A-Z Placefinder
Towns of Clare
Clarecastle —County Clare
Situated on a ford of the Fergus estuary, the Irish clar in its name probably refers to the wooden bridge that gave access to the castle. The original castle dates from the 1250's and was later occupied by the O'Brien's, and later still as a military barracks. The Fergus is navigable up to Clarecastle which at one time was the principal port for all Clare. Clare Abbey was founded in 1189 by Donal Mor O'Brien. Parts of the church date from the late 12th century but most of the buildings are circa 15th century.
