A visit to Craggaunowen will introduce you to the bygone era of the Bronze Age, when the Crannog people were living in Ireland. This wonderful historic and cultural attraction is located in Kilmurray, County Clare amongst fifty acres. Visitors to this pre-historic park will get an insight into how these humble people lived, and discover their traditions and dwellings, as you are immersed into Celtic Ireland.
During a visit, visitors will get to see the roots of these early settlers, their homesteads, animals and artifacts of these Celtic ancestors who resided here more than 1,000 years ago. They were instrumental in developing and forging how we live today.
A Crannog (lake dwelling) is an artificial island dwelling, protected by a disclosed pathway in the water. Meet the skilled hunters who were adept at hunting, and feeding whilst deep in the forests, they adopted highly skilled cooking techniques. The Ring Fort is a genuine reproduction and demonstrates how these Celts went about their daily lives, cooking over open fires or pits, grounding corn for cooking, or making pottery, wooden bowls, goblets and platters. Explore the roundhouses and talk to the re-enactors to get more information on life here.
Craggaunowen Castle is a 16th century restored medieval Castle constructed in 1550 that stands proudly on a crag that overlooks the lake, and delight in the fabulous views of the countryside.
Talk a walk through the woods and see the goats, soay sheep and wild boar, specimens of a pre-historic era. Enjoy the fresh air and the lovely lake walks within this lovely rural setting.
Visit one of of Ireland’s earliest roadways or “togher” an iron age roadway, it dates to 148 BC. The Souterrain purpose was to store food they were well ventilated but, draft free, but also provided the ideal escape route when under attack from the enemy. See the Ogham stone.
Brendan Boat, is a leather hulled boat representative of the boats at this time. It was constructed by Tim Severin who actually sailed across the Atlantic in it in 1976/1977, he set sail from Ireland to Greenland, re-enacting the perilous voyage of St. Brendan many centuries earlier.
The delightful farmhouse tea-room is the perfect stop after a day of exploring, here you can try the delicious homemade dishes and baked goods that are available.
Craggaunowen is open from Easter Saturday through to September daily.