Bunratty Castle overlooks the River Shannon in Count Clare. The Vikings built the first castle here followed by the Normans. In 1270 the site saw its first stone structure, built by Thomas de Clare. The current castle is the fourth/fifth structure and was built around 1400 by the McNamara family. The castle wasn't in the hands of the family long before falling into the hands of the the O'Briens, kings of Thomond who held the castle until the 17th century. Today Bunratty is one of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions with a folk park situated close by.