Pirates of the Caribbean to come to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

News Release -

Pirates of the Caribbean to come to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

NEWS RELEASE

Pirates of the Caribbean to come to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

Ghosts and ghouls invited to get in some pre Halloween ‘scaring’ practice

Shannon Heritage has added a new dimension to their annual Halloween Holiday Horror event at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Co. Clare, this Bank Holiday Monday ( 27th October, 2008 ) from 1.00 pm to 5.00pm . In addition to their spine chilling programme of scary happenings, a new 18^th century swashbuckling Pirates of the Caribbean influenced show, complete with scary pirates, an inflatable pirate ship and a mesmerising laser lights show, is being unveiled at the event.

Also new this year is a Celtic Halloween experience through music. Wearing Iron Age costumes members of Pre-History Music Ireland will be on hand to demonstrate a variety of ancient musical instruments. They will take visitors on a journey from the first habitation in Ireland circa 8,000 BC through to the Early Medieval period 700 AD. In addition to musical time travel, the group will regale children and adults with scary Halloween stories from legends.

“It is great to be able to give children an opportunity to get in some advance scaring before Halloween night, and we are delighted that so many children and parents literally get into the ‘spirit’ of things each year by taking part in our scary costume competition. Our Halloween event is part of a popular fun calendar of events we run throughout the year for the domestic market. Another event which is hugely popular is our Santa experiences where we transform Bunratty Folk Park into a Christmas wonderland. This year it will run from the 4^th to the 22^nd December, but it’s already booking up fast,” says John Ruddle , Chief Executive, Shannon Heritage.

Among the other spin chilling, fear wrenching features during the Folk Park ’s Halloween event include an opportunity for young and old spooks and goblins to come face to face with a tarantula spider, part of an array of scary creatures making a guest appearance at the Folk Park during the event. Snakes, lizards, scorpions and owls will literally ‘be on hand’ as visitors will be offered an opportunity to view these creatures up close and personal!

“Shannon Heritage staff have been working hard to create a ghastly fun packed day for all the family with prizes for the best dressed and scariest person. Free face-painting will be provided in the barn on arrival so haunting can be at it’s scariest during the afternoon,” says Aodhagan Behan , Operations Manager, Shannon Heritage.

The young ‘spooks’ can travel back in time to enjoy favourite games of times past including snap apple, coin bobbing, and story telling in different farmhouses around the Folk Park . Beware though, the village R.I.C. policeman will be on duty to give any misbehaving ‘spooks’ an arresting experience! “The Great Padini”, the magician will perform shows throughout the afternoon, displaying an array of magical tricks to impress even the most accomplished witches and warlocks.

One of the highlight of the afternoon will be the fancy dress competition and judging will take place in the ‘hayshed’ at 4.30pm with prizes galore being awarded to the children whose costumes are adjudicated to be most in keeping with the theme of the day. Just so adults don’t feel left out, Shannon Heritage is offering a special prize of two mediaeval banqueting tickets to the adult dressed in the most ghoulish Halloween costume.

Whilst the children are getting into the ‘spirit’ of things, parents will have an opportunity to enjoy traditional Irish music on the Folk Park’s village street, or they can take their own trip down memory lane and see butter making, baking and milling demonstrations. They can stroll around the grounds, take a break with tea and scones in the tea room, or have a sumptuous lunch in Mac’s Pub.

A full listing of events and the times for each will be on view at the reception to Bunratty Folk Park . Normal admission rates will apply on the day with no extra charge for the additional entertainment. A family ticket will be available covering admission for two adults and two children €32.00; two adults and four children for €34.25 and two adults and 6 children for €35.25, adult admission is €15.00 senior citizens €9.00, student rate €10.00, and child rate - €9.00.

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For further information please contact

Nandi O’Sullivan
Senior Press Officer
Tel: +353 61 710259
Mobile: +353 86-2371510
Fax: 061 363180
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