Wanted: Medieval entertainers

The organisers of one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions have embarked on a talent hunt.

An influx of new entertainers is needed to keep visitors happy at the medieval banquets laid on by Shannon Heritage at castles in counties Clare and Galway.

These days the colourful events attract tens of thousands of holidaymakers – a lot of them American – to musical and historical feasts in castles at Bunratty, Knappogue and Dunguaire.

John Ruddle, chief operations officer for Shannon Heritage, said: “If you’d like a job performing for guests from the four corners of the world, singing and entertaining, this is the one for you.”

The medieval banquets, serving food without 21st century utensils and trappings as well as lashings of mead, are now Ireland’s longest-running dinner entertainment.

Shannon Heritage have been in the business for four decades, serving up the first of their medieval menus at Bunratty Castle, a short distance from Shannon airport back in 1963.

It will not be domestic duties only for any new in-castle entertainers – the group often take their act overseas, to locations that in the past have included the United States, Britain, France, Canada and Australia.