Medieval castles built on top of earlier Viking forts can be found all over Ireland, from the center of Limerick, to the green Irish countryside and even in the heart of Dublin. But for those looking to discover even more ancient history, Craggoaunowen in County Clare is an open-air museum of prehistoric Ireland. The restored 16th century castle in this rural, wooded area stands alongside reconstructions of the Bronze Age lake dwellings as well as early Irish ships and more.
To get the most out of your visit, follow this comprehensive guide to Craggaunowen, including what to see, how to visit, and what else to do nearby.
Background
The first castle was built in Craggaunowen in 1550, but over the years it fell into disrepair as it passed from owner to owner. Perched on a steep hill ( Creagan Eoghain is Irish for ‘Owen’s rocky hill’), the ruined castle was eventually bought by one of Limerick’s wealthiest residents.
The plan to turn the old castle and its surrounding lands into an Irish history experience began with John Hunt in the 1960s. A well-known antique collector, Hunt first restored and expanded the castle to house some of his extensive eclectic collections (which they also make up the Hunt Museum in Limerick), before building the reconstruction of the crannog and the fort ring to create a historical educational experience. for the irish
Part castle, part animal exhibit and part living history museum, Craggaunowen is now one of the top tourist sites in County Clare. Located on 50 wooded acres between Ennis and Limerick, the open-air museum houses recreations rather than authentic artifacts. However, the overall impact of being able to walk around the farms and monuments as they would have existed in Ireland 1,000 years ago is a worthwhile and memorable experience.
What to see there
Craggaunowen is best known as a place to experience living history, and its star structure is the gloriously recreated crannog. The Crannogs were lake dwellings built on water on artificial islands. Excavations have shown that the first abutments were built during the Mesolithic era and some continued to be used during medieval times. They were built in inlets or small lakes because the surrounding water provided a natural type of defense for the first residents.
The Crannog replicas at Craggaunowen are built in the Bronze Age style. You can explore the round structures with their conical stick roofs by crossing a bridge over the water covered in water lilies. In ancient times, residents would have accessed their homes in the lake using a secret causeway submerged under water. Once you arrive, costumed performers are generally on hand to share more details about ancient life in this lakeside setting.
In addition to the crannog, the self-guided history experience includes several other recreations of ancient Irish structures and artifacts, including a Fulachta Fia cooking site, a dolmen (Neolithic tomb), and the ‘brendan boat’, a boat made of skins that was used by Saint Brendan in the 6th century to sail from Ireland to Newfoundland, crossing the Atlantic.
The site also has a ring fort complete with a subsoil, an underground area that could have been used by early farmers to store food or seek shelter during an attack on their homes. Children can especially enjoy the wild boars and sheep that also call Craggaunowen home.
how to visit
Craggaunowen is managed by Shannon Heritage, a private organization that manages several other major attractions in Ireland, including Dunguaire Castle and Bunratty Castle. It is located in County Clare, just outside the town of Quin.
The living history museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm from Easter to August. (Because the site is completely outdoors, it is only open during the warmer and drier summer months.) Tickets can be purchased online or on the spot. During peak hours, costumed guides will escort you through the site to provide insight into what life would have been like here during the Bronze Age.
There is a parking lot and a small cafe in Craggaunowen, and the best way to get to the museum is by driving on your own, as it is off the beaten track. Plan around an hour or two for the full experience.
What else to do nearby
Craggaunowen is located in a rural, wooded area in County Clare. The largest nearby city is Limerick, about 24 kilometers away.
The prehistoric open-air museum is often overshadowed by Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, another living history experience that’s also worth a visit if you’re in the area. The medieval themed folk park is just 20 minutes away by car.
The open-air museum is also located just 20 minutes east of Ennis, the county town of Clare, known for its tradition of live music.
To experience one of Ireland’s most incredible natural wonders, skip the nearby towns and head straight to the Burren, a national park with otherworldly scenery.
