O'Dea Castle is a 15th-century fortified residential tower that now houses the County Clare Archaeological Center. It is a square, four-story building with remains of a wall. On the third floor there is an exhibition devoted to archaeological discoveries from the surrounding area.
The castle was built in the second half of the 15th century by Diarmaid O'Dea. It served as a fortified seat of nobility. It began to decline after the wars with Cromwell's troops in the 17th century. In 1970, the ruined building was bought by John O'Dey, who lives in the United States. He carried out a renovation and saved the towers from collapsing.
In 1986, an exhibition devoted to archaeological discoveries in the region was launched in the castle. It includes items dated from 1000 BC to around 1700 AD. There are weapons, jewelry, agricultural tools, ceramics, as well as models and maps of the surrounding archaeological sites. The Archaeological Center conducts tours of the castle grounds, and also organizes walks to other archaeological sites.
Attractions inside
