COUNTY CLARE

County Clare is situated in the mid-west of Ireland in the province of Munster. It is bounded to the west by the Atlantic ocean and Lough Derg and the River Shannon to the east. The county has a population of 117,196 people (Census 2011). In recent years it has an increased immigrant community mainly from eastern Europe and Africa.

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most visited attractions and bring up to one million visitors to the county each year. The karst region of the Burren in north Clare is located within the Burren National Park and contains major natural habitats. The Loop Head Peninsula is a European District of Excellence in aquatic tourism. Lough Derg in the east is the second largest of Ireland's lakes and is renowned for sailing, fishing and most recently for a breeding pair of White Tailed Eagles.

Clare's history goes back to neolithic times and the iconic Portal Dolmen at Poulnabrone in north Clare is one of the many tombs in the county from this period. Early Christian and later medieval monasteries dot the landscape as do Norman tower houses and castles, the most famous of which is Bunratty Castle, one of the most complete and authentic fortresses in the country. A Folk Park nearby captures the sights, sounds, scents and tastes of 19th century rural Ireland.

County Clare is synonymous with traditional music. The village of Doolin on the coast was home to Micho Russell – a famous tin whistle player and singer. Further south in Miltown-Malbay, an uilleann piper called Willie Clancy is commemorated by the Willie Clancy Summer School which has been running each July for over 40 years. Fiddle player Martin Hayes, accordeon player Sharon Shannon, singer Maura O'Connell all hail from the county and continue to bring their music and song to world audiences.

The county is a stronghold of the Gaelic games of hurling and football. Michael Cusack, the founder of the the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was born in Carron in North Clare in 1847. The county hurling team won All-Ireland Hurling titles in 1995, 1997 & 2013, and a Munster Football title in 1992.

Other visitor attractions in Clare include: historic town of Ennis, Dysart O'Dea Archaeological Centre, Aillwee Caves.




Commission a Family History Report Order Now