Aillwee Cave, Aillwee Burren Experience, The Burren, Co Clare
Aillwee Cave, Aillwee Burren Experience, The Burren, Co Clare Courtesy Aillwee Cave

Craggagh Cemetery – A Quiet Window into County Clare’s Past

📍 R477, Clare

🏛️ Attraction

Last updated: 28 April 2026

Overview

Craggagh Cemetery, frequently referred to as Fanore Cemetery, sits on the quiet R477 road just outside the village of Craggagh, near the coastal hamlet of Fanore in County Clare. The site is set against a backdrop of rolling pasture and the distant Atlantic, offering a tranquil atmosphere that feels removed from the bustle of the nearby towns of Lisdoonvarna and Ennis. Its modest size and weather‑worn headstones speak of generations of local families who have called this part of the Burren region home.

Coordinates place it at 53.09944 N, 9.29798 W, making it easy to locate via any GPS‑enabled device.

History

While the exact founding date of Craggagh Cemetery is not recorded in the available sources, its character is unmistakably 19th‑century rural Irish. The headstones display a range of styles—from simple slate markers to more elaborate Celtic‑cross motifs—reflecting the evolving tastes and economic fortunes of the community over time. The cemetery’s alternate name, Fanore Cemetery, links it to the nearby seaside village of Fanore, a place that grew around fishing and small‑scale agriculture.

Genealogical records for the area are surprisingly rich. The Clare Library provides online access to the 1901 Census entries for Craggagh townland, as well as Griffith’s Valuation data from 1855. These resources allow visitors to trace the families whose names appear on the stones, turning a walk among the graves into a personal journey through Irish ancestry. Historic Ordnance Survey maps—dating from 1663, 1787, and 1842—are also available online, showing the evolution of the landscape around the cemetery and the surrounding townland boundaries.

What to See & Do

  • Headstone Survey: Take time to read the inscriptions on the weathered stones. Many bear traditional Irish names such as Clarke, O’Hara, Ryan and Walsh, offering clues to the linguistic and cultural heritage of the area.
  • Genealogy Exploration: Bring a notebook or use a mobile device to cross‑reference names with the 1901 Census and Griffith’s Valuation links provided by the Clare Library. The cemetery becomes a living archive for anyone researching family roots in the Burren.
  • Scenic Walks: The cemetery’s location on the edge of the Burren means that the surrounding fields are dotted with limestone pavements, wildflowers, and occasional views of the Atlantic coastline. A short stroll beyond the gate leads to the R477 coastal route, a popular drive for photographers.
  • Nearby Heritage Sites: Within a 10‑km radius you’ll find other historic burial grounds such as Kilmoon Cemetery (Lisdoonvarna), Toovahera Graveyard, Gleninagh Cemetery, and Rathborney Church and Graveyard. Visiting these together creates a thematic day‑trip exploring the spiritual landscape of County Clare.

Practical Information

Craggagh Cemetery is free to enter and remains open year‑round; there are no posted opening hours because the site is not staffed and can be visited at any time during daylight. Parking is available along the roadside near the entrance, and a short, unpaved path leads to the gate. The cemetery is best accessed by car via the R477.

Because the site is a working historic graveyard, visitors are asked to treat the area with respect: keep noise to a minimum, stay on the established paths, and refrain from moving any stones or markers. No formal facilities (toilets, visitor centre) exist on‑site, so plan accordingly.

For those interested in deeper research, the following online resources are invaluable:

While there is no dedicated visitor centre, the surrounding village of Fanore offers a small café and a few accommodation options, making it convenient to combine a cemetery visit with a stay in the Burren. The area’s quiet charm, combined with the cemetery’s palpable sense of history, makes Craggagh Cemetery a rewarding stop for anyone seeking a deeper connection to County Clare’s past.