Bunratty Castle Operator to Pay €15,000 in Horse Bite settlement
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A popular Irish tourist destination,Bunratty castle and Folk Park,will pay €15,000 in compensation to a now seven-year-old girl who sustained injuries from a horse bite during a family visit six years ago. The settlement, approved Wednesday at Ennis Circuit Court, brings closure to an incident that a judge described as “terrifying” for the then 18-month-old child.
The incident occurred on August 25, 2019, at the Bunratty Folk Park in County Clare. According to court proceedings, the horse bit the girl on her wrist and elbow of her left arm. While the physical injuries were deemed “fortunately not severe,” the psychological impact prompted a course of therapeutic intervention.
Psychological Impact Leads to Play Therapy
The girl’s mother initiated the personal injury action on her daughter’s behalf. Representing the plaintiff, barrister Maria Lane presented evidence including a medical report and a psychiatric assessment conducted by consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Eithne Foley. Ms. Lane explained that the psychological and psychiatric consequences of the bite were the primary drivers for recommending play therapy.
The girl subsequently attended 12 sessions of play therapy, and reports indicate she has “medically made a full recovery.” The judge noted that assessments showed the girl is currently thriving both socially and academically.
Ownership Transition & Park Operations
Clare County Council was not involved in the operation of bunratty Castle and Folk Park at the time of the incident. The council only assumed ownership of the tourism assets in 2023, following a deal with the Shannon Airport group. This detail clarifies the operational responsibility at the time of the event.
The settlement underscores the importance of safety protocols at tourist attractions, notably those involving animal interactions. While the financial compensation provides some redress for the family, the case highlights the lasting emotional impact even seemingly minor physical injuries can have on young children.
Expanded News Report:
Bunratty Castle Operator Pays €15,000 Settlement in Horse Bite Case
Ennis, County Clare, Ireland – Bunratty Castle and Folk Park has agreed to pay €15,000 in compensation to a seven-year-old girl injured by a horse bite during a family visit in 2019. The settlement was approved Wednesday at Ennis Circuit Court, concluding a six-year legal action.
what happened? On August 25, 2019, an 18-month-old girl was bitten by a horse at Bunratty Folk Park in County Clare. The horse bit the girl on her wrist and elbow of her left arm. While the physical injuries were not severe, the incident caused significant psychological distress.
Who was involved? The plaintiff was the girl, represented by barrister maria Lane. The defendant was the operator of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park at the time of the incident. Clare County Council, the current owner of the park, was not operationally responsible for the park in 2019. Dr. Eithne Foley, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, provided a psychiatric assessment.
Why was a settlement reached? The girl’s mother
