craggaunowen the living past

Visitors to Craggaunownen will encounter the past being brought dramatically to life. Walking into the wattle and daub houses on the Crannog, an artificial lake island, you will experience life during the Bronze Age. You may be met by "Caomhan the Celt" as he endeavours to protect his lake swelling and livestock from his enemies.

At the ringfort, the residence of a 5th century farmer, you will be shown around by his wife 'Beimheann', who is very house proud. As well as showing you her skill at weaving, she is so pleased with her latest acquisition - the Southerrain, (an early refrigerator), that you are bound to be invited to have a look at it.

A unique exhibit is the 'Brendan' boat. This is the leather currach in which the renowned explorer Tim Severin sailed from Ireland to America, re-enacting the voyage of Saint Brendan the Navigator.

Craggaunownen also has in its care one of Ireland's oldest dugout canoes and an original wooden roadway of the Celtic Iron Age. Displayed around the grounds are ancient animals. Bronze Age Sheep, Iron Age Chickens, Wild Boar, and Kerry Cattle are just some of the species found in the reconstructed pens and field systems.