Clare

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

    

Bunratty Castle

Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in ireland which was built in 1425 and restored in 1954. Now, it contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishing tapestries and works of art which capture the mood of those times.

Today the castle stands peacefully in delightful grounds. The houses and cottages of the folk park spread out at the foot of its massive walls much in the way that the cottages and crofts of old would have clustered around its base. We invite you to wander through the castle and marvel at the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country which brings to life a vital part of our Medieval past.

Bunratty Folk Park

Within the grounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century life is vividly recreated. Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting.  Meet and chat with the Bean an Ti (Woman of the House) and various street characters including the Policeman and Schoolteacher who give the site its sparkle during the summer months.  Enjoy the tastes, scents, sights and sounds of this enchanting place as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and of course the pub! It’s a wonderful experience for adults and children alike with something for everyone to enjoy!

Further info:

Address: Bunratty Village, Co Clare

Phone: 061711200

Email: reservations@shannonheritage.com 

Web: www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/BunrattyCastleFolkPark/BunrattyCastle/

Craggaunowen- ‘The Living Past Experience’

    

Craggaunowen-The Living Past Experience is Ireland’s original award winning Pre-Historic Park. Situated on 50 acres of wooded grounds, the Park interprets Ireland’s pre-historic and early Christian eras. It features a stunning recreation of some of the homesteads, animals and artefacts which existed in Ireland during those time periods. Visitors can, for example, see a replica of a Crannóg (Lake Dwelling), Ring Fort, an Iron Age Roadway, and an outdoor cooking site. A major feature is the ‘Brendan Boat’ built by Tim Severin who sailed from Ireland to Newfoundland, re-enacting the voyage of St. Brendan, reputed to have discovered America centuries before Columbus. Visit Craggaunowen Castle built in 1550 standing defiantly on a crag overlooking the lake. See rare animal breeds such as Soay sheep and wild boar – specimens of the pre-historic era.

Further info:

Address: Kilmurry, near Quin, Co. Clare

Phone: 061-360 788

Email: reservations@shannonheritage.com

website: http://www.shannonheritage.com

Poulnabrone Dolmen

   

Poulnabrone Dolmen is just 1 km North of Caherconnell Stone Fort.

The dolmen is among the most famous landmarks in the Burren. The remarkable image of the sun setting through the Dolmen is one of those most commonly associated with the area. The Dolmen is surronded by the characteristic Burren limestone pavement where a patient visitor may find examples of the famous burren flora. The dolmen itself is located a short walk from the road approximatly one hundred meters and is just 1 kilometer north of Cahreconnell.

If you visit Caherconnell you will have the opportunity to learn something of the people who built this magnificent structure and to learn about the other less frequently visited but no less remarkable sites the Burren. Poulnabrone Dolmen excavated in 1986 by Dr Anne Lynch of Duchas among the discoveries were the remains of 16-22 adults and 6 children.

Further info:

Address: Poulnabrone, The Burren, Co Clare

Phone: 065 7089 999

Email:  info@burrenforts.ie 

Web: www.burrenforts.ie

Doolin Cave

  

Doolin Cave is one of Europe’s most compelling cave attractions. It is a truly authentic experience. ‘The Great Stalactite’ It is your only opportunity to see such a large free hanging stalactite anywhere in the world.

From the moment you descend over 80ft into the first tunnel, with your guide, you will enter a world carved by water. Donning your hardhat, you will follow the rough-hewn route of the early explorers who first discovered the cave. When you enter the stunning, cathedral-like dome that houses the huge stalactite, you will be briefly plunged into a world of primitive darkness. Then, in a flash, you will be awed as the subtly-lit stalactite appears before you. And, far below, a magical stream carries to the hills outside, the water that carved the primeval world around you.

The cave tour takes approximately one hour. Environmental protection measures require that we limit the numbers per tour to 20 people.
If you have the spirit of an explorer within, then you will really enjoy the experience of visiting one of the great geological wonders of the world. The Great Stalactite, at The Doolin Cave.

Further info:

Address: Roadford, Doolin, Co Clare

Phone: 065 7075 761

Email: info@doolincave.ie 

Web: www.doolincave.ie