Bunratty Castle (Irish: Caisleán Bhun Raithe, meaning "Castle at the Mouth of the River Ratty") is a large tower house in County Clare. It lies in the centre of Bunratty village by the N18 road between Limerick and Ennis, near Shannon Town and its airport.
The first dwellings to occupy the site, in 970 were part of a Viking trading camp.
In 1270, Robert De Muscegros built the first defensive fortress, known as a motte and bailey castle.
Reference: Wikipedia