Bunratty is a family friendly park with one main entrance so children are reasonably safe to wander within a respectable or comfortable distance of the parents depending, of course, on age, ability, and your own comfort level.

Paths are a mix of loose stone, tar and softer ground in places, most areas are accessible for strollers however the Castle itself would not be appropriate. The main paths of the park are also suitable for wheelchair users, however like strollers the Castle area would be very restricted and I would have a concern over some of the narrow doors in the cottages for wheelchairs or double buggies.

The Castle unit is self contained in a singular building, once you enter the park, turn left. Last entry to the Castle itself is 16:00 so if you are arriving later in the afternoon I suggest heading here first. There is a set of wooden steps leading up to the building and once inside be prepared for plenty of narrow, stone staircases. When you enter you can go straight to the main hall where the banquets are held, or, you can proceed to the right and up to the next level. Please follow the signs with directions showing which flight of stairs is for ascending and which is for descending as the stairs are quite narrow and it is difficult to pass each other in places. Keep an eye out for all the little side rooms off of the stairs as each has something unique to see in it's own way. If your legs are able, proceed to the top of the towers as the views of the river estuary and surrounding countryside, on a dry day, are quite lovely.

Lighting is quite low within the Castle, while it adds to the atmosphere it is also to help protect the artefacts, so if you are visually impaired please use the handrails on the staircases, they are in the form of a slim metal tubing, and if possible do not go through the Castle unassisted. If it is particularly busy you may appreciate your accompanying party to guide you, I found this more so on the way out. For photographers, you are permitted to take pictures within the Castle however you are not permitted to use a flash so please check your camera settings prior to visiting.

Outside there are many styles of typical rural Irish dwellings available on display ranging from the small one room house to the "Big House". The smell of turf fires pungent in the air and on a heavy day the smoke hangs low in the air. If you happen to be blessed with tall genes please mind your head as your meander your way through the cottages, they are styled to match the stature of previous generations.

Should you be lucky to arrive on time to the Rose coloured house near the Tea Room you may just catch the Bean an Tí making fresh scones or soda bread. If not there are Tea Rooms around the corner and a pub in the village further on that serve limited menus. Likewise there is another coffee shop at the entrance/exit of the park.

The main park offers a fairy trail towards the rear left for children to follow and see what they can find, and there is a smattering of animals throughout, including Irish Wolfhounds. Towards the rear are some beautiful walled gardens, these are particularly attractive in the summer as they are full of bees and butterflies. You can chose the shorter or longer walking trail from here and if you have the time and the weather I recommend the longer as it brings you by two old style Mills and a stream. Finally you will wind back up by the village and a recently installed playground which will help burn off even more energy for children of they are not already exhausted.

The park itself closes at 17:30 ideally so that you are not rushing through the place I would suggest that you allow at least 3.5 hours if just adults and more if you have children because they will take longer to walk around and no doubt will want to see the various animals and the playground at the end. Before you leave there is a gift shop that sells a variety of products from wollen jumpers, scarves, ceramics, perfumes, jewellery and some confectionery.