A group of five people, including adults and children, gather closely around a table, looking intently at something on its surface, illuminated by a bright light. They appear engaged and focussed.
A large group of people, many dressed in medieval-style costumes, pose indoors for a photo. A woman holding a microphone stands in front, with others smiling and wearing robes, tunics, or chain mail.

Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Interactive journey through Norman history and heritage centre.

Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre is a step back into Norman Ireland at this interactive heritage attraction in Granard, County County Longford.

Why Visit

  • Engaging way to explore medieval Irish history
  • Ideal for families, school groups, and history lovers
  • Combines education with interactive fun

Good To Know

  • Located in Granard, County Longford
  • Flexible self-guided format after introduction tour

A fun, immersive journey into Ireland’s Norman past where history comes to life through storytelling, costumes, and interactive discovery.

 

Contact Details

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What to Expect
  • Guided introduction from expert heritage guides
  • Self-guided journey through Norman Ireland
  • Interactive exhibits and storytelling displays
  • Friendly staff available throughout your visit
Family Highlights
  • Kids can dress in Norman-style costumes
  • Receive a “Norman identity” and role for the visit
  • Fun interactive quizzes and learning activities
  • Hands-on history experience designed for families
More Info

Along your journey, you will come face-to-face with famous characters from the time including Henry II, King Rory O’Connor and Pope Adrian IV. These help to bring history to life! For instance, hear what Rory O’Connor did to poor Diarmuid’s son! It is not pretty. You’ll also be able to visit a recreated Norman home and learn how they lived. Meet our Norman Knight to find out all about the weapons the Normans used. Find out if you have a Norman name or dig for artefacts in our Norman CSI room.

Your journey ends with a 500-year leap in history to Kitty Kiernan’s drawing room dedicated to one of Granard's most famous residents. Here, we learn of Granard's turbulent history as a rebel front - during the 1798 Rebellion and with Kitty’s role in the War of Independence through her relationship with her fiance Michael Collins. Your visit will end with a beautiful and poignant audio-visual illustration from Kitty herself of life in Granard in the 1920s, the Civil War and her love for Michael.

Granard MotteDuring your visit, you can see Ireland’s tallest Norman Motte, Granard Motte, standing an impressive 534 feet above sea level. When built in 1199, it was one of the largest Motte and Baily settlements in Ireland. It was built by Risteárd de Tiúit (anglicised as Richard Tuite), an Anglo-Irish nobleman who was the Lord Chief Justice of Ireland. Standing on the top of the motte is a statue of St Patrick, which was erected in 1932 to mark the coming of the Saint to Ireland in 432AD.

Before or after your visit, eat at The Bailey Café, with teas, coffees and baked treats to enjoy!

Opening hours

Tuesday: 10 am–4 pm
Wednesday: 10:30 am–1 pm
Thursday – Saturday: 10 am–4 pm
Closed Sunday & Monday