Irish Archaeology

The Burren Centre gives the visitor an introduction to the visual delights and ancient mysteries which await to be discovered in this unspoiled corner of Ireland.

This walk through time will take you back through the aeons to a time when this area lay beneath a warm tropical sea.

Follow the story of the formation of the Burren's lunar landscape where man hunted bear, and wolves roamed the forests.

See how, thousands of years ago, man left his mark on the landscape in the form of Dolmens and burial chambers.

They still stand today, stone sentinels at the gates of our civilisation's history.

Take the journey with us, watch history unfold in front of your eyes, listen to the sounds and feel the atmosphere of thousands of years ago.

Caherconnell Stone Fort

'Caherconnell is a large and perfect fort 140-145 feet in external diameter, nearly circular in plan. It is 12 feet thick and from 6-14 feet high. The masonry consists of large blocks many 3feet long and 2ft. 6in.high.

The inner face is almost perfect.'
Archaeology of the Burren: Prehistoric Forts and Dolmens in North Clare - Thomas Johnson Westropp.

Caherconnell Stone Fort, situated 1km south of Poulnabrone dolmen in the heart of the Burren Ireland , offers you the opportunity to visit an exceptionally well - preserved example of the stone forts or stone ringforts, which are to be found in the Burren Ireland..

The fort is in its original state. Its position, overlooking virtually all-surrounding areas suggests a defensive settlement.

This may not have been defensive in a military sense, but rather for personal security from raiders or wild animals which were among the most common foes at the time.

Clew Bay Archaeological Trail

This site will take you through some historic and archaeological facts about the area.

Megalithic Ireland

The Megalithic Passage Tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth, Fourknocks, Loughcrew and Tara are located in the present day County of Meath on the east coast of Ireland.

The Boyne Valley Mounds at Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth were built around 3200BC making them older than Stonehenge in England and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Built by Neolithic farming communities about 5000 years ago, the passage tombs have clear astronomical alignments such as the Winter Solstice Sunrise at Newgrange and the Equinox Sunrise at Loughcrew.