AWARD-WINNING PRE-HISTORIC 50 ACRE PARK
Craggaunowen is an award-winning pre-historic park where you can explore the roots of the Irish people - the homesteads, animals and artefacts of Ireland’s Celtic ancestors of over 1,000 years ago. Experience a past that has shaped who we are and how we live today.
Can you imagine what life was like for people in the Bronze Age? How did they adapt? At Craggaunowen, situated on 50 acres of wooded grounds, you will experience the resilience and fortitude of these early Bronze Age settlers. It is off the beaten track and will give you a real sense of stepping back in time.
Explore the Crannog – an artificial island dwelling defended by a hidden pathway in the water. Marvel at how the Celts fed large numbers of hunters while on hunting missions deep in the forest. These were skilled hunters who employed highly sophisticated cooking techniques involving a large pit, a length of rope and of course fresh meat!
Travel back in time to the life of the hunter-gatherer in the Ring Fort. You will see how the Celts carried out their every-day activities as they cooked over open fires or in pits; ground corn for making bread or for porridge on hand-powered querns; or made pottery, wooden bowls, goblets and platters.
Explore Craggaunowen Castle, the 16th century restored Medieval Castle built in 1550, standing defiantly on a crag overlooking the lake. Enjoy magnificent views of the countryside and observe rare and interesting animal breeds such as wild boar and soay sheep - specimens of the pre-historic era. Visit one of Ireland's earliest roadways or 'togher' dating to 148 BC. Exploring the Souterrain is fun - designed to store food but these were often a welcome escape route when under attack from the enemy ... a great place for hide and seek!
Location
Located off the R469 near Quin, Co. Clare, 16km (10 miles) from Bunratty.
GPS Co-ordinates 52.813261,-8.790522.
