New for 2012 – Discounts on school tours booked through the Michael Cusack Centre

The Michael Cusack Centre in Carron County Clare is promoting a new school tour programme for 2012 in conjunction with our fellow visitor centres of the Clare Archaeology Centre at Dysert O’Dea Castle, the Burren Centre in Kilfenora, Ailwee Cave & Birds of Prey and Cahercommaun Stone Fort. The discounted rates below are applicable to all tours booked through the Michael Cusack Centre. Other interesting attractions in the area include Poulnabrone Dolmen and Parknabinna Wedge Tomb (all free entry). Why not give us a call today and let us organise your school tour for you.

***Discount Price per child for school tours 2012***

Michael Cusack Centre
Tour option 1: €2.50 = Tour of the Michael Cusack Centre plus a nature scavenger hunt*

Tour option 2: €3.00 = Tour of the Michael Cusack Centre plus GAA activities at local GAA grounds*

* note: The nature scavenger hunt and GAA activities are weather permitting and will be substituted by a fun quiz when the weather is not conducive to outdoor activities.

Dysert O’Dea Castle & Archaeology Trail €2.50 - includes entry to the castle and archaeology trail

The Burren Centre Kilfenora €3.00 - includes entry to the exhibition and audio-visual

Caherconnell Stone fort €5.00 - includes entry to the stone fort and audio-visuals as well as an active demonstration of farming in the Burren

Ailwee Cave & Birds of Prey € 8.00 - includes tour of the caves and a visit to the birds of prey aviaries followed by a flying display

For further information & bookings please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be delighted to organise your entire school tour for you, at no additional cost.




The Clare Archaeology Centre at Dysert O’Dea Castle
A visit to Dysert O’Dea Castle and its surrounding 25 original Archaeological field monuments are a must see on any visit to Clare. The authentically restored 15th century castle, the stronghold of the O’Dea clan, houses the Clare Archaeology Centre which was opened in July 1986 and has been the recipient of numerous national awards. Dysert O’Dea Church, which stands on the site of an early Christian monastery, dates mainly from the 12th century. Its most famous feature is the Romanesque Doorway. Near the church’s north western corner stands the remains of a Round Tower. 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. Archaeology/History Trail features 25 sites all within a few kilometres radius of the castle. A guide is available at the souvenir shop. Guided trail tours by prior arrangement. Open daily from 10am – 6pm (1st May to 31st September).

The Burren Centre
Located in the picturesque village of Kilfenora, The story of the Burren is excitingly captured and impressively presented in “A Walk Through Time” multi-dimensional exhibition. Subliminal ambient aural effects suggest the geological formation of the landscape its flora and fauna. Beautifully displayed artifacts, original works of art, enthralling audio visual and interactive experiences together with dramatic life like reproductions of human activity all combine to provide an insight into the rich history and heritage of the Burren. Revealed to the visitor are the mysteries and complexities of this unique region through the Burren Centre experience. Our newly refurbished Centre was re-opened in September 2001 after an investment of one million pounds. Open daily from 9.30 – 5.30 (June – Aug) and 10.00- 5pm (Sep & Oct).

Caherconnell Stone FortCaherconnell 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 ring forts, which are to be found in the Burren Ireland.. Your visit to Caherconnell begins in the graphic display area here you will receive the background information on the forts and tombs of the Burren. The next stage in your journey is our renowned Audio visual presentation. This short presentation (just 13 minutes) provides you
with an insight into the history and archaeology of this unique locality. The audio-visual presentation revolves around the fort, its' people, history, archaeology, and flora. There is also a short history of other local monuments including the ancient megalithic tombs of Poulnabrone Dolmen and Poulawack Cairn. The graphic display area expands on these topics and also gives more detailed information on other monuments in the area from a similar perspective.
Opening hours are 10:30am to 5:00pm March, April and October. 10:00am to 5:30pm May, June and September & 10:00am to 6:30pm July and August.

Ailwee CaveIn the heart of the Burren, lies one of the oldest caves in Ireland. Located in the heart of the Burren in County Clare. Forty minutes from both Galway and Shannon. Perched high on its Burren terraced mountain side with what has to be one of the most spectacular views of Galway Bay. It is a must for all who find themselves in the area.
The Burren is a place full of wonder, beauty and discovery. Let the staff at Ailwee Cave welcome you to the dramatic underworld of this area. Expert guides will accompany and inform you during your leisurely tour. The tour consists of a 30 minute stroll through the beautiful caverns – over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the thunderous waterfall which sometimes gently sprays the unsuspecting visitor! Marvel at the frozen waterfall and explore the now extinct brown bears bones (ursos arctos).

Birds of Prey & Educational Centre
The Centre is set against the most stunning backdrops the Burren can offer – home to Eagles, Buzzards, Falcons, Hawks, Vulture and Owls from all over the globe. Open fronted aviaries provide an opportunity to see these amazing birds up close and personal. Daily flying displays provide a unique opportunity to see these magnificent birds in dramatic free flight and to learn about the ancient sport of falconry. Many visitors will get an opportunity to handle the birds during the shows. Flying displays are from 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with additional displays during the summer months. Flying displays are subject to weather conditions.