Brian Ború Heritage Centre, Killaloe, Co. Clare
What better way to get an insight into the Celtic and nautical significance of Lough Derg and the River Shannon than by visiting Killaloe Heritage and Brian Boru Centre.
The Centre also provides vivid reminders of the central role played by this delightful town in the era of Ireland’s mighty High King, Brian Boru, over a thousand years ago.
The imaginative exhibition charts the history of Killaloe and its Celtic and nautical significance. An important feature is the place of Brian Boru (940-1014), who was born in Killaloe.
The many locations in and around the town associated with the High King are highlighted. You will be transported back in time to the early 11th century when Brian was crowned High King in 1002, and when he ruled his kingdom in regal splendour from Kincora Palace.
There is so much to find out about this majestic leader and about his exploits on land and on water up the River Shannon. Not forgetting, of course, his famous victory over the Danes at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 when, sadly, he met his demise.
There’s much to learn too about how he lent his name to the famous O’Brien Clan, who have figured so prominently in the history of County Clare, in particular, down through the years.
The arrival of Christianity and the monastic tradition is also featured at the Heritage Centre.
Nautical links
Another aspect highlighted is the development of the River Shannon as a transport system. An audio-visual presentation of the route the canal boat took while making deliveries from Dublin to Limerick will fascinate you.
The canal was opened in 1799 to bypass the rapids on the river. It was a vital link in the navigation route between Limerick and other ports on the Shannon. The canal became redundant in 1929 when the water level was raised over the rapids due to the opening of a hydro-electric station at Ardnacrusha in Co. Clare. Interestingly, the lockkeeper’s house is now the site of the Heritage Centre.
The touch screen facility at the Brian Boru Centre provides a range of extensive information on the area and the friendly staff have an in-depth knowledge of things to see and do.
The tourist office has a full range of services including reservations for cruiser hire, accommodation, Medieval Banquets, Irish Nights and so on.
For opening times and further details please check out http://www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/BrianBoruHeritageCentre/BrianBoruOpeningTimes/
Contact details:
Killaloe, Co Clare, Republic of Ireland
Telephone: +353 (0)61 361511
Fax: +353 (0)61 472523
Web: www.shannonheritage.com
