Craggaunowen, located in Deerpark North, Kilmurry, Co. Clare, Ireland, is an open-air museum dedicated to showcasing prehistoric Irish history. This fascinating site offers a unique opportunity to explore reconstructed ancient structures and discover the rich heritage of the area.
Craggaunowen’s address is: Deerpark North, Kilmurry, Co. Clare, V95 AD7E, Ireland. For directions, click here. If you need assistance, you can contact them at +353 61 711 222 or visit the website.
Background
Craggaunowen’s history dates back to 1550 when the first castle was constructed. Over time, it fell into disrepair until it was acquired by one of Limerick’s wealthiest residents. John Hunt, an antique collector, led the initiative to transform the castle and surrounding land into a rich Irish historical experience during the 1960s. Hunt restored the castle and built reconstructions of ancient sites, effectively creating an educational hub focused on Irish history.
Now regarded as one of the major tourist attractions in County Clare, Craggaunowen covers 50 wooded acres and features recreations rather than genuine artifacts. However, visitors can walk through these ancient homesteads and monuments, gaining a memorable insight into life in Ireland a thousand years ago.
What to See There
Craggaunowen is renowned for its living history exhibits. The site’s highlight is the beautifully recreated crannog, a type of prehistoric lake dwelling built on man-made islands. Excavations indicate these structures were in use as far back as the Mesolithic era and served as a natural defense for early settlers.
The Bronze Age crannog replicas allow visitors to cross a bridge over water lily-covered ponds. In ancient times, a submerged causeway provided access to these dwellings. Costumed performers at the site often share insights into life in bygone eras.
In addition to the crannog, Craggaunowen’s self-guided history experience includes various reconstructions of ancient Irish structures and artifacts, such as:
- Fulachta Fia – a cooking site used in ancient times
- A dolmen – neolithic tomb
- The ‘Brendan boat’ – a boat crafted from hides, used by Saint Brendan to voyage to Newfoundland
The site also features a ring fort with a souterrain, which may have served as a storage area or shelter during attacks. Families will enjoy observing the diverse wildlife, including boars and sheep that reside at Craggaunowen.
How to Visit
Craggaunowen is managed by Shannon Heritage, which oversees various other attractions in Ireland. The site is situated in County Clare, near the village of Quin.
The living history museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Easter through August, as it operates primarily during warmer, drier months. Tickets can be purchased on-site. During peak periods, knowledgeable guides in period costumes enhance the experience by providing information about life in Bronze Age Ireland.
There is ample parking and a small café available at Craggaunowen. Since the museum is in a remote location, self-driving is recommended. Allocate about one to two hours to fully explore the site.
What Else to Do Nearby
Situated in a rural, forested area of County Clare, Craggaunowen is approximately 15 miles from the city of Limerick. While the outdoor prehistoric museum is remarkable, it is often compared to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, another engaging living history experience located about a 20-minute drive away.
Moreover, the open-air museum is conveniently located near Ennis, renowned for its vibrant live music tradition, also around a 20-minute drive to the east.
For those seeking to explore Ireland’s stunning natural landscapes, consider visiting the Burren, a national park that showcases an otherworldly terrain.
