Clare



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Zone 1: Lough Erne Zone 2: Lough Alllen & Lough Key Zone 3: Lough Ree & Mid Shannon Zone 4: Lough Derg


 Clare is a County renowed for its warmth and hospitality. In the past, travellers found a welcome in its stout-walled castles and ancient abbeys, in its roadside taverns and cottage firesides.

 


  Today, not much has changed. Sure we have a worldclass international airport that gets you here quicker. We have golf and great fishing, horse-riding and hiking, cycling and walking to keep uou here longer. We have traditional music, all kinds of festivals, pubs, fine restaurants and excellent accommodation, but apart from all that we are really still the same at heart.

  Lose yourself on any tiny by road in Mid-Clare and you´ll soon find someone who can tell you how to get to the best lake for fishing, or the castle where the buried treasure is hidden, guarded by an evil spirit, or where to find the holy well thats has a cure for the hard of hearing or even the best pub for a music session.

 

 

 

 

Clare, Towns and Villages

Ennis - Capital of Clare

 

  Inis or Island - grew up around a monastic site founded in 1240. Nestling on the River Fergus in the heart of Clare. Ennis is one of the most picturesque towns in Ireland. The quaint narrow streets of the county town reveal a streetscaspe, rich in history. An outstanding feature of the towns architecture is the old Ennis Abbey dating from the late 13th or early, 14th Century.

  The town is a superb base for participation in a whole range of activities including golf, horse-riding, fishing, cycling and walking.

  The town of Ennis is renowned for its live traditional music, which can be enjoyed in many of the town´s pub. Each year, in May, Ennis hosts the Fleadh Nua, an international celebration of traditional Irish culture.

  An open air market is held in the town every Saturday. Full of colour and craic, you can buy anything there from a calf to a camara. If you´re in Ennis for the weekend, don´t miss it.

 

www.visitennis.ie

www.shannonregiontourism.ie

www.killaloerivercruises.com

 


Visitor Atracctions

What to see in Ennis

- The Riches of Clare Museum:

 Clare is a remarkable county and the story of its people streches from over 6.000 years ago to the present. Its incredible history is excitingly captured at the Riches of Clare. Beautifully displayed artifacts, original works of art, enthralling audio-visual and interactive experiences and dramaticnimages all combine to provide an exciting glimpse into the rich history and heritage of Clare.

www.clarelibrary.ie

 

- Church of Ireland:

 The church was built in 1871 and occupies a prominent position at a corner of Bindon Street.

 

- DaValera Library:

 Originally erected as a Presbyterian Church in 1853 as the parish church for Ennis and it replaced the old church in Chapel Lane, which itself was erected in 1736.

www.clarelibrary.ie

 

- The County Courthouse:

 Was erected by the County Clare Grand Jury in 1850.

 

- O´Connell Street:

 It one of the busiest shopping areas in the town.

 

- Ennis Friary:

 The greatest jewel in Ennis crown is the Old Franciscan Friary, located in an atractive setting near the river.

 

- Lysaghf´s Lane:

 In Lysaghf´s Lane there is an inscribed tablet set in the wall of a bakery to remind the passer by that the Franciscans found shelter and protection there during the Penal Days.

 

- The O´Connell Monument:

 Was erected by public subscriptions in 1867. The site is the place where O´Connell was declared MP for Clare in 1828 an historic event which was later to result in the passing of the Catholic Emancipation Act.

 

- The Maid of Erin:

 A commemoration like sized statue dedicated to three Nationalists Allen, Lakin and O´Brien who in Manchester 1867, were executed for their role in a Fenian rescue attempt.

 

- Chapel Lane:

 Is an old pedestriam thoroughfare which still retains much of its period atmosphere.

 

- The Markets:

 Upper and Lower Market Street has been the traditional venue for the sale of livestock and agricultural produce for a considerable time.

 

Killaloe Ballina:

 A significant settlement during the stoneage, celtic and early monastic times, Killaloe Ballina was for over a century also the seat of Ireland´s High Kings. The most famous of these kings was Brian Banu (961-1014) who ruled from Kincora from 1002-1014. His death occured in the hour of this greatest triumph, the defeat of a major Viking force at the battle of Clontart near Dublin. The Brian Baru heritage centre at the tourist office fells his story.

 From early Christian times Killaloe Ballina was an important monastic settlement and from the 12th century a cathedral and ecclesiastical centre. In fact the Killaloe Diocese is named afther the village.

 During the 18th and 19th centuries, the two villages evolved on either bank of the River Shannon. The opening of the railway and canal with Limerick ushered in a prosperous period and river navegation became a primary function of the twin settlements. Today Killaloe Ballina are amongst Ireland´s most picturesque village and serve as a gateway to the River Shannon and Lough Derg - The Shannon´s Pleasure Lake.

www.visitclare.net

 

Kilrush

 In its heyday during the late nineteenth century Kilrush was a busy trading past. Steamers from Limerick linked with the West Clare Railway to bring passengers to the seaside town of Kilkee. Today Kilrush is a pleasant market town on the Shannon Estuary. It has an excellent moderm marina and associated maritime activities and facilities.

www.kilrush.ie

www.loophead.ie

www.kilkee.ie

 

Visit the Aran Islands from Doolin

 The stunningly beautiful islands are an extension of the Burren in County Clare. Aran is only five miles from Doolin and a ferry service out of the part will take you there in less than 30 minutes

www.doolinferry.com

 

Burren Centre:

 Kilfenora - The Burren´s flora, archeology, geology, legends and history make it unique in Europe.

www.theburrencentre.ie

 

Craggaunowen Bronze Age Project:

 Near Quin - Visitors to Craggaunowen - The Living Past, Ireland´s original prizewinning, prehistoric park, will encounter the past being brought dramatically to life. Visitors have the opportunity to meet characters depicting ancient Celtic Life.

www.shannonheritage.com

 

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park:

 Bunratty - Is the most complete and authentic Medieval Castle in Ireland. Within its grounds in Bunratty Folk Park. Where Irish village life at the turn of the century is tellingly recreated. The Folk Park contains typical 19th century rural and urban dwelling. The Talbot Collection of agricultura machinery is one display at Bunratty House which overlooks the Folk Park.

 

Knappogue Castle:

 Quin - Was the pride of forty-two castles built by the McNamara Tribe who dominated the area for over 1000 years. In recent times it has been - beautifully restored in 15th century style and has retained its unique medieval character and atmosphere.

www.shannonheritage.com

www.shannonferries.com

 

 

 

Naturl Beauty, Authentic Food, and Friendly Destinations

Aillwee Cave & Bird of Prey:

 Ballyvaughan - Is a dramatic spectacle of nature. Located an the edge of the Burren country. It extends over 1,3 km into the heart of the mountain..

 

Clare Heritage Centre:

 Carofin - An interpretative museum and genealogical research centre housed in St. Catherine´s Church, constructed c. 1718. The main display, Ireland West 1800-1860 portrays a traumatic period of irish history under such heading as land tenure, traditional way of life culture, famine and emigration.

www.clareroots.com

 

Cliffs of Moher & O´Brien´s Tower:

 Just North of Lahinch, on the coast of West Clare, are the famous Cliffs of Moher, defiantly standing as giant natural ramparts against the aggressive might of the Atlantic Ocean.

www.cliffsofmoher.ie

 O´Brien´s Tower which was constructed in the early 19th century as a viewing point for tourists is located on Moher´s highest cliffs.

 

Dysert O´Dea Castle Archaeology Centre:

 Corofin - Was built by the O´Dea Clan in 1480 and was restored during 1986

 

 

 







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