Craggaunowen Castle & Crannóg — Attraction in County Clare

It had been 30 years or so since my last visit but it is a rare spot that is even better than my memory of it. A beautiful castle, with ladies inside with wool and examples of the naturally dyed fibres and stories to tell. A great view from above the top of the tower also! The crannog is beautiful, and there are chickens wandering about. Other forms of agriculture from the period are also seen, with a very particular breed of sheep, some donkeys and miniature ponies, and also wild boar roaming (penned into a very large area though). There is historical information about all of these dotted around, but we were regaled with information by the blacksmith who was hugely entertaining while also imparting a huge amount of historical information to us about archery, weapons, fibers, and the implements used in these. We could have stayed all day to listen if we didn't have other engagements. And of course Tim Severins Brendan boat. A marvel created to show that the story of St Brendan, wild as it was, was entirely possible even with the primitive tools they had then. The looped walk is beautiful and there are lots of fairy houses around for children to visit, and art and recreations hiding among the trees with plenty of information panels and the fairy trail to entertain all, along with the chance to meet a roaming chicken at any moment. High recommendation for this, and I will return much...

The leisurely pace, everybody slowed down and quietened down a bit, the lack of commercials, the authenticity, the wealth of knowledge shown by those working there, no pushing or gimmickry. I have been coming here for years. My daughter loved it. The colours and textures from the natural dyes and materials used calm the spirit. Also the lack of 'safety obsessiveness'. The simplicity combined with real knowledge. If u think the admission price is too steep you can always park your bike further up the road and get in through the fields with a little wall climbing...nice wall...real wall...not concrete block or Styrofoam wall...but be sure to at least have some tea and scones in thanks. Now there's a quibble, the scones were not fresh and would have been lovely to have had bread and scones baked on the open hearth fire. Would be fantastic if it could be connected up with cullaun woods across the road....a free alternative for those less inclined to pay. My only other Concern was the lack of any language other than English on the signage, this really did lack authenticity given that irish/ gaelic would have been the spoken tongue for the greater part of the time frame covered. Finally, the place does need investment: rotten timber in spots etc. The Hunt family have given great gifts to the...

We brought our 4 kids here on their viking special day. It was fabulous. There was enactments of viking battles with actors which was very good and very interactice with the crowd and kids. There were interactive stalls set up showing vikinv crafts and stalls with their tools/gear/weapons. There were some medieval sporting activities. The castle itself is well maintained, can go in for a look right up to the top. The crannog's were fabulous, lots of viking activities around them and chickens. We had a fabulous day. Weather was dry. The parking was well managed. There was no food though, it was a long day. There was a limited supply of premade sandwiches and scones in the cafe but my 4 kids wouldn't eat any of the types available, glad I had brought sandwiches and fruit and drinks for them. We had a little picnic as we watched the Viking show. We did purchase an ice lolly for them and crisps. Tea and coffee available at the small cafe at the entrance also. Toilets also very clean at the reception. The kids really enjoyed the day, lots to take in and see..castle, crannog's, viking activities, a good bit of walking. I had the buggy for the two younger ones and to carry bags. I will definitely go back to their next viking...