Public given naming chance as Irish Wolfhounds make 'roaring' Bunratty return

Irish Wolfhounds are once again roaming the grounds of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

Shannon Heritage has acquired two new female wolfhounds and they are already creating a stir with visitors.

Niall O’Callaghan, managing director with Shannon Heritage, said that having asked visitors what they would like to see in the park, “the recurring suggestion was to bring back the Wolfhounds”.

"Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland, and no 15th century Castle is complete without these iconic and noble dogs. We already have a vast array of animals living in their natural environment on the Park, everything from sheep, goats and pigs, to donkeys and free roaming poultry," he explained.

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

“The new wolfhounds are already proving really popular with visitors,” said Mr O'Callaghan, noting that the public can also suggest names for the new arrivals on the Bunratty Castle Facebook page.

"We are delighted with the positive reaction we are getting from our visitors and indeed our own employees who have really taken the new arrivals to their hearts. We also have plans for more iconic animals to return in the coming months, so watch this space," he said.

The competition will be open for entries until close of business on Monday, February 12 when the new names of the two female wolfhounds will be unveiled.