Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre
Interactive heritage centre in Granard on Norman Ireland, with costumes, a recreated Norman home and Kitty Kiernan’s drawing room.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Knights and Conquests is a heritage centre on Dublin Street in Granard, County Longford, beside the great Norman motte of the town. The motte, said to be the tallest in Ireland, was built in 1199 by Richard Tuite, an Anglo-Irish nobleman, and was once one of the largest motte-and-bailey settlements in the country. A statue of Saint Patrick has stood on top since 1932.
The centre introduces the Norman period through storytelling, costumes and interactive exhibits. Visitors meet figures of the age such as Henry II, King Rory O’Connor and Pope Adrian IV, enter a recreated Norman home, learn about weapons from a Norman knight, look up their Norman name and dig for artefacts in a room styled as a crime-scene investigation.
The final section is the drawing room of Kitty Kiernan, with an audiovisual presentation on Granard’s part in the 1798 Rebellion, Kitty’s relationship with Michael Collins during the War of Independence, and life in the town in the 1920s and the Civil War.
Highlights
- Hands-on exhibition on Norman Ireland
- Recreated Norman home and dress-up costumes
- “Norman CSI” dig for artefacts
- Kitty Kiernan’s drawing room and the story of Michael Collins
- Granard Motte next door
Permanent exhibitions
- Norman Ireland – Interactive rooms with costumes, a recreated Norman home, a knight explaining Norman weapons and a dig for artefacts introduce the Norman conquest of Ireland.
- Kitty Kiernan’s drawing room – An audiovisual presentation about Granard in the 1798 Rebellion, Kitty Kiernan and Michael Collins, and the town in the 1920s.
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- 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 exhibition is indoors and wheelchair accessible. The climb up the neighbouring motte is separate and needs checking with the centre.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
Children can dress in Norman-style costumes, receive a Norman identity and role for the visit, and take part in quizzes and learning activities.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free car parking.
Amenities & dining
- Café
The Bailey Café serves tea, coffee and baked treats.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visits begin with a guided introduction by heritage guides, followed by a self-guided journey through the exhibition. Allow one to two hours. Educational interactive tours can be booked online. |
