Craggaunowen, Open-air museum in County Clare, Ireland.
Description
Craggaunowen is an open-air museum in County Clare displaying reconstructed settlements from the Bronze Age and Iron Age. An artificial island holds a recreated crannog settlement, while an ancient ring fort also stands within the grounds.
History
A landowner built a castle here around 1550, though it eventually fell into disrepair. In 1821, a new owner acquired it and began restoring it as a summer residence before later transforming it into a museum of ancient Irish ways.
Culture
The name comes from Irish and means 'field of stones'. Visitors can see how people lived here in earlier times through reconstructed homes and standing stones that tell stories of daily life.
Practical
The site is open from spring through fall and offers guided tours for groups by advance arrangement. Allow time for a leisurely walk through different areas and wear sturdy footwear since paths cross natural terrain.
Did you know?
The site preserves the Brendan Boat, a leather-hulled vessel that an adventurer actually sailed across the Atlantic to prove that Irish seafarers could reach far lands over 1500 years ago. This real ship demonstrates how ancient navigation techniques actually worked.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (County Clare).
Bunratty Castle
12.9 km
Dromoland Castle
8.1 km
Knappogue Castle
3.2 km
Shannon Free Zone
13.8 km
Quin Abbey
4.6 km
Ballyhannon Castle
7.7 km
Ennis Friary
13.1 km
Ennis Cathedral
13.1 km
Mooghaun
6.5 km
Clare Abbey
11.8 km
Drumcliff Church and Round Tower
15 km
Craggaunowen Castle
145 m
Clare Museum
13 km
Ballycar Castle
7.5 km
Ennis Courthouse
13.1 km
Ballymarkahan Castle
2.9 km
Magh Adhair
4 km
St Columba's Church, Ennis
13.4 km
Inchicronan Priory
14 km
Moghane Hillfort
7.2 km
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
13 km
Bunratty Bridge
12.9 km
O'Connell Monument
13.1 km
St Mary's Franciscan Church
13 km
D'Esterres' Bridge
10.8 km
St Mary's and St Finaghta's Church
7.9 km
Latoon Bridge
8.7 km
Quin Bridge
4.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes