Wolf Hounds arrive at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

News Release -

Wolf Hounds arrive at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

News Release

Wolfhound’s major attraction at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Two Irish wolfhound, who will celebrate their first anniversary at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park this weekend, are set to be a major attraction with visitors at the forthcoming Traditional Market Day at the venue this Sunday August 23rd ‘09.

Shannon Heritage Company, who manages a range of tourist attractions including Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, acquired the two wolfhound puppies last year. Called Fionn and Grainne, the puppies are now fully grown and share the Folk Park with a range of other animals including a Falabella horse called ‘Winkle’ and his companion a Shetland pony called ‘Perry’. All four animals will be meeting the public at the Bunratty Folk Park’s Traditional Market Day which will run from 12 noon to 5.00pm.

The event will involve an array of market stalls featuring crafts from all over County Clare including; hand carved wood; handmade candles; fused glass jewellery. The ancient art of sugan chair making will be demonstrated throughout the afternoon. Also included will be Bunratty Folk Park’s own home grown organic vegetables, fresh flowers grown on site, renowned Bunratty Castle apple pie, porter cake, griddle bread, and scones. The event is designed for all the family with fun and games for the children - bouncy castle, face painting and live traditional Irish music, but undoubtedly one of the highlights will be the Folk Park’s the wolfhounds.

“It’s been twenty years since Bunratty Castle and Folk Park last had wolfhounds and we were delighted to reintroduce them to the Folk Park. Since their arrival they are proving hugely popular with visitors who stop to pat the dogs on their walks around the Folk Park. We were equally delighted to able to provide a home for our Falabella horse and our Shetland pony. As part of our visitor experience the Folk Park has many types of animals living in their natural environment. There are sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, poultry, and deer. We are delighted with the positive reaction we are getting from them and indeed our own employees who have really taken the animals to their hearts,” says John Ruddle, Chief Executive, Shannon Heritage.

Wolfhounds were regular guests at the Bunratty Castle from the early days of the medieval banquets at Bunratty Castle in the 1960’s. The animals would roam the great hall and dining areas as would have been the custom in medieval times.

Irish wolfhounds are known for being gentle, friendly and very intelligent, and they inhabited Ireland long before the arrival of Christianity and the written word. Throughout history this tallest of dogs has been a warrior, a hunter, and a companion to nobility. Historically these dogs were used to hunt big game, such as wolf and elk, and they gained a reputation for unequalled valour. The Irish wolfhound even participated in battle, pulling men off horseback to be slain.

They have great size, power and speed, and now fully grown, Fionn and Grainne weigh over 170 pounds each. Despite their size, these shaggy-coated animals have a peaceful and quiet personality. They are affectionate and love to be with people. Irish wolfhound adult males can attain the stature of a small pony.

The Falabella is a miniature horse whose breed originated in Argentina and Winkle, the Bunratty Folk Park Falabella, is friendly, intelligent, gentle and courageous. Rarely exceeding 8.5 hands in height and averaging about seven hands, the Falabella is quite tiny. The origin of the breed dates back over a hundred years ago when an Irish man named Newton saw a miniature horse drinking at a watering hole near his Argentinean ranch. He captured the tiny horse and bred it with small thoroughbreds and Shetland ponies. It took several generations to achieve today's Falabella. The Falabella was named after Newton's daughter, who married a man named Senor Falabella. All four animals live and are cared for at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, and visitors are able to view them as part of their overall visitor experience.

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Nandi O’Sullivan
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