Michael Cusack Centre
Michael Cusack Centre
Michael Cusack Centre
4.5
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
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
41 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
9
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Carol W
Bloomington, IN63 contributions
Sep 2022
We were a group of 9 friends from Indiana, with 8 of them being first time visitors to Ireland. I thought the newly installed statue of the Puca would be interesting for all of us to see but we found so much more! The Centre is in such a beautiful, well cared for setting, the exhibits interesting and well thought out, and the two guides Tim and Agnes provided a wealth of information. I am the Irish-American in the group and while I have visited several times, I have never seen a a match, an oversight I plan to correct on my next visit. And I'll be waving Clare colors because of the warm welcome we received from the Clare people.
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bozeman-Dublin
Trim, Ireland8,688 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
The Michael Cusack Centre makes for a lovely place to visit. The original home of the founder of the G.A.A, the managers have done a great job with the place.
The cottage has been restored with new thatch and windows, but otherwise it is much as it was when Cusack lived here.
They have an excellent hologram guide, Cusack himself, set-in the three rooms of the cottage. The first room is the largest, the living room/kitchen as Cusack tells you a bit about himself. The second is a Schoolhouse as Cusack was a teacher by trade, the third is the room in Hayes Hotel in Thurles where the GAA was founded. I found it really interesting.
They've planted 32 Ash trees outside, one for each county in Ireland and they are adorned by a little mannequin kitted out in the colours of each county.
There is also a short fairy walk with the famous and controversial Pùca statue given pride of place.
A very enjoyable visit with very friendly, helpful staff.
The cottage has been restored with new thatch and windows, but otherwise it is much as it was when Cusack lived here.
They have an excellent hologram guide, Cusack himself, set-in the three rooms of the cottage. The first room is the largest, the living room/kitchen as Cusack tells you a bit about himself. The second is a Schoolhouse as Cusack was a teacher by trade, the third is the room in Hayes Hotel in Thurles where the GAA was founded. I found it really interesting.
They've planted 32 Ash trees outside, one for each county in Ireland and they are adorned by a little mannequin kitted out in the colours of each county.
There is also a short fairy walk with the famous and controversial Pùca statue given pride of place.
A very enjoyable visit with very friendly, helpful staff.
Written 16 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura M
Dublin, Ireland6 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
philipB b
Derry, UK32 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FionaM22
Dublin, Ireland371 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evelyn935
County Cork, Ireland16 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul B
Reading, MA1,294 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alice160691
Da Nang, Vietnam119 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarahloochies
Cork, Ireland15 contributions
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.
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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MICHAEL CUSACK CENTRE (Carran) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Michael Cusack Centre
- Michael Cusack Centre is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near Michael Cusack Centre:
- (0.83 km) Magouhy House B&B
- (10.68 km) Hazelwood Lodge
- (11.50 km) Burren Yoga Retreats
- (10.66 km) Cappabhaile House
- (11.95 km) Drumcreehy Country House
- Restaurants near Michael Cusack Centre:
- (1.85 km) Cassidy's Pub and Restaurant
- (8.32 km) Bofey Quinns Bar & Restaraunt
- (13.73 km) The Roadside Tavern
- (12.03 km) Monks Ballyvaughan
- (11.92 km) Tea and Garden Rooms