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Province of Munster
County Clare
The Burren
Carran
Things to do in Carran
Michael Cusack Centre

Michael Cusack Centre, Carran: Hours, Address, Michael Cusack Centre Reviews: 4.5/5

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Michael Cusack Centre

See all things to do
See all things to do
Michael Cusack Centre
4.5
40
#3 of 5 things to do in Carran
Speciality Museums
10:00 - 17:00
Monday
10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 17:00
Thursday
10:00 - 17:00
Friday
10:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
Sunday
10:00 - 17:00
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About
Born in Carron in 1847, Michael Cusack founded the largest amateur sporting organisation in the world, the Gaelic Athletic Association. The Centre in Carron is dedicated to the memory of the man who is widely regarded as the saviour of Irish sports. The lovingly restored traditional thatched cottage reflects the character of 19th century Ireland. The dwelling appears today in its original state and is typical of famine cottages of the era. Even the courtyard and surrounding fields remain largely untouched. The contemporary display in our award winning visitor centre offers a unique perspective on Irish history, heritage and culture. Some interesting free attractions also in the area include the 6km Cusack Way walk (opened Oct 2013)from the Michael Cusack Centre to Cahercommaun Cliff Fort and Poulnabrone Dolmen. The centre caters for school tours, individuals and groups. Open April to 30th September, 7 days a week from 10 - 5pm,
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4.5
40 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
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Laura M
Dublin, Ireland2 contributions
Definitely worth a visit!
Aug 2021 • Couples
Visited yesterday thoroughly enjoyed it. Guide showed a real passion for the centre and the locality.
Written 13 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
philipB b
Derry, UK27 contributions
The Cusack stand.
Sep 2020
I would really recommend this visit to any GAA enthusiast. It was humbling to visit the actual home that one of the founders of the GAA who met in Hayes' Hotel in Thurles in 1884 grew up in and went on to found the association.
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
FionaM22
Dublin, Ireland371 contributions
Great value for any Gaa fan or anyone with an interest in Irish History!
Aug 2020 • Couples
Stopped here on a rainy day and it was a perfect stop!! Very affordable and very interesting!! Very informative tour and really enjoyed it!! Well done to all with the excellent Covid 19 procedures!! Keep it up!
Written 10 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Evelyn935
County Cork, Ireland16 contributions
GAA fans
Jun 2019 • Family
This is a great stop if you are a GAA fan. The staff were lovely and really helpful when we were asking them about other sites around. Highly recommend it for a stop.
Written 30 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Paul B
Reading, MA1,290 contributions
Hurling
Apr 2019 • Friends
An Clar! Up The Banner! Great stop to see Hurling history. Later got to see Clare Seniors in practice getting ready for the beginning of All Ireland. Good luck lads!
Written 27 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alice160691
Da Nang, Vietnam118 contributions
Surprise!
Sep 2018
The place is small and it took us a long drive. However we found it interesting as one of the jerseys at the entrance is from Hanoi team- our city. Would be meaningful for GAA fans.
Written 3 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Antoinettecarron
Thank you Alice. glad you enjoyed your visit.
Written 4 September 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
pjquinn1951
Newry, UK4 contributions
rilliant visit
Aug 2018 • Couples
My family and I visited the Centre last week and had an amazing experience. First the staff were amazing so knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. The short lecture before the audio visual tour was excellent. This is a must for all GAA fans and indeed just people interested In our history.
Written 17 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sarahloochies
Cork, Ireland15 contributions
Must-visit for all G.A.A. players and supporters
Jul 2018 • Family
This is a fantastic tribute to Cusack and the G.A.A. It's small but it is packed full of great information.

The staff in the centre are absolutely fantastic; so welcoming and friendly. There is plentiful free parking on site and there's also a little gift shop on site.

The main centre has visual presentations and visitors can take as long as they want to take in all of the well laid-out information. There's alot of seating available in the centre.

You can then wander down the short pathway to the Cusacks' homestead; the family's original thatched cottage which has been converted to a museum-of-sorts where you can see 3x interesting and easy-to-watch holographic videos from the main man himself and take in the 19th century-style furnishings.

A fun challenge for kids (and big kids!) is to find their own county in the 32 county-trees which are scattered around the grounds.

There is plenty of seating outside the cottage and on yhe rest of the grounds. The pathway from the centre to the cottage is on a slight hill but it's very manageable and not too steep.

This really is a great place to visit for all G.A.A. fans. For other visitors who are less familiar with Gaelic Games, it makes a nice starting-off point to learn a little more about our national sports.

Prices as of today are: Adults €6, Children €3. Discounts available for families, students and O.A.P.s. It's advisable to bring cash if possible as I understand they have trouble with their card machine every now and then.

It may look a little bit too remote and out of the way to be bothered with but I promise you will not be disappointed.
Written 28 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MOD_10
Dublin, Ireland86 contributions
Interesting way to spend an hour or so on a wet Sunday in August!
Aug 2017 • Friends
I wouldn’t be the biggest GAA fan in the world so I was a bit apprehensive when a friend suggesting we visit the centre. However, I had no need to be. The centre is well run, had very interesting and informative information, not just about the history of the GAA, but Irish history in general. The cottage is pretty from the outside and in a beautiful setting (wish it had been a sunny day when we visited). The audio visual display in the cottage is excellent – really well done.

I would recommend a visit to the Centre if you are in the Burren area and especially if you are a fan of the GAA.
Written 25 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Keith N
Cheltenham176 contributions
Highlight of our trip
Aug 2017 • Family
We stopped here after seeing other TripAdvisor reviews. Being English we knew almost nothing about the GAA and Gaelic games in general and so we were unsure what to expect.

The staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable and gave an informative talk about Michael Cusack's life and the wider cultural history of his time. The cottage is well presented and gives an insight into rural life in 19th Century Ireland. Having started feeling unsure about this attraction we came away feeling it was one of the highlights of our trip.
Written 24 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Michael Cusack Centre
Michael Cusack Centre is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:00