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The Cruachan Aí Visitor Centre was officially opened by An Tánaiste, Mary Harney T.D., in October 1999. A project of the Tulsk Action Group, it has a first class multimedia display which describes the archaeology and mythology of Rathcrogan, one of the principal Gaelic royal sites of Ireland. |
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A new manager, Carolyn Candish,
has recently been appointed.
 a general view of the display area, with its superb colour aerial pictures which show every wrinkle in the landscape. |
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A disembodied voice, activated by your entry to this viewing bay, describes the ring fort in the field adjacent to the Centre. In the main display area archaeologist Kieran O'Conor, of University College Galway, describes in a video some of the archaeological monuments and historic buildings constructed and occupied by his ancestors. The O Conor Clan occupied the land between here and Ballintober in medieval times. |
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Modern archaeology depends strongly on non-invasive surveying techniques, as exemplified by the work of the ArchaeoGeophysical Imaging Project, NUI Galway. The exhibition shows some of the results of this work, and what has been added to our knowledge of the sites, such as Rathcroghan itself.
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The surveying techniques
described include: On the right is a magnetic gradiometry image, showing various ring barrows and enclosures. |
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The Cruachan Cafe offers a selection of snacks, cakes, teas and speciality coffees. The centre also incorporates a craft and book shop, where the best of local and Irish crafts are show-cased. There is also a conference facility for small to medium sized groups. The knowledgeable staff will be pleased to assist with any tourist information required and guided tours can be arranged by contacting the centre in advance |
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Opening
times:
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| October - March | Tuesday - Saturday | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| April - September | every day | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
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Admission:
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| Adults: | £3.00 |
| Children, students: | £1.00 |
| Senior citizens, Group rate: | £2.00 |
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Group
rates for over 15 persons, student rate requires ID.
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© Conor MacDermot 2001
