Built around 1500 by the MacNamara clan, this bawn represents a fascinating chapter in Irish architectural history, when powerful families needed both comfortable homes and defensive strongholds. The structure exemplifies the transition from medieval castles to more domestic residences, whilst still maintaining the defensive features necessary for survival in an often violent era.

The bawn’s design reflects the practical needs of its time; thick stone walls provided protection from raiders, whilst the enclosed courtyard offered safety for livestock and supplies during sieges. The MacNamaras, who controlled much of eastern Clare for centuries, used structures like this to maintain their authority over the surrounding lands. These fortified houses served as administrative centres, where rents were collected, disputes were settled, and local justice was dispensed.

Today, the ruins at Cregmoher offer visitors a tangible connection to Ireland’s clan system and the complex social hierarchies that shaped rural life for generations. The weathered stones bear witness to centuries of conflict, from inter clan rivalries to the Cromwellian conquest, yet they also speak to the resilience of the families who called these fortified homes their own. Walking through the remains, one can imagine the daily life that once filled these walls; the clash of swords during training, the bustle of servants preparing meals, and the strategic discussions that determined the fate of the surrounding countryside.