Explore Archaeology in County Clare

At Clare Museum, visitors are invited to get hands-on with archaeology through the process of excavation and object identification — bringing the thrill of archaeological discovery to life.

Visitors are first invited to explore the Museum’s two - floor exhibition of artefacts uncovered across County Clare, discovering crannógs and ringforts along with an impressive ecclesiastical history. Objects you will see include items from the Mooghaun Hoard, also known as the 'Great Clare Find'. Discovered in 1854, this hoard is considered on the greatest Bronze Age hoards of gold objects found north of the Alp mountain range. It features in the publication 'A History of Ireland in 100 Objects'.

Other objects on display include bog butter, leather shoes and metalwork typical of objects found during the Knocknalappa crannóg excavation. Knocknalappa, the manmade island located north of Sixmilebridge, is one of a series of crannógs on Rosroe lake. During excavation in the 1930s objects recovered include bronze rings, a bronze sunflower pin, amber beads and a bone knife. The site dated to the transition period, 500-300 BC, a time of increasing conflict in Ireland.

Once you've completed the exhibitions you are invited to experiment with some hands on archaeology, meet an archaeologist and find out more about how we work.

This is a drop in event suitable for all ages.