Dysert O'Dea

Located along the Ennis - Corofin road, Dysert O'Dea is an impressive Norman Castle built in 1480 by Diarmuid O'Dea and now operating as an Archeological Centre.

Dysert O'Dea was built by Diarmuid O'Dea, but like many other towers of its time was badly ransacked by Cromwell and his rapscallions. For centuries it lied in ruins until being restored and opened as an Archeological Centre in 1986. Today it houses a museum, that includes exhibits of local artifacts, audio-visual presentations, photo exhibition, tea room and book shop.

Dysert O'Dea also provides visitors with a history trail, a self guided walking tour some 4 km in length taking visitors through what is described as one of the "most archeologically fertile areas in Western Europe." Antiquities waiting to be discovered include an impressive 12th century High Cross and Dysert Church, standing where an Early Christian Monastery once flourished.

If You Go: Dysert O'Dea is open from May - Sept, daily from 10.00 to 18.00. Admission is ?4.00 for adults; ?3.50 for students; and ?10 for families.