Cruachan Aí, the ancient capital of Connacht, is Europe's oldest and largest unexcavated Royal Site — the legendary home of Queen Medb and the place where the festival of Samhain (Halloween) is said to have been born.
Award-winning interpretive rooms with interactive exhibits and audio-visuals bring Iron Age and medieval Connacht to life. See the Óenach Cruachain collection, 35 artefacts found across the Rathcroghan landscape and previously kept out of public view at the National Museum of Ireland.
A 2.5-hour mini-bus tour with an archaeologist guide leaves from the visitor centre, crossing the Slighe Assail to climb Rathcroghan Mound and visit monuments such as Rathbeg, Rathmore, Daithí's Stone and the Mucklaghs. Tours run year-round Monday-Friday at 11.30am, with a second 2pm tour May-August.
Those who dare descend into this wet, muddy cave, the mythical entrance to the Irish Otherworld whose entrance lintel carries Ogham inscriptions. Cave entry is on the May-August 2pm tour and depends on weather and safety; entry is currently restricted following a health and safety review.
A community-run café themed around the great epic Táin Bó Cuailnge, serving local produce, Lavazza coffee, breakfasts until 12pm, soups, toasted sandwiches and desserts. Dish names — the Brown Bull, Medb's Caesar Salad — nod to the legend.
A specialist bookshop with guidebooks and local publications, plus crafts and souvenirs. Pick up 'Rathcroghan: The Guidebook' or the Rathcroghan Archaeological Trail driving-route booklet to explore the wider landscape on your own.
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