As well as being the ancestral home to President John F. Kennedy's grandfather, Bruff boasts some fascinating historical buildings and features.
The story connecting the rural town of Bruff in County Limerick and the 35th President of the United States of America began in 1852 when a young emigrant named Thomas Fitzgerald left his native home in Bruff and made his way to America in search of a better life. His grandson John Fitzgerald Kennedy was elected president in 1960. The Thomas Fitzgerald Centre, formerly the old courthouse, houses a photographic exhibition of the president's visit to Ireland in 1963, the visit of Caroline Kennedy (his daughter) to Bruff in 2013, as well as photographs of various members of the Fitzgerald Kennedy Family.
The historical aspects of Bruff can be discovered on the Bruff Heritage Audio Tour - a self guided walking tour that leads you around this lovely town, immersing you in its history.
The Lough Gur area is a rich archaeological and historical site where you will find ancient burial mounds, megalithic tombs, forts and standing stones scattered around its mysterious landscape. Lough Gur Heritage Centre interactive multimedia exhibition brings to life over 6,000 years of archaeology and history starting during the Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) Era and progressing until the 19th century (1800’s). Fully trained and qualified tour guides are also on hand to answer all of your questions.
Follow a walking trail that will take you to the most ancient monuments and historic sites in Ireland. If you would like to avail of the acoustic guides from the heritage centre you can pick up the handsets for just €5, this price also includes entrance to Lough Gur Heritage Centre.
Old Irish Ways is a collection of various artifacts and collectibles which were used as part of everyday life down through the years in an Ireland long past. From the kitchen to the farmyard the collection built up over a number of years represents an Ireland of bygone days.
For a full list of historic attractions in Bruff, click here.
