Dysert O'Dea Tower House
b'
The authentically restored 15th century Dysert O\\u2019Dea castle, the stronghold of the O\\u2019Dea clan, houses the Clare Archaeology Centre which was opened in July 1986 and has been the recipient of numerous national awards.Historian Dick Cronin provides a guided tour of the castleThe Castle was built in 1480 by Diarmuid O\\u2019Dea, Lord of Cineal Fearmaic. The uppermost floors and staircase were badly damaged by the Cromwellians in 1651. Repaired and opened in 1986, the castle houses an extensive museum, an audio visual presentation and various exhibitions.The centre is a restored 15th century Gaelic Tower house. It includes an Extensive Museum, Bookshop, Tea room, toilets, car park, audio - visual presentation (english & german) exhibition rooms (varied) and a wall walk at top of castle.Archaeology TrailSurrounding the castle is the Dysert O\\u2019Dea Archeology Trail (4km) containing 25 original field monuments, this can be walked or driven. The monuments date from 1000bc to 1850ad and include two Romanesque churches, the famous 12th century illuminated doorway and high cross of Dysert O\\u2019Dea, two 15th century tower houses, 1st millenium stone and earthen forts, holy wells, fulachta fiadh, proselytising schools, landlords houses, medieval roads and many more. These are shown and explained on the guide and map available at the castle.
'