Location: The Burren Map
Inhabited: 500- 1500 AD
Official site
Caherconnell Archeological Field School
Tel. 065-708 9999
Open: mid- March- Oct
Mon-Sun: 10am -5:30pm
Mon-Sun: 10am-6:30pm (Jul-Aug)
Adult: € 6
Student/OAP: € 5
Child: € 4
Family: € 16
Caherconnell Stone Fort, located in the heart of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland, is an exceptionally well-preserved medieval stone ringfort, known in Irish as Cathair Chonaill ("Conall’s stone ringfort"). Situated approximately 1 km south of the iconic Poulnabrone Dolmen, this privately owned heritage site is a testament to Ireland’s early medieval history, offering insights into the lives of its inhabitants from the 10th to the 17th centuries. Set against the dramatic karst limestone landscape of the Burren, a UNESCO Global Geopark, Caherconnell is not only a significant archaeological site but also a vibrant visitor attraction, featuring guided tours, sheepdog demonstrations, and an archaeological field school.
Caherconnell Stone Fort is a cashel, a type of stone ringfort common
in Ireland, particularly in the Burren, where over 900 such structures
have been recorded. Ringforts were enclosed settlements, typically used
as farmsteads or defensive residences by Gaelic Irish families or clans
from the late Iron Age to the early medieval period (c. 400–1200 CE).
Caherconnell, however, stands out due to its size, preservation, and
evidence of prolonged occupation into the late medieval period.
Construction and Initial Occupation (10th–13th Century): Radiocarbon
dating from a 2007 excavation indicates that Caherconnell was primarily
constructed and occupied from the early 10th to mid-12th century, with
continued use into the early 13th century. It is believed to have been
controlled by the Uí Lochlainn (Ó Lochlainn) clan, a prominent Gaelic
family in the Burren. The fort’s imposing size and strategic location,
overlooking surrounding areas, suggest it served as a high-status
settlement, possibly for a local chieftain or elite family. Its
defensive design protected against raiders or wild animals, though not
necessarily in a military sense.
Possible Abandonment and
Reoccupation (14th–17th Century): There is uncertainty about whether the
fort was continuously inhabited or temporarily abandoned in the 14th
century. Archaeological evidence confirms reoccupation from the early
15th to mid-17th century, a period when the Burren remained culturally
Gaelic, largely unaffected by Anglo-Norman influences. This prolonged
use is unusual for ringforts, which typically fell out of favor by the
high medieval period. The fort’s later structures, such as the
rectangular “Structure A,” date to this second phase of occupation.
Historical Significance: Caherconnell’s longevity reflects the Burren’s
relative isolation from Anglo-Norman conquest, allowing Gaelic
traditions and architecture to persist. The fort’s artifacts, including
high-status items like Venetian glass and Baltic amber, indicate trade
connections and cultural sophistication, challenging stereotypes of
ringforts as simple farmsteads. The discovery of human remains from the
15th–16th centuries, possibly linked to violence or ritual, adds a layer
of mystery to its later history.
Modern Era: The fort is owned by the
Davoren family, who have farmed the land for five generations using
traditional Burren methods, such as winterage (seasonal grazing on
upland limestone pastures). Since the late 20th century, the Davorens
have developed Caherconnell as a tourist attraction, adding a visitor
center and hosting archaeological excavations. Since 2010, the site has
been home to the Caherconnell Archaeological Field School (CAFS),
accredited by the National University of Ireland, Galway, making it a
hub for international research and education.
Caherconnell Stone Fort is one of the largest and best-preserved
ringforts in the Burren, distinguished by its robust construction
and strategic design. Built entirely of local limestone, its
architecture reflects the practical and cultural needs of its
inhabitants.
Enclosure Wall:
Dimensions: The fort is
nearly circular, with a diameter of 42 meters (140–145 feet), twice
the size of the average Burren cashel. The drystone enclosure wall
is up to 3 meters thick and 3 meters high, though loose stones
suggest an original height of around 4 meters. The wall’s imposing
morphology sets Caherconnell apart from smaller, less fortified
ringforts.
Construction: The wall is made of carefully stacked
limestone blocks, typical of Burren drystone masonry, which required
no mortar. The stones were sourced from the surrounding karst
landscape, blending the fort seamlessly with its environment.
Entrance: A single entrance gap, located on the eastern side, is
flanked by stone-lined pathways forming a short “alley” or corridor,
likely designed to control access and enhance defense.
Internal Structures:
Dividing Wall: Inside the enclosure, a
drystone wall, approximately 1 meter wide, divides the space,
possibly separating living areas from livestock or storage zones.
Structure A: A rectangular stone building next to the northern wall,
believed to date from the 15th–17th century, is the most prominent
internal feature. It likely served as a residence or hall during the
fort’s later occupation.
Structure B: A less distinct structure,
possibly a storage or utility building, is also present, though less
well-defined.
Earlier Timber Structure: Excavations revealed
postholes of a Neolithic or Bronze Age rectangular timber structure
southwest of the fort, predating the stone cashel. This rare find,
unique in Ireland and Britain, suggests earlier activity on the
site, possibly ceremonial or domestic.
Defensive and Practical
Design: The fort’s elevated position offers commanding views of the
surrounding Burren, suggesting a defensive purpose, though likely
against small-scale threats like cattle raiders or wolves rather
than large armies. The thick walls and single entrance provided
security, while the internal layout supported a self-sufficient
community with living quarters, storage, and livestock pens.
Comparison to Other Sites: Unlike Burnchurch Castle, a 15th-century
tower house with complex internal passages, Caherconnell’s open,
circular design is typical of earlier Gaelic ringforts. Compared to
Bunratty Castle, a fortified noble residence, Caherconnell is more
utilitarian, reflecting a rural, clan-based society. Its proximity
to Poulnabrone Dolmen links it to the Burren’s prehistoric heritage,
similar to sites in Burren National Park, but its medieval focus
distinguishes it from Neolithic monuments like Brownshill Dolmen.
Ongoing excavations at Caherconnell, particularly through the
Caherconnell Archaeological Field School, have yielded a wealth of
artifacts and insights, deepening our understanding of the fort’s
inhabitants and their way of life. Key findings include:
High-Status Artifacts:
Jewelry and Ornaments: A decorated copper
alloy pin, a silver ring with intricate ornamentation (the “Caherconnell
ring”), and a 13th-century single-sided bone comb indicate a cultured,
possibly literate community. A stone mold for making metal dress pins
suggests on-site craftsmanship.
Trade Goods: Venetian glass beads and
Baltic amber point to trade connections with continental Europe,
underscoring the fort’s wealth and status.
Board Games and Musical
Instruments: Fragments of gaming pieces and musical instruments suggest
leisure activities, reflecting a sophisticated lifestyle.
Tools
and Industry:
Ironworking: Iron slag and a possible anvil position
indicate metalworking, likely for tools or weapons.
Quern-Stones: Two
rotary quern-stones were used for grinding grain, essential for food
production.
Stone Tools and Pottery: Thousands of lithics, a broken
polished stone axe head, and Neolithic/Bronze Age pottery were found,
linking the site to earlier periods.
Weapons and Defense: Iron
arrowheads suggest defensive capabilities or hunting activities.
Mysterious Burials:
Medieval Burial: In 2008, the skeleton of a
15-year-old youth was found dumped in a sunken structure, dated to the
15th–17th century. The body’s unceremonious disposal, possibly with two
others, raises questions about violence, punishment, or ritual.
Circular Chamber: A drystone circular chamber with a short passage,
initially thought to be a souterrain, contained the skeletal remains of
five juvenile pigs but no human remains. Three silver coins (early 14th
to late 16th century, including an Elizabeth I groat from 1560–61) were
found in the topsoil, indicating later activity.
Enigmatic Structure:
A medieval stone building, possibly a corn-drying kiln, contained the
human remains mentioned above, adding to the site’s mysteries. Its
purpose remains under analysis.
Prehistoric Activity: The
Neolithic/Bronze Age timber structure’s postholes and associated pottery
suggest Caherconnell was a significant site long before the ringfort’s
construction, possibly for ceremonial or communal purposes.
These
findings, detailed in excavation reports by TVAS Ireland Ltd. and Dr.
Michelle Comber, highlight Caherconnell’s role as a high-status,
multi-period settlement with connections to both local and international
networks.
Caherconnell Stone Fort is a cultural and historical gem, offering a
window into Gaelic Ireland’s social, economic, and cultural life during
the early and late medieval periods.
Gaelic Society: As a likely
seat of the Uí Lochlainn clan, Caherconnell reflects the hierarchical
structure of Gaelic society, where chieftains controlled fortified
settlements. Its size and artifacts suggest it was a regional power
center, distinct from smaller, agrarian ringforts.
Burren’s Unique
Context: The fort’s location in the Burren, with its karst landscape and
sparse soil, shaped its inhabitants’ lifestyle. The Davoren family’s
continued use of winterage grazing connects modern farming to ancient
practices, highlighting cultural continuity.
Archaeological
Importance: Caherconnell’s ongoing excavations and field school make it
a living laboratory for understanding Ireland’s past. The discovery of a
prehistoric timber structure and medieval burials adds to its
significance, challenging assumptions about ringfort chronologies and
functions.
Tourism and Education: The fort’s visitor center, sheepdog
demonstrations, and guided tours make it a key attraction in the Burren,
complementing sites like the Cliffs of Moher and Burren National Park.
Its role as an educational hub through CAFS attracts international
students, fostering global interest in Irish archaeology.
Cultural
Resonance: The fort’s integration with the Burren’s landscape and its
storytelling through tours and media (e.g., audiovisual presentations)
resonate with visitors seeking authentic Irish experiences. The sheepdog
demonstrations celebrate rural traditions, linking past and present.
Caherconnell Stone Fort is a privately run heritage site, open to the
public from mid-March to late October, offering a rich and immersive
experience. Managed by the Davoren family, the site combines historical
exploration with cultural activities, earning high praise on platforms
like Tripadvisor (4.5/5) for its knowledgeable guides and engaging
offerings.
Visitor Center:
Exhibits: The center features a
graphic display area with background information on Burren forts and
tombs, complemented by a 20-minute audiovisual presentation. The film
explores the fort’s history, archaeology, and the Burren’s unique
geology and flora, with an animated depiction of a day in the life of
the fort’s inhabitants.
Amenities: A café serves sandwiches, soups,
coffee, and local treats, praised for quality and variety. A craft shop
offers souvenirs, including guidebooks. Toilets, including accessible
and baby-changing facilities, are available.
Admission: Entry costs
€9.60 for adults, with discounts for children, seniors, and groups.
Combined tickets for the fort and sheepdog demonstrations are available.
The site is free to enter, with paid attractions inside.
Guided
Tours:
Local guides, such as Pat or James, lead tours multiple times
daily, lasting about 45 minutes. Known for their humor, knowledge, and
enthusiasm, they cover the fort’s history, architecture, and
archaeological discoveries, bringing the site to life. Visitors
appreciate the small group sizes, which allow for questions and
personalized experiences.
Tours include access to the fort’s
interior, where visitors can walk the stone-lined pathways and view
Structures A and B, though some areas may be roped off during
excavations.
Sheepdog Demonstrations:
A highlight for many,
these demonstrations showcase border collies herding sheep in the
Burren’s natural habitat, guided by farmers like John or Greg. Held
three times daily (check www.caherconnell.com for times), the
30–45-minute shows highlight the dogs’ intelligence and the farmer’s
skill, with explanations of training and sheep breeds.
Visitors can
interact with the dogs post-demonstration, petting and photographing
them, a favorite activity for families and animal lovers. The experience
is described as “entertaining,” “hilarious,” and “authentic.”
Cost:
Included in combined tickets or €5–€7 separately.
Archaeological
Field School (CAFS):
Since 2010, CAFS offers 2-, 4-, and 6-week
residential programs (starting at €2400 for two weeks) for students and
enthusiasts to learn excavation techniques under leading archaeologists.
Accredited by NUI Galway, the school excavates annually, uncovering new
artifacts and structures. Public engagement during Heritage Week allows
visitors to observe digs.
Accessibility:
The visitor center
and sheepdog demonstration area are partially accessible, with
stone-chip paths and coach parking. However, the fort’s interior is not
wheelchair-accessible due to uneven limestone terrain and steps, posing
challenges for those with mobility issues. Assistance dogs are
permitted.
Free parking is available 5 minutes from the center, with
a 1-minute walk from coach parking.
Location and Access:
Address: Carron, Kilfenora, Co. Clare, V95 YK31, Ireland, west of the
R480 road between Ballyvaughan and Leamaneh Castle, near Carron village.
By Car: From the N67, take the R476 toward Carron for 7 km, following
signs to Caherconnell. The fort is 25 minutes from the Cliffs of Moher
and 15 minutes from Lisdoonvarna.
Public Transport: Limited options
exist; take a bus to Ennistymon or Lisdoonvarna, then a 15-minute taxi
to the fort. Arrange taxis in advance.
Walking: A 30-minute walk from
Carron village along scenic Burren paths is possible, with signs guiding
visitors.
Operating Hours:
Mid-March to October: 10:30 AM–5:00
PM (March, April, October); 10:00 AM–5:30 PM (May, June, September);
10:00 AM–6:30 PM (July, August).
Closed November to mid-March.
Duration: Plan 2–3 hours to enjoy the fort tour, sheepdog demonstration,
audiovisual presentation, and café. Families with children find the site
engaging, especially the dog interactions.
Nearby Attractions: The
fort’s proximity to Poulnabrone Dolmen (1 km), Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb,
Burren National Park, and the Cliffs of Moher makes it a key stop on a
Burren itinerary. The village of Carron, a “walker’s paradise,” offers
additional trails and historical sites like Cahercommaun Fort.
Condition: Caherconnell is exceptionally well-preserved, with its
walls and internal structures largely intact. Annual excavations ensure
careful maintenance, and the Davoren family’s stewardship has balanced
tourism with preservation. The fort remains in its original state, with
minimal modern alterations, enhancing its authenticity.
Conservation:
As a privately owned site within the Burren UNESCO Global Geopark,
Caherconnell is protected through the Davorens’ commitment and
archaeological oversight. Excavations are conducted responsibly, with
artifacts conserved by Burren Forts Ltd. and analyzed by experts like
TVAS Ireland Ltd. The site’s integration with sustainable farming
practices, such as winterage, supports the Burren’s ecological and
cultural heritage.
Challenges: Visitor pressure and environmental
factors like weathering pose risks to the limestone structures. The
fort’s inaccessibility for wheelchair users limits inclusivity, though
the visitor center mitigates this. The NPWS and Geopark frameworks
encourage sustainable tourism to minimize impact.
Research and
Education: CAFS’s annual digs, funded by TVAS Ireland, NUI Galway, and
the Davorens, continue to uncover artifacts and structures, making
Caherconnell a dynamic research site. Public engagement during Heritage
Week and field school programs fosters awareness of Ireland’s
archaeological heritage.
Visitor Numbers: The fort attracts thousands
annually, with Tripadvisor reviews highlighting its appeal to families,
history buffs, and animal lovers. Its manageable size and proximity to
major attractions ensure steady but not overwhelming visitation,
preserving its tranquil setting.
Unique Finds: The Caherconnell ring (a silver ornament) and the
earliest pen found in the British Isles underscore the fort’s cultural
sophistication. The mysterious medieval burials, possibly linked to
conflict, add intrigue.
Prehistoric Roots: The Neolithic/Bronze Age
timber structure predates the fort by millennia, suggesting Caherconnell
was a significant site across multiple eras, akin to the multi-period
use seen in Burren National Park.
Sheepdog Demonstrations: The
addition of sheepdog shows, unique among Burren archaeological sites,
connects Caherconnell to living Irish traditions, distinguishing it from
purely historical sites like Brownshill Dolmen or Burnchurch Castle.