The grand tour of Bunratty
Bunratty guide Anya Hertel shares her unique view of an iconic landmark
When Anja Hertel first came to Ireland almost 16 years ago, she saw an advert looking for a German tour guide at Bunratty Castle.
She applied and the rest, as they say, is history. So too, is the focus of the job she has proudly undertaken, at one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. “I studied English and I used to be an accountant, believe it or not, but I loved history, even as a child so when I was taken to castles that would make my day,” the official Bunratty Castle tour guide says. “I’m originally from Germany and I came to Ireland about 15 and a half years ago and this was the first job I landed.
“They were looking for a German tour guide and everything’s just worked out. I’ve stayed all these years. I found the right place to be.”
Over the years, Anja’s knowledge has at times been put to the test but her expertise and passion for the task at hand is evident - right down to the last details, including the Medieval costume she wears while showing visitors around.
One of a team of eight tour guides, though through the pandemic that has been temporarily reduced to four, Anya is delighted to be back interacting with guests. “It’s good to be open and people are enjoying being out and about,” she says.
“People are exploring their heritage and country, it’s very interesting how things have changed over the year. There’s no day the same, every day is different.”
She doesn’t miss a beat when asked to share a little of her knowledge about Bunratty. “The thing about castles is that they were built for defence and the first thing our visitors learn as they enter the castle is how this defence was organised; the draw bridge, the trap door and everything that was done to keep the attackers out,” she says. “People are always amazed to find out how well it worked. Our castle was never taken during an attack. The castle itself took 25 years to complete and with life expectancy so low you would be lucky to see the castle completed in your lifetime. Nowadays you build a house in a few days,” she jokes.
And those visiting are in good company, she adds, with former First Lady of the United States Jackie Kennedy among the castle’s visitor alumni. When she’s not in tour guide mode, Anya is a fan of touring her adopted country. “Usually we go to the Burren, down to Doolin, Lahinch, it’s a lovely drive around,” she says. “Then there’s the Giant’s Causeway, Donegal is lovely.”
Though Ireland’s castles are hard to beat. “In Dublin, you can do loads, the GPO, Malahide Castle is very interesting. Nearby we have
Craggaunowen - a prehistoric site with Crannógs. In Limerick you have St. John’s Castle, there are loads to do,” she adds. “There is so many castles on the island and then you have the beautiful landscape and coastline.”
History and mystery
“I have no hesitation in asserting that Bunratty is the most beautiful spot I have ever seen. Nothing like its ponds and parks and its three thousand head of deer.”
The year was 1646 and the 6th Earl of Thomond was in residence when Cardinal Rinnuccini, the Pope’s Nuncio, wrote in praise of Bunratty Castle. Centuries on and it remains one of the most complete, authentic and furnished castles in
Ireland. The Great Hall is brimming with features and furnishings including the ancient fertility symbol ‘Sheela na Gig’ and walls adorned with fine tapestries of French and Flemish origin. From the top of the castle towers there are views across the Shannon Estuary, Cratloe Hills and towers and spires of Limerick City.
In Bunratty Folk Park, you’ll also find Irish wolfhounds, red deer, Connemara ponies, pigs, goats and more. The interactive Fairy Trail is the perfect way to spend an afternoon wandering through woodland trails.
Mr. O’Regan’s Café, named after the late Dr Brendan O’Regan who was deeply involved in the early development of Bunratty Castle and
Folk Park, offers a place to catch up.