Dysert O'Dea Castle
The Clare Archaeology Centre
Welcome
Welcome to the Clare Archaeology Centre. Allow us to provide an overview of what's on offer, and illustrate why a visit to Dysert O’Dea Castle—and the surrounding 25 original archaeological field monuments are a must-see on any visit to County Clare.
The Castle
The authentically restored 15th century Dysert O’Dea castle was the stronghold of the O’Dea clan. It is now home to The Clare Archaeology Centre, opened in July 1986, and has been the recipient of numerous national awards.
The Castle was built in 1480 by Diarmuid O’Dea, Lord of Cineal Fearmaic. The uppermost floors and staircase were badly damaged by the Cromwellians in 1651. Repaired and re-opened in 1986, the castle houses an extensive museum, an audio-visual presentation, and various exhibitions.
The old castle contains ten rooms over four floors, housing a wide selection of facilities for our visitors.
Facilities
The centre is a restored 15th century Gaelic Tower House. It includes an extensive Museum, Book Shop, Tea Room, Toilets, Car Park, an Audiovisual Presentation (in both English and German), Exhibition Rooms (varied), and an exciting Wall Walk at top of the castle.
Also on-site are 25 other monuments which you can explore at your leisure by choosing either of two walking trails.
Parking
Free car/coach Parking & Toilets
Relax
at our Tea Rooms and Book Shop
Chapel
Visit the Chapel
History Room
Covering 1700AD to 2000AD
Museum
Local artefacts, 1000BC - 1700AD
Audio
Visual presentation: Local Archaeology
Medieval
Masons' & Carpenters' Workshops
Walking Routes
Walks to visit surrounding monuments
The centre is a restored 15th century Gaelic Tower House. It includes an extensive Museum, Book Shop, Tea Room, toilets, car park, an Audiovisual Presentation (in both English and German), exhibition rooms (varied), and an exciting Wall Walk at top of the castle.
Also on-site are 25 other monuments which you can explore at your leisure by choosing either of two walking trails.
The Church
Dysert O’Dea Church dates mainly from the 12th century and stands on the site of an early Christian monastery.
Its most famous feature is the Romanesque Doorway. One of the more prominent features of the church is the remains of the Round Tower, standing on the building’s north-west corner. The High Cross, west of the church, dates from 12th century and is one of the finest examples of its kind in Ireland.
Archaeology Trail
Surrounding the castle is the Dysert O’Dea Archaeology Trail (4km) containing 25 original field monuments. The trail can be walked or driven, and is open all year round. A guide is available at the Souvenir Shop.
The monuments span dates from 1000BC to 1850AD, including two Romanesque Churches, the famous 12th Century Illuminated Doorway and High Cross of Dysert O’Dea, two 15th Century Tower Houses, 1st Millennium Stone and Earthen Forts, Holy Wells, Fulachta Fiadh (ancient cooking places), Proselytising Schools, Landlords’ Houses, medieval roads, and more. These are shown and explained on the Guide and Map available at the Castle.
Walking Trails
There are two walking trails around the various monuments:
Short (300m)
This walk encompasses:
- Illuminated High Cross (12th Century)
- Abbey Ruins with elaborate Romanesque Doorway (12th Century)
- Round Tower (12th Century)
- Sacred Well
- Medieval Graveyard
Long (5km)
This walk encompasses:
- Rath Castle (15th Century, ruins)
- Rath Bláthmhaic (Medieval Earthen Fort)
- Cathair Mhic Gormáin (Medieval Stone Fort)
- Cathair Mhic Eoghain (Medieval Stone Fort)
- St. Tola's Well
- Proselytising School (ruined 1823)
The High Cross
The High Cross, situated east of the church, dates from the 12th century and is one of the finest examples of its kind in Ireland.
The Archaeology/History Trail features 25 sites, all within a few kilometres' radius of the castle. A guide is available at the souvenir shop.
Admission & Opening Hours
| Admission Fees | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | €5 | ||
| Child | €3 | ||
| Family (2 Adults & up to 3 Children) | €15 | ||
| Students / Senior Citizens | €3 | ||
| Concession | €3 | ||
| Groups | €5 (each) | ||
| Opening Hours (May-Aug) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10am–5pm | ||
| Tuesday | 10am–5pm | ||
| Wednesday | 10am–5pm | ||
| Thursday | 10am–5pm | ||
| Friday | 10am–5pm | ||
| Weekends | 10am–5pm | ||
Latest News
We are temporarily closed for the time being. Please email us for enquiries and check here for status updates.
Visitor Reviews
Local Amenities
Contact Us
International Tel: +353 65 683 7401
National Tel: 065 683 7401
E-mail: info@dysertcastle.ie
Dysert O’Dea Castle & Clare Archaeology Centre,
Corofin,
County Clare,
V95 A294,
Ireland
For general information, or details of tours from October to April, contact us on the email address above, or on the following telephone number:
International Tel: +353 87 604 1599
National Tel: 087 604 1599
How to find us
Located at the gateway to the Burren Region, 5 kms south of Corofin, and 11 kms north of Ennis.
If approaching from Ennis (N85) take a right for Corofin (R476). After 6 kms (4 miles) take a left at a crossroads. As you travel down this road, follow the signposts to take a right to bring you to the centre.
Free Coach and Car parking on the grounds.
