heritage centres clare

The Burren Centre introduces you to the unique Burren District, with models, displays and an audio-visual reveal its complexities. Visitors can explore its geology and geography, learn about the rich diversity of Burren flora and fauna and the history of man in the landscape. The presentation is available in English, French, German, Italian, Dutch and Spanish.

The Burren centre located in the ancient Cathedral town of Kilfenora boasts one of the greatest concentrations of high cross...

Discover this scenic and old navigation location where the River Shannon flows out of Lough Derg. Christian antiquities grace the charming townland of Killaloe-Ballina. Imaginative exhibition....

Kilrush in Landlord Times tells the story of Kilrush, from its establishment as an Estate Town by the Vandeleur Landlords at the end of the 18th century. Features of the Exhibition include:

- The achievement of the Irish Landlord Class in building a unique urban environment, which can be experienced by you in Kilrush.

- The importance of the town's port during the Napoleonic Era.

- The disastrous impact of the Great Famine of 1847 on the people of Kilrush.
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Ireland's Shannon Region is full of thousands of monuments signalling thousands of years of heritage. From prehistoric times there are stone tombs, megalithic tombs as they are called, some of the most dramatic monuments you are likely to find anywhere in the world....

19th century harvest traditions brought to life at Bunratty Folk Park.
Harvest traditions from over 100 years ago will be brought to life at Bunratty Folk Park, when a traditional 19th century Harvest Day will be held by Shannon Heritage, the tourism subsidiary for Shannon Development. One of the highlights of the day will be the vintage threshing machine in the haggard at the Folk Park. Visitors can watch the crew of farmers at work, demonstrating the art of threshing, as they sepa...

This centre, housed in the oldest church in continuous use in Ireland and the UK, explains the history of the town and surrounding area. Holy Island, in Lough Derg, is an important early monastic settlement and the heritage centre operates boat trips daily to the island. Nature and heritage walks operate from the centre and at night it often hosts traditional concerts. This the oldest church in continuous use in Ireland, England, Scotland or Wales. The western portion with its magnificent trabea...

During the Bronze Age, people protected themselves against marauding warriors by building their homes on lakes.

"Crannog" or lake dwellings constructed from wattles, reeds and mud can be seen at Craggaunowen Castle. The Castle itself was restored by art historian John Hunt and now contains a part of his collection of medieval art.

The project also includes a Ring Fort, a true reproduction of a farmer’s house dating from the 4th or 5th century, an Iron Age roadway and an ou...

The award winning Heritage Museum is housed in what was once Saint Catherines Church, which was built in 1718 by a cousin of Queen Anne. Its main theme, "Ireland West 1800 - 1860" portrays a traumatic period of Irish history under such headings as "Land Tenure", "The Famine", "Emigration", "Education", "Irish Language and Music" and others. The circumstances that moulded the character of the people over 100 years ago are interpreted in an absorbing story.

The centre is also an appropr...