Caherconnell Stone Fort

About the museum

Caherconnell is a stone ringfort of more than 1,000 years of age in the heart of the Burren, on the R480 about a kilometre from Poulnabrone Dolmen. It is one of the best-preserved forts of the region and was lived in until the late sixteenth century. Archaeologists excavate it every year through the Caherconnell Archaeological Field School, and the finds so far include jewellery, glass from Venice, amber from the Baltic, parts of board games and musical instruments and the earliest pen found in the British Isles. These objects point to a wealthy and literate household.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the fort or explore it on their own. The fort visitor centre shows a 20-minute audio-visual presentation on the history, archaeology and flora of the Burren, with an animation of a day in the life of the fort family, and a short account of nearby monuments such as Poulnabrone and Poulawack. The centre also has a gift and craft shop and a café.

The site is part of a working farm that has been in the Davoren family for five generations. Daily sheepdog demonstrations with border collies are a separate ticketed attraction and take place against the backdrop of the fort.

Highlights

• Excavated stone fort of more than 1,000 years of age in the Burren
• Guided fort tours at fixed times, or self-guided
• Audio-visual presentation on the Burren and the fort
• Finds including Venetian glass, Baltic amber and the earliest pen found in the British Isles
• Sheepdog demonstrations (separate ticket)

Permanent exhibition

• Caherconnell Fort – A guided or self-guided visit to the excavated stone fort, with an audio-visual presentation on the Burren and an animation of a day in the life of the fort family.

Operated by

Davoren family

Admission & discounts

The standard prices above are for the fort visit including the visitor centre. Tickets can be booked in advance online, which guarantees entry.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site is described as fully wheelchair accessible. The car park beside the visitor centre is wheelchair accessible and has VIP parking for visitors with mobility issues; visitors needing assistance are asked to phone ahead.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Visitors can pet the sheepdogs after the demonstration and, when the lambs are small, hold a lamb.

Getting there & parking

Caherconnell is on the R480 in the Burren, about 1 km from Poulnabrone Dolmen.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Mountain Haven Café serves coffee, sandwiches and baking; gift and craft shop in the visitor centre; toilets on site. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit