The castle was extensively renovated and opened to the public in 1960. Although Bunratty Castle thrived, becoming a major draw for early transatlantic tourists, the village population continued to decline. Location Bunratty parish lies on the north shore of the River Shannon to the east of Drumline parish, south and west of Feenagh parish and west of Kilfintinan parish. The Ratty River, Ratty River, also named Owengarney River or O'Garney River, which flows into the Shannon, defines the eastern boundary of the parish. The parish is about . It is part of the barony of Bunratty Lower. Bunratty Castle overlooks the Raite river. The village lies to the west of the castle. It has few residents and is not counted as a village in the Irish Census. Bunratty parish is today part of the Catholic parish of Newmarket-on-Fergus which also contains the civil parishes of Clonloghan, Drumline, Kilconry, Kilmaleery, Kilnasoolagh and Tomfinlough. Economy Roadstone Wood operates a quarry in the center of the parish. It produces stone, blocks, concrete, mortar and blacktop. Eoin Gavin Transport has its road haulage office in Bunratty. The company founder, Eoin Gavin, began as the operator of an eight-wheel tipper from the quarry. Prior to the construction of the N18 bypass, the main road from Limerick and Shannon Airport to Ennis passed through the village. Bunratty village itself caters mainly to tourists visiting Bunratty Castle and the Bunratty Folk Park. Besides Durty Nellys, styling itself as one of Ireland's oldest pubs, there are a number of other pubs/restaurants. The village also provides accommodation in the form of hotels and bed & breakfasts. Several shops also cater to the needs of travellers and tourists. Gallery References Notes Citations External links National Inventory of Architectural Heritage: Bunratty Castle National Inventory of Architectural Heritage: Bunratty Bridge National Inventory of Architectural Heritage: Bunratty House National Inventory of Architectural Heritage: Bunratty Castle Hotel Towns and villages in County Clare