Knappogue Castle, Quin  (2.5 miles from Kilmurry) The Macnamara's were a powerful clan in the 15th century in this part of County Clare. In 1467 they erected Knappogue Castle and remained in their hands until 1815, except for a short 10 year period during Cromwellian times, around 1641-51.   Dromoland Castle,  Newmarket On Fergus   (4.5 miles from Kilmurry) is one of Ireland's most famous baronial Castles. Dating from the 16th Century, the Castle is the ancestrial seat of the O'Briens, direct decendants of the High King Brian Boru.   Craggaunowen Park, Kilmurry (1.5 miles from Kilmurry) The Craggaunowen Project is known as "Craggaunowen: The Living Past". It is designed to bring the Bronze Age and Celtic Culture to life on a recreated prehistoric site on the Craggaunowen Castle estate.   Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty  (3.5 miles from Kilmurry) The castle has had few residents but its most important was the O'Brien's, the Earls of Thomond, from 1500 until 1624, when the so-called "Great Earl" died. The castle was finally abandon in the last century and left to ruin until Lord Gort saw its potential.   Quin Friary, Cuin, Co Clare (5 miles from Kilmurry) Until 1278 a church stood on the locaton of the current Friary but two years later a castle was built, which included several round towers, parts of which still survive today. In 1336 the castle was ransacked and by 1350 another church was built around the castle.   Mountcashel Tower House, Kilmurry (.5 miles from Kilmurry) is Kilmurry's best preserved monument. The house is still inhabited, unlike many of the other tower houses throughout the county. It was formerly known by its Irish name of Ballymulcashel, meaning the town of the partly-levelled stone fort.