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Journey through time within the remarkable setting of Craggaunowen Castle and Crannog.

Nestled in the heart of County Clare, Craggaunowen Castle and Crannog offers an extraordinary journey through Ireland’s ancient history and heritage.

Craggaunowen offers a range of activies to upgrade your group's visit.

Contact craggaunowen@claretourismdev.ie for more details

Self-Guided Tour including access to Castle, Crannog, Ringfort, Brendan Boat Exhibition, Woodland, and Ogham Trail

The Self-Guided Tour at Craggaunowen offers visitors an immersive journey through Ireland's ancient and medieval history. Explore the 16th-century Craggaunowen Castle, where you can climb its winding staircases and take in breathtaking views from the battlements. Venture further to discover the Crannog, a reconstructed Bronze Age Lake dwelling that offers insight into the lives of early settlers. Continue on to the ancient Ringfort, a fortified dwelling that showcases early Irish defensive structures. The Brendan Boat Exhibition features a full-scale replica of the vessel used by St. Brendan; the legendary explorer believed to have sailed to North America long before Columbus.

Min./Max. Capacity: 1000 people
Duration: 2.5 hours

Private Guided Tour with costumed guide

The Private Guided Tour at Craggaunowen offers an exclusive and immersive experience led by a costumed guide who brings Ireland’s ancient and medieval history to life. Dressed in period attire, your guide will lead you through key landmarks, including Craggaunowen Castle, the Crannog, the Ringfort, the Brendan Boat exhibition, and the woodland.

This private tour offers a deeper connection to the history, myths, and traditions of Ireland, all enhanced by the engaging storytelling and expertise of your costumed guide. Perfect for groups or individuals seeking a more personalized and interactive exploration of Craggaunowen.

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 20 people
Duration: 1 hour

Blacksmith Demonstration

The Blacksmith Demonstration at Craggaunowen is a captivating experience that brings ancient crafts to life. Watch skilled artisans as they showcase traditional blacksmithing techniques, forging metal into functional and decorative items right before your eyes.

As you observe the blacksmith at work, you'll learn about the tools and methods used in this age-old craft, from heating iron in the forge to shaping it with hammer and anvil. The demonstration highlights not only the craftsmanship involved but also the historical significance of blacksmithing in early Irish society, where blacksmiths were regarded as vital community figures.

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 30 people
Duration: 20 minutes

*Included in admission price

Blacksmith Workshop with souvenir coin

The Blacksmith Workshop at Craggaunowen provides a fascinating glimpse into the traditional craft of metalworking as practiced in ancient Ireland. Here, skilled artisans demonstrate age-old techniques of forging and shaping metal, bringing history to life before your eyes.
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As a unique memento of your visit, you can receive a specially crafted souvenir coin, designed to commemorate your experience at the workshop. This coin serves as a tangible reminder of the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the past, making it a perfect keepsake for anyone who appreciates history and artisanal skills.

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 20 people
Duration: 45 minutes

Spinning & Weaving Demonstration

The Spinning and Weaving Demonstration at Craggaunowen provides a fascinating glimpse into traditional crafts that have been integral to Irish life for centuries. Led by Craggaunowen’s skilled weaving artisans, this interactive experience showcases the ancient techniques of spinning wool and weaving it into fabric..

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 30 people
Duration: 20 minutes

*Included in admission price

Spinning, Weaving and Natural Dyeing of Wool Workshop

The Spinning, Weaving, and Natural Dyeing of Wool Workshop at Craggaunowen invites participants to immerse themselves in the age-old crafts of textile creation. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of spinning wool into yarn using traditional spinning wheels. Experienced artisans will guide you through the process, demonstrating various techniques to transform raw fleece into beautifully spun thread.

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 20 people
Duration: 45 minutes

Ogham Writing Demonstration

The Ogham Writing Demonstration by one our talented artisans at Craggaunowen invites visitors to delve into the fascinating world of ancient Irish script. Ogham, a unique writing system used primarily during the early medieval period, consists of a series of straight lines and notches carved into stone.

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 30 people
Duration: 20 minutes

*Included in admission price

Ogham Writing Workshop

Skilled instructors will guide you through the fundamentals of Ogham writing, teaching you how to recognize the symbols and understand their meanings. You’ll have the opportunity to create your own Ogham inscriptions, using traditional tools and techniques, and gain insight into the cultural and historical context of this fascinating script.

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 20 people
Duration: 45 minutes

Medieval Drumming Workshop

The Medieval Drumming Workshop at Craggaunowen invites participants to step back in time and immerse themselves in the rhythmic world of medieval music. Led by skilled instructors, this interactive workshop explores traditional drumming techniques and instruments used during the medieval period.

Participants will learn about the historical significance of drumming in medieval society, from its role in celebrations and rituals to its use in battle. The workshop includes hands-on experience with various percussion instruments, such as frame drums, bodhráns, and hand drums, allowing attendees to create authentic medieval sounds.

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 20 people
Duration: 45 minutes

Tales in Irish Mythology

Visitors are invited to join our resident Crannog Chief, Stefan, as he delves into Irish Mythology and enthrals you with tales of Ireland that have been preserved in the oral tradition and later transcribed in the manuscripts of early Celtic Christianity.

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 20 people
Duration: 1 hour

Fulacht Fiadh Demonstration

Watch as history comes to life with the lighting of Craggaunowen's Fulacht Fiadh. Dating back to the Bronze Age, the Fulacht Fiadh is an ancient cooking site. The Fulacht Fiadh allows us to glimpse into history and see the resourcefulness and ingenuity of our ancestors.

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 30 people
Duration: 1 hour

Wattle and Daub Demonstration

The Wattle and Daub Demonstration at Craggaunowen provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient building techniques used by early Irish settlers. In this interactive experience, skilled artisans showcase the traditional method of constructing walls, while explaining its historical significance.

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 30 people
Duration: 20 minutes

*Included in admission price

Wattle and Daub Workshop

The Wattle and Daub Workshop at Craggaunowen invites visitors to experience the traditional craft techniques used in ancient Irish construction. In this hands-on workshop guided by knowledgeable instructors, participants can learn about the materials and methods that have been used for centuries to create sturdy, yet flexible, structures.

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 20 people
Duration: 45 minutes

Willow Weaving Demonstration

Experience the art of willow weaving in this engaging demonstration, where skilled artisans showcase the traditional techniques used to create beautiful and functional items from willow branches.

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 30 people
Duration: 20 minutes

*Included in admission price

Willow Weaving Workshop

The Willow Weaving Workshop at Craggaunowen offers a hands-on experience in the art of crafting with natural materials. Led by skilled artisans, this workshop introduces participants to the traditional techniques of willow weaving, a practice that dates back centuries.

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 15 people
Duration: 45 minutes

Art Classes in Craggaunowen Castle

Craggaunowen Castle offers a unique and inspiring setting for art classes, allowing participants to tap into their creativity while surrounded by the rich history of this 16th-century structure. These classes cater to various skill levels, from beginners to advanced artists.

Min./Max. Capacity: 5 - 20 people
Duration: 1.5 hours