We did the medieval banquet at Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara. I think it's a bit smaller and more intimate than the one at Bunratty, and the entertainment centers a bit more around the literary traditions, with songs, instrumentalists and some poetry reading. At least, that's my memory of a few years ago.

Clark,

Welcome to my forum. Good idea to spread Ireland around among friends. Since they are interested in Bunratty and you have done the corn barn, how about the castle banquet? That would be new for everyone. Not too far away is Knappogue Castle, which also does banquets. As Andi suggested Dunguaire Castle holds banquets but is a lot farther away in Kinvara.

I think I would do Newgrange from Dublin unless you want to see some things in that direction that is not on the tour. However, I prefer seeing Wicklow with a car. Then you can take the route you want, linger at the various sites and do your own thing.

Michele