What to Expect on Your Visit:

The Knights & Conquests Heritage and Visitor Centre is a tourist attraction located in the picturesque town of Granard, Co. Longford. Come and experience Norman Ireland in a picturesque setting. We nestle in the beauty Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands where a visit truly means getting away from it all. With a history dating back thousands of years, we are situated beside Ireland’s Tallest Norman Motte at 544 feet high. It was built in 1199 by Richard de Tuite. Richard was also the Lord Chief Justice of Ireland and therefore a very important man.

A visit to us helps you experience Norman Ireland at it’s height. Upon arrival you will be checked-in at reception and receive an orientation from one of our expert tour guides who tell you all you need to know. Therefore you are fully versed on the experience you are about to have. You will then begin your journey through our Anglo-Norman history beginning with an immersive introductory movie introducing you to their links to Granard. Likewise, this really sets the scene for your visit. The story of a falling out between two men that ultimately caused the Norman invasion will have you riveted.

At this point, children also have the option to dress up in Norman clothes and receive their Norman name and duties for their visit. We also have a quiz they can take on their journey through the past because a visit here is both fun and educational.

Experience Norman Ireland at your own pace:

The tour from that point on is self-guided so that you have the freedom to read and interact with all the information on display at your leisure. Our tour guides are on hand to answer any questions. Along your journey you will come face to face with famous characters of the period including Henry II, King Rory O’Connor and Pope Adrian IV. These really 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 Granards most-famous residents. Find out more about Granards history in the 1798 Rebellion and Kitty’s place 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 1920’s, the Civil War and her love for Michael.

Visit Length:

A visit to the Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre can be as long as you want to make it, but we recommend around 1 hour for your visit.

Amenities:

• Wheelchair Accessible throughout
• Toilets
• Wifi Access
• Free Parking and parking space for buses & coaches

Talk to Us:

If you would like to find out more about the Knights & Conquests Granard Visitor Centre please call us today on 086 700 6715 or email info@knightsandconquests.ie. You can also send us a note on our Contact Us page.

You can also visit the Longford Tourism website to find more things to see and do in Co. Longford and the wider Midlands area. The Discover Ireland website is also a great resource to find experiences in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.