Craggaunowen - Weekend Fun!

Morning,

Recently we visited Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and had such a great time we decided to venture to Craggaunowen in Quin, Co Clare. I think I remember being on a school tour to Craggaunowen many moons ago so I was dying to check it out again and I was sure the whole family would enjoy it.

Craggaunowen is a reconstruction of a Bronze Age site with prehistoric lake dwellings called Crannogs, early Christain ring fort, Iron Age roadway and a replica of the Brendan Boat which is a sixth century vessel. There is also a restored 16th century tower house.

As you make your way around the various attractions there are people acting out what life was like in this era. They show the crowds how they cooked, what they ate, how they made clothes and the weapons they used. This was a lovely bonus and captured my 3 years old attention. It was very informative and done in an interesting manner. They invite people and children to participate.

There is a forest walk around Craggaunowen so bring the willies! We forgot ours and got a bit on the mucky side acting like Peppa Pig!  There are loads of rocks to jump off in the forest which is how my three year old would spend her day if we let her! :-)

There is also a castle to explore which was built in 1550. If you are lucky you will spot some Soay Sheep and wild boar which are all specimens of the prehistoric era.  Craggaunowen has a great tea room and picnic area to enjoy. It is open daily from 10am to 5pm during the summer. A family ticket will set you back a modest €21.50. A great price for a great day out!

Give it a go and let me know what you think!?

Don't forget to follow us on facebook @ Countryside Mumsie Blog and also Instagram @ countryside_mumsie

Orla & Kerri Xx

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Hey Everyone,

For a family day out recently we went to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. My girls are big into princesses at the moment, from dressing up to role plays so you can imagine their excitement when we told them we were going to a princess castle!?! Now we didn't actually see a princess but we did get to walk around the castle, see her bedroom, her banquet hall, her tower and even her dungeon! After the castle tour we walked around the folk park.

 We enjoyed looking at a reconstructed village of Irish life over a century ago. There are many fun attractions to go see including an old school house, doctors surgery, post office and Irish cottages. What added to the enjoyment was the costumed characters that bring the village to life such as the constable. There are animals for the children to enjoy including two Irish Wolfhounds which love being rubbed and having their photos taken. There is also a great playground with swings, climbing frames in the shape of castles and boats, zip line and sand, every child's dream!

 I used my Toddler Tula to carry my youngest (17 months) as the winding staircases would have been too hard to keep her safe on if she walked herself. My 3 year old enjoyed walking herself and was safe doing so with her dad minding her. I would recommend leaving the buggy behind and bringing a baby carrier so momma and baby can thoroughly enjoy the experience.

There are other family days out that are under the Shannon Heritage umbrella which I really want to try visit with my family. You can purchase a one year membership ticket to all the Shannon Heritage attractions. You can use them as much as you want for the year. I think this is fantastic. The attractions you can visit on this membership include Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, King John Castle, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle and Gardens, Dunguire Castle, Brian Boru Heritage Centre.

To purchase this membership click on http://www.shannonheritage.com/Membership/PublicMembership/

Click on this link for Bunratty Castles latest news and updates 
https://m.facebook.com/bunrattycastlefolkpark

My next Shannon Heritage day out will be Craggaunowen, we are looking forward to it already!

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook @Countryside Mumsie Blog and Instagram@ Countryside_mumsie

Enjoy your weekend!

Orla & Kerri xx