We’ve been twice, and somehow arrived shortly before closing both times. It was still a fun little stop; I’ll plan an entire day for it on our next trip! The little pub right next to Bunratty (Dirty Nelly’s) is amazing!!
The surroundings of Death Railway are amazing. You can take the train which is 5x more expensive for foreigners than for locals or just hike around. You'll get through the villages and see rural life, everyday tasks and total simplicity. Beautiful nature and river.