Access Welcome Guide
Welcome to Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations. We warmly welcome every visitor to explore our historical site. This Access Welcome Guide provides information on the facilities, services, and supports available to help you enjoy your visit with confidence.
Accessibility Contact & Support
If you have questions, specific requirements, or need assistance, please reach out:
Phone: +353 (0)65 708 9999
Email: info@caherconnell.com
Address & Eircode
Caherconnell Stone Fort, Carron, Kilfenora, Co. Clare, Ireland. V95 YK31.
Travel & Arrival Guidance
Located at the heart of the Burren on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Caherconnell Stone Fort is situated on the R480, just 1 km from Poulnabrone Dolmen. Some roads in the region are narrow with limited shoulders, so please drive with care.
Public Transport
The Burren Explorer is a FREE seasonal bus service running from Kilfenora and Ballyvaughan to Caherconnell and nearby attractions. The service typically operates daily from May to August, but please check current timetables before travelling.
You can book tickets online.
Airports
The nearest airports to Caherconnell Stone Fort are:
- Shannon Airport – approx. 51.5 km/ 50 minutes by road.
- Ireland West Airport Knock – approx. 63 km/ 1 hour 5 minutes by road.
From each airport, onward travel continues by road. If you require accessible transfers, please contact your transport provider (taxi, bus, or car hire) in advance to ensure that appropriate vehicles and assistance are available.
Parking
Our car park is located next to the visitor centre and is fully wheelchair accessible.
Wheelchair Accessible
The Caherconnell site is fully wheelchair accessible, and staff are happy to assist visitors who require support. For visitors with mobility needs, designated parking spaces are available adjacent to the visitor centre. If assistance is required, please call in advance of arrival.
Assistance / Guide Dogs
Assistance and guide dogs are welcome. Well-behaved dogs on leads are also permitted on site.
Toilets
Fully wheelchair accessible toilets are located within the visitor centre.
Changing Tables
Baby changing tables are available within the visitor centre’s toilet facilities.
Infant seats
Infant seats are available on request in the Mountain Haven Café.
Audio Tour
The Caherconnell Stone Fort audio tour includes visuals and subtitles and is suitable for self-guided touring.
Location/Attraction
Site Access Overview
Site Layout
Caherconnell is a compact site where the visitor centre and sheepdog demonstration viewing areas are situated close to the accessible parking areas. The Fort itself is within easy walking distance along a mostly level pathway.
Main Car Park
The main car park is fully surfaced with tarmac and level. A gently to moderately sloped tarmac path leads from the main parking area to the visitor centre.
Courtyard
Additional parking for visitors with mobility needs is available within the courtyard beside the visitor centre. Please contact us in advance if assistance is required.
Sheepdog Demonstrations Viewing Platforms
There are two covered tarmac viewing platforms adjacent to the courtyard: One platform features a moderate slope and fixed seating. The second is level, spacious, and easily accessible. A toilet block is situated next to the viewing areas.
Caherconnell Stone Fort Tour
Pathways around the stone fort are surfaced with crushed limestone, with gentle to moderate gradients. There is no formal internal path within the fort enclosure, and ground surfaces are uneven. A self-guided audio tour featuring images and subtitles is available.
Visitor Centre
The café, shop, toilets, and outdoor terrace are wheelchair accessible. If you have specific dietary needs, please contact us in advance and our team will be happy to assist, where possible.
Known Limitations & Ongoing Improvements
Current Limitations:
The Caherconnell site is fully wheelchair accessible, and our staff gladly assist visitors who need support. Visitors with mobility needs can use designated parking spaces beside the visitor centre. If you would like assistance, please call us before you arrive.
Alternatives:
If you are unable to access the interior of the fort, a 20-minute audiovisual presentation is available on the history, archaeology, and local context of the fort and the wider region. This presentation covers much of the information contained within the fort.
Ongoing Improvements: The audio tour is currently offered in six languages: English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, and Spanish. A Mandarin Chinese version is planned to be added.
Emergency & Medical Info
For emergencies, dial 112 or 999 and provide the following location:
Caherconnell Stone Fort
Carron, Kilfenora
Co. Clare
Eircode: V95 YK31
Nearest Hospital (Non-24h ED)
Ennis Hospital Gort Road, Lifford, Ennis, Co. Clare
Eircode: V95 HN29
Phone: 065 682 446
Note: Ennis Hospital does not operate a 24-hour Emergency Department.
Closest 24-Hour Emergency Department
University Hospital Limerick – Emergency Department
St. Nessan’s Road, Dooradoyle, Limerick
Eircode: V94 F858
Main Phone: 061 301 111
ED Review Clinic: 061 482 011
Local GP / Medical Clinics
Ballyvaughan
Knocknagroagh
Ballyvaughan
Co. Clare
Phone: 065 707 7035
ShannonDoc (Out-of-Hours GP Service)
Ennistymon Treatment Centre
Ennistymon Community Hospital
Lahinch Road, Ennistymon, Co. Clare
Eircode: V95 CD58
Phone: 0818 123 500 / 061 459 500
Opening Hours:
Mon–Fri: Midnight–8 am & 6 pm–Midnight
Sat–Sun / Public Holidays: 24 hours
Pharmacies
Rochford’s Pharmacy
Main Street, Corofin, Co. Clare
Eircode: V95 E043
Phone: 065 682 7932
The Burren Pharmacy
The Square, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare
Eircode: V95 P953
Phone: 065 707 4104
Medicare Pharmacy
Kettle Street, Lahinch, Co. Clare
Eircode: V95 F9K7
Phone: 065 708 1999
Last updated: [26/11/2025]