The Bunratty Entertainers performing at Craggaunowen. Photo Paul Corey.
CRAGGAUNOWEN recorded a 27 percent increase in visitor numbers this year.
Fiftieth anniversary celebrations of Craggaunowen were marked on Friday when past and present members of staff gathered at the visitor attraction.
The anniversary celebration was also attended by Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF), Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Clare Tourism representatives, members of the local community, and Patricia Hunt and John Logan who is the outgoing Chair of the Hunt Museums Trust.
Established by John Hunt of The Hunt Collection in 1974, the open-air museum features a 16th-century castle and a reconstructed crannóg showing how Celts lived, worked, and defended themselves. The Brendan Boat, built in Crosshaven for explorer Tim Severin who successfully completed a 4,500-mile transatlantic crossing in 1976/77, also is on permanent display at Craggaunowen.
Craggaunowen has undergone significant investment since last year’s transfer of management of the site to Clare County Council, which has contributed to a 27% increase in visitor numbers in 2024 compared to the 2023 tourist season.
Pauline Lenihan, Manager of Craggaunowen commented, “The event marking our 50th anniversary was an enjoyable and emotional occasion for everyone who attended, particularly the local community which has played a key role in the development of Craggaunowen. Everyone connected with the attraction is rightly proud of what has been achieved here over the past half a century”.
She continued, “As we reach the end of the 2024 season at Craggaunowen, we are excited about future plans to further enhance the visitor experience at the site as such investment will encourage more tourists to come and explore the roots of the people, homesteads, animals and artifacts of our Celtic ancestors of over 1,000 years ago which have touched and shaped how we live today”.
According to Stephen Hanley, General Manager of Clare Tourism East, “Throughout the 2000s, Craggaunowen, the once iconic bronze age heritage park was in decline. Its appeal, once captivating domestic and international visitors, was waning and it was apparent significant investment was required in order to save the attraction. Recognising the need for investment, Clare County Council assumed ownership of the site in 2023, and a comprehensive overhaul commenced”.
Works completed during 2024 include the replacement of palisade fencing surrounding the ringfort, essential upgrade works to the castle including upgrades to heating and electrics, the installation of a new photographic exhibition in the castle showcasing the creation and development of the site, the launch of a new Folklore Trail, and a refresh of the Brendan Boat exhibition with new Audio Visual, signage and photography. The park’s animation team also has been doubled to include a range of artisan craftspeople including the addition of a blacksmith, woodworker, willow weaver and medieval musician.
Upgrades of the woven huts, crannógs, public carpark, fencing, pathways and the bridge connecting the site to the crannógs are planned for 2025 along with the installation of a new playground.
“Craggaunowen is an important landmark on the Clare tourism landscape, and it is a key contributor to the local economy,” explained Mr. Hanley. “With the support of the Hunt Museum Trust and the Elected Members of Clare County Council, we are committed to continuing our programme of investment in one of Ireland’s most important and best known archaeological open-air museums. By combining historical immersion, engaging interactions, and a serene natural setting, we aim to make every visit to Craggaunowen a truly unforgettable experience”.
