About
Craggaunowen, also known as The Living Past, is an open-air archaeological park in County Clare, Ireland. It lies near Sixmilebridge at Kilmurry, and it offers a hands-on way to see how people in Ireland lived across many centuries.
What you will see
The park is built around reconstructions of ancient Irish dwellings. Visitors can walk among crannogs, the artificial island settlements once common on Irish lakes, as well as ring forts and Celtic settlements. The replicas are designed to be authentic, so the site gives a sense of scale and daily life that is hard to get from a museum case alone.
A journey through time
The park's displays cover Ireland's heritage from the Stone Age through to medieval times. Moving from one structure to the next, you can trace how building methods and ways of living changed over thousands of years. Historical demonstrations add a further layer, bringing the reconstructions to life rather than leaving them as static models.
Is it worth a visit?
Craggaunowen suits anyone curious about Irish history, families with children, and visitors who prefer to explore outdoors. It works well as a half-day outing, especially if you are already travelling through the Shannon area of County Clare. Because it is an outdoor site, dress for the weather, and allow time to wander at your own pace between the dwellings.
Getting in touch
For current details before you travel, you can call the park on +353 61 367178. The address is Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, V95 KH29, Ireland.
