(Inis - an islet or river meadow)
Ennis, on the banks of the River Fergus, is the county town of Clare, with quaint narrow
streets and broad visitor appeal. It is also the cathedral town of the Catholic diocese
of Killaloe.
The town developed round a 13th century castle built by a chief of the powerful O'Brien
family, which established its headquarters at nearby Clonroad. It became a borough in 1612.
Visitors particularly enjoy the range of shopping - including craft shopping and
superb dining options - to suit all tastes.
Ennis is a the Traditional music Capital of Ireland and music resounds from many centres,
particularly from within its famous character pubs and the newly opened Glór, International Folk Music Centre.
(Leacht Ui Chonchuir - O'Connor's Grave)
Lies on the Alantic coast and is a popular holiday resort, noted
for its 18-hole championship golf course,  fine beach and great surfing.
There is an Entertainment Centre beside the promenade, which is
open all summer and provides all types of entertainment from bingo to traditional music.
Dough Castle, built by Donnchadh O'Connor in 1422, later the
property of the O'Briens, lies to the north of Lahinch.
(Coradh Finne - Finne's weir)
This angler's paradise lies to the southeast
of Lake Inchiquin, right at the heart of a lake complex, which forms part of the Fergus
headwaters and offers excellent coarse and game fishing.
The Clare Heritage Centre offers an insightive portrayal of Irish life in
the traumatic period between 1800 and 1860.
The two castles on Lake Inchiquin were O'Brien strongholds, both are unfortunately now in ruin.
Corofin House was the birthplace of Sir Frederick Burton (1816-1900), painter and
director of the National Gallery, London.
(An Carn the cairn or mound)
The village of Carran lies to the east of Slieve Carran, the highest point in this
part of the Burren. A climb to the top will be rewarded with marvellous views of this unique landscape.
Carran church: a sort distance away, are the remains of a fairly large medieval parish church.
Nearby is Temple Cronan church, (12th century), with some grotesque Romanesque heads
on the exterior wall.
The village was the birthplace of Michael Cusack, inspirer and
co-founder in 1884 of the Gaelic Athletic Association (G.A.A,).
 Is a small fishing village on a sandy bay some 3km from the Cliffs of
Moher. It is a place of great beauty and tranquility and a paradise for geologists, botanists, ornithologists, speleologists and walkers.
Doolin is famous for its wealth of Irish folk music and festivals,
the village also offers good angling.
There are delightful beaches, but the beach to the south of the pier is
extremely dangerous for intending bathers.
|
