Welcome to Craggaunowen

Castle & Crannog

At Craggaunowen, history is hands-on. Experience how early settlers lived, worked, and survived: explore underground souterrains, Fulacht Fiadh cooking sites, and crannog roundhouses. Discover legendary voyages at the Brendan Boat, meticulously recreated by Tim Severin to retrace the Atlantic journey of St Brendan the Navigator.

For families, the Enchanted Folklore Trail adds magic and adventure, combining hidden clues, mythical creatures, and Irish folklore into an engaging woodland quest.

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Craggaunowen Castle

Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Craggaunowen Castle carries with it a rich history that spans centuries.

Built around 1550 by John MacSioda MacNamara, a descendant of Sioda MacNamara, the founder of the nearby Knappogue Castle, Craggaunowen was once a stronghold of power and pride. Its sister castle, Knappogue, was built in 1467 and stands just a few miles away, a silent witness to the legacy of the MacNamara family.

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From Restoration and Revival

Living Past Experience

Can you imagine what life was like for people in the Bronze Age? How did they adapt? At Craggaunowen you will experience the resilience and fortitude of these early Bronze Age settlers. View Living Past Experience

Crannog - Lake Dwelling

Ring Fort

The Souterrain

Fulacht Fiadh

Education

School Tours at Craggaunowen

Come and explore the origins of the people, dwellings, animals, and artefacts of our Celtic ancestors.

Can you imagine what life was like for people during the Bronze Age? At Craggaunowen, your class will have the opportunity to experience the resilience and determination of the early Bronze Age settlers. Students will be transported through time to witness how the people of Ireland lived in this remarkable and distinctive setting.

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Unveil the Magic

Embark on a whimsical adventure at the Enchanted Craggaunowen Folklore Trail, where stories come alive and history unfolds. Discover the magic of Ireland's past as you wander through ancient landscapes and listen to tales of mythical creatures and heroic deeds.

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Craggaunowen's Folklore Trail

News & Events

May 2025 Craggaunowen Under Siege This Bank Holiday Weekend Craggaunowen will echo to the sound of clashing steel this May Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday, 3 May, and Sunday, 4 May) a... Full Story

April 2025 Easter celebration on the double at Bunratty and Craggaunowen More than 15,000 people are expected to pass through the gates of Craggaunowen and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park this Ea... Full Story

September 2024 Craggaunowen marks close of tourist season with 50th anniversary celebration The 50th anniversary of Craggaunowen was marked on Friday when past and present members of staff gathered at the County Cl... Full Story

August 2024 Craggaunowen Welcomes Riddett Family Craggaunowen Castle & Crannóg were delighted to welcome the Riddett Family as part of the Great Aviva Road Trip Full Story

August 2024 The Great Aviva Roadtrip 2024 Craggaunowen to welcome Riddett Family Full Story

June 2023 Viking Festival at Craggaunowen - July 30th & 31st Craggaunowen is delighted to welcome back the Fingal Living History group to this idyllic corner of County Clare as they s... Full Story

May 2023 Viking Invasion At Craggaunowen Craggaunowen will be transformed into a Viking village this May 27th and 28th as the sights and sounds of the ‘Norsemen’ d... Full Story

Plan Your Visit

Shannon International Airport is on our doorstep with scheduled services from North America, Europe & the UK on a daily basis with all the main international carriers

Getting Here