settlement in Bunratty was by Vikings in 970 AD. Bunratty had reached it peak in 1804 AD, with a thriving economy, expanding community, and the construction of much of the buildings and infrastructure that remains to today. At the time, Bunratty Bridge was the largest single arched bridge in the country.
Throughout the famine years, Bunratty's population fell into decline. In the 1950s, Bunratty’s most prominent structure, Bunratty Castle, grabbed the attention of the Hunt family, Lord Gort and the Irish Government, and so began the most extensive renovation in the history of the Irish State. Although Bunratty Castle thrived, being a number one destination for early transatlantic tourist, the village continued to decline.
The village had been reduced to the pub, Durty Nellys (established around 1620) and a run down house.
In recent times there has been new construction including residential properties, holiday units, cafes, Bunratty Castle Hotel and a conference centre.