Step Back in Time at Craggaunowen - A Living History Adventure in Clare

Looking for a day out that’s equal parts history, adventure, and stunning scenery? Craggaunowen, located in County Clare, is the perfect spot for those who love stepping back in time. This unique open-air museum brings Ireland’s ancient past to life, showcasing how our ancestors lived over 1,000 years ago.

Things to Do at Craggaunowen

1. Explore the Crannóg – A Lake-Dwelling from the Past

Ever wondered what it was like to live in Ireland during the early medieval period? The crannóg at Craggaunowen is a meticulously reconstructed lake dwelling, just as our ancestors would have built centuries ago. Walk across the wooden causeway and step inside to see how people cooked, crafted, and survived in these remarkable homes.

2. Meet the Iron Age Roadway (Togher)

One of the most fascinating discoveries in Ireland’s boglands has been ancient roadways, known as "toghers." Craggaunowen features a replica of these wooden pathways, giving you a chance to walk in the footsteps of Ireland’s earliest travelers.

3. Visit the Ringfort

Get a close-up look at how wealthy farmers lived over a thousand years ago. This ringfort is an impressive reconstruction, complete with thatched-roof dwellings, farm animals, and costumed interpreters who bring the past to life. Kids especially love watching traditional crafts and seeing how people worked with nature to build their homes.

4. Discover the Brendan Boat

One of Craggaunowen’s most exciting exhibits is the Brendan Boat—a replica of the leather-hulled vessel that explorer Tim Severin used in 1976 to prove that Irish monks could have sailed to North America long before Columbus. It's a story of adventure and seafaring bravery!

5. Marvel at the Fulachta Fiadh – Ancient Cooking Methods

See how Bronze Age people cooked their meals using heated stones and water-filled troughs. These ancient cooking pits, called fulachta fiadh, are one of the most common archaeological sites in Ireland, and Craggaunowen offers a hands-on demonstration of how they worked.

6. Explore the 16th-Century Craggaunowen Castle

Standing proudly on the site is Craggaunowen Castle, a stunning tower house built in the 1500s. Climb the spiral staircase for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and imagine life as an Irish noble in the Tudor period.

7. Wander Through the Woodland Trails

For nature lovers, Craggaunowen isn’t just about history—it’s also a fantastic place for a walk. The site’s woodland trails wind through greenery, offering peaceful moments to soak in the beauty of Clare’s landscape. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer and rare bird species.

8. Meet the Animals

Adding to the charm, Craggaunowen is home to some traditional Irish farm animals, including wild boars and ancient breeds of sheep. Kids love seeing these creatures up close, making it a great family-friendly activity.

Essential Information for Visiting Craggaunowen

• Location: Craggaunowen is located near Quin, County Clare, about a 20-minute drive from Ennis.

• Opening Hours: The site is typically open from April to September. Be sure to check the official Craggaunowen website for exact dates and times.

• Admission Prices:

  • Adults: €10

  • Seniors & Students: €8.50

  • Children (5-16 years): €6

  • Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): €25

Why You Should Visit Craggaunowen

Craggaunowen offers a truly unique experience where history comes alive. It’s one thing to read about Ireland’s past, but quite another to walk through a crannóg, see a working ringfort, and stand beside the legendary Brendan Boat.

So, if you're ready to step back in time and experience Ireland as it was centuries ago, Craggaunowen awaits!