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Connemara's Window to the Past

Experience Connemara's rich heritage at Dan O'Hara's Homestead: an open-air museum showcasing 19th-century Irish life and traditions.

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The Connemara Heritage & History Centre, also known as Dan O'Hara's Homestead, offers a captivating glimpse into 19th-century Irish life. Located near Clifden, this open-air museum brings history to life with reconstructed dwellings, artifacts, and stories of the people who shaped this rugged landscape.

A brief summary to Connemara Heritage & History Centre

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more personal experience.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as the terrain can be uneven and hilly.
  • Wear comfortable footwear, especially if you plan to walk to Dan O'Hara's Cottage.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Galway City, take a Bus Éireann or Citylink bus to Clifden. From Clifden, take a local taxi or walk approximately 3 km to the Connemara Heritage & History Centre located at Lettershea. The walk takes about 30-40 minutes. Bus fare from Galway to Clifden is approximately €10-€15. Taxi from Clifden to the center is approximately €10-€15.

  • Car

    From Connemara National Park, take the N59 road towards Clifden. Continue for approximately 15 km until you reach the junction for Lettershea. Turn left onto the R341 road and follow the signs. The centre is located at Lettershea. There is free on-site parking available.

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Discover more about Connemara Heritage & History Centre

Nestled in the scenic Connemara region, the Connemara Heritage & History Centre, also called Dan O'Hara's Homestead, provides an immersive journey into Ireland's past. Established in the late 1980s, the center recreates a pre-famine farm and tells the poignant story of Dan O'Hara, a tenant farmer evicted in the 1840s. Visitors can explore reconstructed dwellings like a crannóg (prehistoric lake dwelling), a ring fort, and a clochaun (early Christian oratory). The centerpiece is the restored 19th-century cottage of Dan O'Hara, offering a glimpse into the daily life of a Connemara family. An audiovisual presentation recounts Connemara's history and O'Hara's eviction and emigration. The center also features a history room with artifacts and displays about Connemara through the ages. The site is a working hill farm with Connemara ponies, sheep, and other animals. Guided tours, often via tractor-drawn carriages, provide demonstrations of traditional farming practices like turf cutting and sheep herding. The center also offers a craft shop and restaurant. Overlooked by the Twelve Bens mountain range, the Connemara Heritage & History Centre provides a blend of education, culture, and natural beauty. It offers a memorable experience for those seeking to connect with Connemara's rich heritage.

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