84-452: Ó Meadhra is a Gaelic-Irish surname. According to historian C. Thomas Cairney, the O'Mearas were one of the chiefly families of the Dal gCais or Dalcassians who were a tribe of the Erainn who were the second wave of Celts to settle in Ireland between about 500 and 100 BC . The Ó Meadhra clan were a sept of the Dal gCais , and the name is most common in the dynasty 's homeland of north-east Thomond (presently County Tipperary and
168-638: A Gaelic Irish clan , generally accepted by contemporary scholarship as being a branch of the Déisi Muman , that became very powerful in Ireland during the 10th century. Their genealogies claimed descent from Tál Cas . Their known ancestors are the subject of The Expulsion of the Déisi tale and one branch of their blood-line went on to rule the petty kingdom of Dyfed in Wales during the 4th century; probably in alliance with
252-706: A Gaeltacht area. They are encouraging immersion classes to revive use of the language. County Clare has a strong history of Traditional music. It is the home of the Kilfenora Céilí Band , the Tulla Céilí Band , Stockton's Wing , Elizabeth Crotty , Sharon Shannon , Noel Hill , Peadar O'Loughlin , Martin Hayes and legendary tin-whistler Micho Russell . Ennis in County Clare is also the birthplace of Grammy-nominated singer Maura O'Connell whose grandmother started
336-651: A High King of Ireland from the southern branch of the Uí Néill. Mahon became the first Dál gCais to gain the kingship of Munster, after he seized the Rock of Cashel from Molloy of the Eóganachta. Leading up to this he had defeated the Norse under Ivar of Limerick at the Battle of Sulcoit in 968. After Mahon was captured by Donovan in 976 and murdered by Molloy, the Eóganachta returned to
420-510: A bear, which was subject to butchering close to the time of death, was found in the Alice and Gwendoline Cave , near Edenvale House, Clarecastle . The bone features a number of linear-cut marks, and has been dated to circa 10,500 BC, from the Paleolithic era. This discovery, publicized in 2017, pushed back Ireland's occupation by 2,500 years—what was previously regarded as the oldest site of occupation
504-551: A capable politician, the Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib glorifying Brian's feats would be authored during his lifetime. Turlough's son Murtagh would be the last High King from the Dál gCais of the medieval period, reigning between 1101–19. Murtagh attempted to make the Irish kingship more along the lines of European monarchies and was involved in foreign affairs (allying with Arnulf de Montgomery in
588-539: A distant cousin and descendant of Murrough , Sir Lucius O'Brien, 5th Baronet and was passed down to his descendants. This early list of Dál gCais Kings is supplied in An Leabhar Muimhneach . Key: A higher Kingship title which is mutually inclusive with a lower one within the dynasty are not given overlapping dates for the simplicity of the chart. In two different election pamphlets, Éamon de Valera 's Fianna Fáil party addressed voters as "Dalcassians",
672-527: A fish market in the town. The county has many traditional music festivals and one of the most well known is the Willie Clancy Summer School , which is held every July in the town of Milltown Malbay in memory of the renowned uilleann piper, Willie Clancy . Andy Irvine has written two songs celebrating County Clare: one is "West Coast of Clare" (recorded with Planxty in 1973), in which he mentions Spanish Point and Milltown Malbay. The other
756-533: A leading part in the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848. In diaspora, prominent figures have included Marshal Patrice de Mac-Mahon , President of France , as well as John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan , who were both Presidents of the United States . In their own genealogies, the Dál gCais traced their line back to their eponymous ancestor and progenitor Cormac Cas, who is said to have lived in
840-754: A policy of backing Gaelic vassals to be seafaring defenders of the shores of Britain facing the Irish Sea from pirates. Eoin MacNeill has pointed out that they were not the only Irish colony in the area, with the Uí Liatháin also powerful. Historian C. Thomas Cairney stated that the Dal gCais along with the Déisi were tribes of the Erainn who were the second wave of Celts to settle in Ireland from about 500 to 100 BC . The adoption of
924-532: A series of wars against Hiberno-Norse kingdoms and the Chiefs of other Irish clans, before dying famously at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. Following this the Dál gCais provided three more High Kings of Ireland; Donnchad mac Briain , Toirdelbach Ua Briain and Muirchertach Ua Briain . From the 12th–16th centuries, the Dál gCais contented themselves with being reduced to the Kingdom of Thomond . They attempted to claim
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#17329141497621008-597: A unique karst region, which contains rare flowers and fauna. At the western edge of The Burren, facing the Atlantic Ocean, are the Cliffs of Moher . The highest point in County Clare is Moylussa , 532 m (1,745 ft), in the Slieve Bernagh range in the east of the county. The following islands lie off the coast of the county: County Clare hosts the oldest-known evidence of human activity in Ireland. The patella of
1092-667: A very powerful position when it came to the law in the kingdom. Even after the end of the Gaelic order, they continued to play a role, providing a High Sheriff of Clare in the form of Boetius Clancy . Famously participating in the Contention of the Bards in support of the honour of the tribe, the MacBrody sept were the principal poets and historians of the Dál gCais for centuries. The O'Hickey and Neylon sept would serve as hereditary physicians to
1176-580: Is Ennis . Clare is north-west of the River Shannon covering a total area of 3,450 square kilometres (1,330 sq mi). Clare is the seventh largest of Ireland's 32 traditional counties in area and the 19th largest in terms of population. It is bordered by two counties in Munster and one county in Connacht: County Limerick to the south, County Tipperary to the east, and County Galway to
1260-524: Is "My Heart's Tonight in Ireland" (recorded on his solo album Rain on the Roof in 1996, and again on Changing Trains in 2005), in which he mentions several towns and villages in County Clare: Milltown Malbay, Scariff , Kilrush , Sixmilebridge , Kilkishen, Lahinch , Ennistymon , Liscannor and Kilkee , and also makes two references to the music of Willie Clancy: In the town of Scarriff
1344-482: Is also a small African minority of 1,124 people, while other ethnic groups are very small in number. In addition, Clare had a large diaspora due to vast emigration during the 19th century. There are millions of people around the world who can trace their family background to Clare; such descendants are found mostly in North America, Great Britain, Australia, South Africa, Argentina and New Zealand. Many people from
1428-454: Is fairly young: 22% are under age 14, while 12% are over 65, compared to the national average of 20% and 11%, respectively. There is a slightly higher percentage of males with 50.5%, while females number 49.5%. English is the main language spoken in Clare. The vast majority of the population are Irish people , accounting for 86%. Most immigrants are Europeans, totalling an additional 7,520; there
1512-690: Is one of eight Munster kings listed as guarantors of the Cáin Adomnáin in 697. In 713 the Deisi Tuaiscirt killed the King of Cashel Cormac mac Ailello in battle at Carn Feradaig after he had invaded their territories. In 744 the annals note: " Destruction of Corco Mruad by the Déis " which indicates their power in Thomond was growing. In 765 the death of their king Torpaid is noted in the annals. From this point forward
1596-527: Is one of the richest places in Ireland for these tombs. The most noted one is in The Burren area; it is known as Poulnabrone dolmen , which translates to "hole of sorrows". The remains of the people inside the tomb have been excavated and dated to 3800 BC. Ptolemy created a map of Ireland in his Geographia with information dating from 100 AD; it is the oldest written account of the island that includes geographical features. Within his map, Ptolemy names
1680-736: Is slightly higher than the national average . Most of Clare falls under the Catholic Diocese of Killaloe , which is part of the ecclesiastical province of Cashel and Emly . The Bishop of Killaloe is seated at the St Peter and Paul Cathedral in Ennis. A small portion of the north-western part of Clare falls under the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora . As part of the local council's architectural conservation project, around eighty Christian churches have been designated as protected structures. Among
1764-619: Is the N67 . In addition to this the N68 connects Kilrush to Ennis, while Ennis is connected to Ennistymon via the N85 . Mainland public transport is mostly limited to buses ran by Irish Government owned company Bus Éireann ; there are around 25 buses running frequent routes which pass through the majority of large settlements in Clare. Clare Bus, runs a limited number of "accessible buslines". The Ennis railway station operated by government-owned Iarnród Éireann
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#17329141497621848-559: Is the most significant railway station in Clare today; it was opened on 2 July 1859. By route of Limerick the trains run from Ennis to Dublin and it generally takes 3 hours to complete the journey. There was previously a far more extensive local railway network in Clare, laid while part of the United Kingdom, the West Clare Railway was in existence from its opening in 1887 by Charles Stewart Parnell until 1961 covering much of
1932-544: The Battle of Dysert O'Dea in 1318, thus the Kingdom of Thomond remained outside of foreign control for a further 200 years. In 1543 Murchadh Carrach Ó Briain , agreed to surrender his Gaelic Royalty to King Henry VIII and accepted the titles Earl of Thomond and Baron Inchiquin . At his death in 1551, the Earldom passed to his nephew Donough by special remainder and the title Baron Inchiquin passed to his male heirs through his son Dermot . The Earldom went extinct at
2016-588: The Desmond Rebellion by creating the presidency of Connaught in 1569 and presidency of Munster in 1570. He transferred Thomond from Munster to Connaught, which he shired , Thomond becoming County Clare. About 1600, Clare was removed from the presidency of Connaught and made a presidency in its own right under the Earl of Thomond. When Henry O'Brien, 5th Earl of Thomond died in 1639, Lord Deputy Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford decreed Clare should return to
2100-604: The Gaelic tribes inhabiting it and the areas in which they resided; in the area of Clare, he identified a tribe known as the Gangani . Historians have found the tribes on the west of Ireland the most difficult to identify with known peoples; however, historians William Camden and Charles O'Conor speculated a possible connection between the Gangani and the Concani , one of the eleven tribes in
2184-505: The Kingdom of Desmond for a time, but ultimately the MacCarthys held it. The Kennedys also held the Kingdom of Ormond for a time. Some of the better known septs included O'Brien , Moloney , MacNamara , O'Grady , O'Gorman , Galvin , Kennedy , MacMahon , McInerney , and Clancy . During the 13th century Richard Strongbow 's relatives the Norman de Clares attempted to take Thomond, but
2268-581: The Local Government Reform Act 2014 . Since 1921, County Clare has been represented in Dáil Éireann by the constituency of Clare , which currently has four Teachtaí Dála (TDs). Since 2020, the whole of the county has been in the constituency. At various times, portions of County Clare have been in other constituencies: Clare–South Galway (1969–77), Galway West (1977–81), Limerick East (1992–2011) and Limerick City (2011–20). The constituency
2352-688: The Mac Cárthaigh dynasty. After the death of Domnall Mór Ua Briain , a claimant to the Kingship of Munster, they further retreated beyond the Shannon into the area of modern County Clare in the wake of the Norman Invasion . In 1276 King Edward II granted all of Thomond to Thomas de Clare , taking advantage of the feuding between Clann Taidhg and Clann Briain (whom de Clare supported). The de Clares failed in conquering Thomond and were decisively defeated in
2436-439: The O'Dea as leaders, as well as the O'Quin , O'Griffin / O'Griffey (chieftains of Cineal Cuallachta), O'Heffernan , Kielty and Perkin. Within the traditional Gaelic culture of Ireland, society rested on the pillars of the tribal nobility, bardic poet historians and priests. Different families had different roles to play and in many cases, this was a hereditary role. However, the nature of this system, known as tanistry
2520-691: The Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829 . Scattery Island , in the Mouth of the Shannon off the Clare coast, was transferred to Limerick Corporation and the county of the city of Limerick after the dissolution of the monasteries in the mid-16th century. It was assigned to County Clare after the Municipal Corporations (Ireland) Act 1840 . Under the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898 , part of
2604-524: The Roman Emperor Magnus Maximus . Brian Bóruma is perhaps the best-known king from the dynasty and was responsible to a significant degree for carving out their fortunes. The family had built a power base on the banks of the River Shannon and Brian's brother Mahon became their first King of Munster , taking the throne from the rival Eóganachta . This influence was greatly extended under Brian who became High King of Ireland , following
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2688-524: The Shannon Airport , which officially opened in 1945. Along with Dublin Airport and Cork Airport it is one of the three primary airports in the country, handling 3.62 million passengers in 2007. Shannon was the first airport in Ireland to receive transatlantic flights . Ryanair is the main airline handling flights with Great Britain and Continental European countries such as Spain, France and Germany as
2772-574: The Ua Briain would provide a further three High Kings of Ireland and exercised supremacy in Munster until Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair , taking advantage of war between brothers Diarmait and former High-King Muircheartach , invaded Munster and split it in two in the Treaty of Glanmire (1118) granting Thomond to the sons of Diarmait Ua Briain and Desmond to the leading sept of the dispossessed Eoganacht ,
2856-914: The Uí Aengusa from which descends O'Curry , O'Cormacan and O'Seasnain . However, during the 10th century, this passed to the junior Uí Thairdelbaig . It is this kindred which would furnish the High Kings of Ireland and the Kings of Thomond including Brian Bóruma. From the Uí Thairdelbaig came O'Brien , O'Kennedy (who were Kings of Ormond ), MacConsidine , MacMahon , O'Reagan, MacLysaght, O'Kelleher , Boland, Cramer, Kearney, O'Casey , Power , Twomey , Eustace , Ahearne , MacGrath , Quick, O'Meara , Scanlan, MacArthur, Cosgrave , O'Hogan , Lonergan and others. O'Noonan and Coombe are other notable Uí Bloid descendants. A younger brother of Carthann Fionn (who both
2940-512: The Uí Bloid and Uí Caisin kindreds, and another founded the Ui Fearmaic . As the proto-Dál gCais moved up into what is today East Clare , these became associated with rooted tribal areas, but were themselves internally divided into any other septs. The senior line descended from Cas' first son Bloid and they provided the Kings of Thomond . Initially, the leaders of the tribe were a sept known as
3024-524: The Uí Thairdelbaig and Uí Aengusa derive) named Brennan Ban stands at the head of the genealogies for the O'Brennan , Glinn, Muldowney and O'Hurley septs. Although a junior line, the Uí Caisin continued to have a prominent role and the leader of their kindred in Thomond were the MacNamara , who as Lords of Clancullen, were the second most powerful family after the O'Brien. Other families descended from
3108-510: The Welsh Marches against Henry I , King of England), trying to extend Irish influence beyond internal rivalries. The septs of the Dál gCais developed over time, with new ones breaking off to form separate surnames at different times, but all claiming to share the same paternal line (with a few biological exceptions along the way due to adoption or extra-marital issue). Their eponymous founder Cas had several sons; two of them gave their names to
3192-447: The hereditary Gaelic nobility were the O'Brien (Kings of Thomond), followed by MacNamara (Lords of Clann Cuilean), O'Kennedy (Kings of Ormond), MacMahon (Lords of Corca Baiscinn ), O'Grady (Lords of Cinél Dongaile) and O'Dea (Lords of Ui Fearmaic). Some of these families later joined the peerage of Ireland after the surrender and regrant to the Tudors during the 16th century. The O'Brien
3276-691: The 2nd to 3rd century. They make him a second son of Ailill Aulom from the Deirgtine , a King of Munster and Leath Moga more generally, associated in a story with the goddess Áine of the Tuatha Dé Danann during the Cycles of the Kings of Irish mythology . Cormac Cas himself was purported to be the younger brother of Eógan , founder of the Eóganachta , who would go on to rule Munster for many centuries. While this
3360-407: The Dalcassians of Thomond. After the Norman Butler dynasty took Ormond, the Dalcassian sept of O'Meara became their hereditary physicians, this line included Barry Edward O'Meara , who was with Emperor Napoleon I in exile at St. Helena . What became known as the Dál gCais stemmed from the Deisi Becc (Small Deisi) who controlled a narrow strip of land stretching from the Ballyhoura mountains to
3444-459: The Dál gCais held firm. It wasn't until the 16th century, unable to be defeated militarily, that they agreed to surrender and regrant their kingdom to Henry VIII Tudor , joining the nobility of the Kingdom of Ireland . Their realm was renamed County Clare , though they remained influential. In later times, remarkable figures include writer Standish James O'Grady , who is called "Father of the Celtic Revival " and William Smith O'Brien who played
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3528-406: The Dál gCais were instead a branch of the Déisi Muman . The Déisi Muman held a vassal kingship in Munster under the Eóganachta, significant in scope, consisting of what is today Waterford and its environs. As time went on branches also emerged around the River Shannon , as part of the Déisi Muman moved north-westerly between the 5th and early 8th century; they were called the Déisi Deiscirt and
3612-542: The Déisi epic in the Cycles of the Kings, which is set during the time that Cormac Ulfada was High King of Ireland . The story describes the expulsion of the Dal Fiachrach Suighe ; kinsmen of the Connachta and descendants of Fedlimid Rechtmar ; from Tara , coming to settle in Munster after many battles. Upon becoming the Déisi Muman, one branch then sailed across to Britain in the 4th century, coming to rule Dyfed . Their presence in Britain may have been initially supported by Magnus Maximus , Roman Emperor , as part of
3696-399: The Déisi Tuisceart. It is from a later, more northerly branch, which the Dál gCais are said to ultimately find their true ancestors. The first recorded mention of their adoption of the new name Dál gCais specifically is in the Annals of Inisfallen for the year 934, which records the death of their king Rebachán mac Mothlai. The Déisi Muman themselves are the subject of The Expulsion of
3780-509: The Eóganachta; though Kennedy was defeated at the Battle of Gort Rotacháin by Cellach Caisil , King of Munster in 944. The actual reason for this sudden surge has been much debated and one frequently discussed thesis is that it was a political scheme of the Uí Néill , intending to use the Dál gCais as proxies to further weaken the power of the Eóganachta. Kennedy's children built on their father's achievements. His daughter Órlaith became Queen consort of Ireland, after she married Donagh Donn ,
3864-495: The Irish diaspora visit the Clare area to trace their family roots and background. Most of the names in Clare are derived from sept members of the Dalcassian race of Gaels or septs of Thomond. Some of the most common examples are O'Brien , O'Gorman , O'Dea , McMahon , McInerney , McNamara , McGarry , Moloney , O'Grady , Hogan , Considine , Griffey/Griffin and Lynch . Names of assimilated Norman origin include Burke , Dalton , and Comyn . The great majority of
3948-442: The Munster Final in football in 1992 beating Kerry. There is a strong Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) presence in County Clare with the founder of the GAA, Michael Cusack , having been born in Carron which is situated in the heart of The Burren in North Clare. Irish rugby internationals from Clare include Keith Wood, Anthony Foley & Marcus Horan. Clare is served by two national primary roads —a classification referring to
4032-494: The Shannon and were divided into the Deisi Deiscirt (Southern Deisi, centred around Bruree) and Deisi Tuaiscirt (Northern Deisi, centred around Cahernarry) who shared a common ancestry. Their conquest of modern Clare probably occurred after the Battle of Carn Feradaig in 629AD where, under their king Díoma mac Rónáin, they defeated the King of Connacht Guaire Aidne mac Colmáin who was invading Munster. After this, their Kings first appear in contemporary records. Andelait, son of Díoma
4116-443: The adjoining parts of County Clare ). The family seat was Toomevara ( O'Meara's tumulus ). Members of the family were physicians and poets to the Earl of Ormond . The last Gaelic-era Chief of the Name was Domhnall Ó Meadhra . Ó Meadhra was Anglicized as O'Meara and O'Mara , both of which may not necessarily have an "O'" prefix. Dal gCais The Dalcassians ( Irish : Dál gCais [ˌd̪ˠaːlˠ ˈɡaʃ] ) are
4200-431: The annals are silent on the Deisi Tuaiscirt until 934. In 934 the annals report the death of Reabacán mac Mothla who is described as King of the Dál gCais (the earliest extant usage of this dynastic name) and Abbot of Tuaim Gréine and in the same year his son was killed by one of the sons of Lorcáin mac Lachtna (who is said to succeed Rebeacán as king), the annals report " Duibhghiolla, son of Robacáin, Lord of Ua Corbmaic,
4284-426: The annals by his death. His son Mathgamain built on his achievements, capturing Cashel and becoming King of Munster . The best-known member of this dynasty, Brian Boru , took over after his brother Mathgamain's death, reclaimed the Munster kingship and eventually succeeded in establishing himself as High King of Ireland before his famous death in the Battle of Clontarf . The Dál gCais under Brian's descendants,
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#17329141497624368-412: The branch of Carthann (son of Caisin) include Harley , Flood , Torrens, Stoney, Hickey , O'Hay , Clancy, Neylon and Flattery . Carthann had brothers named Eocha and Sineall from whom descend the O'Grady , Tubridy , Hartigan, Durkin, Killeen and Hogg . In addition to this, there are the Ui Fearmaic who claim to descend from Aengus Cinathrach, a brother of Caisin and Bloid. This kindred included
4452-413: The confederacy of the Cantabri in the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula . During the Early Middle Ages , the area was part of the Kingdom of Connacht ruled by the Uí Fiachrach Aidhne . In the Middle Ages, it was annexed to the Kingdom of Munster to be settled by the Dalcassians . It was renamed Thomond, meaning North Munster. Brian Boru became a leader from here during this period, perhaps
4536-598: The county name "Clare". One is that the name is derived from Thomas de Clare who was deeply embroiled in local politics and fighting in the 1270s and 1280s. An alternative hypothesis is that the county name Clare comes from the settlement of Clare (now Clarecastle ), whose Irish name Clár (plank bridge) refers to a crossing over the River Fergus . In 1543, during the Tudor conquest of Ireland , Murrough O'Brien , by surrender and regrant to Henry VIII , became Earl of Thomond within Henry's Kingdom of Ireland . Henry Sidney as Lord Deputy of Ireland responded to
4620-420: The county. It was quite inefficient, however, leading Percy French to write the song Are Ye Right There Michael? about his experience. Much of it was dug up and dismantled by the Irish government from the 1950s to the 1970s after being deemed uneconomic; however, there remains local advocacy groups who wish to conserve and restore parts of it. The third-busiest airport in Ireland is located in Clare with
4704-432: The death of Henry O'Brien, 8th Earl of Thomond , the next heir would have been a descendant of Daniel O'Brien, 3rd Viscount Clare who was attainded in 1691, so the title became forfeit . However, Charles O'Brien, 6th Viscount Clare , a Jacobite exile used the title Earl of Thomond, as did his son, who died childless in 1774. At the death of James O'Brien, 3rd Marquess of Thomond , the title Baron Inchiquin passed to
4788-401: The judicial county of Galway (Drummaan, Inishcaltra North and Mountshannon electoral divisions) was transferred to county Clare. This area contains the village of Mountshannon on the north-western shore of Lough Derg . The local authority for the county is Clare County Council . Fianna Fáil lost its overall majority on the council in 2004. As of the 2009 local election , Fianna Fáil is
4872-405: The language was used by residents of Fanore , Murroogh , Doolin and Quilty more than in other places. The last native Clare Irish speaker, the seanchaí Paddy Pháraic Mhíchíl Ó Sionáin (Shannon) of Fisherstreet, Doolin, died in the early 1990s. In the early 21st century, the pressure group Coiste Forbartha Gaeltachta Chontae an Chláir sought to restore the official status of West Clare as
4956-567: The largest party, with 13 of the 28 seats. The county seat is at Ennis, which also serves as a major regional hub for County Clare. Among its emergency services, it contains the Ennis Hospital , the HQ of the Clare Divisional Garda, the Clare Fire Brigade and Civil Defence. The council has two representatives on the Southern Regional Assembly , where it is part of the Mid-West strategic planning area. Prior to 2014, there were four town councils in Clare: Ennis , Kilrush , Kilkee and Shannon . All town councils in Ireland were abolished under
5040-502: The major routes between major urban centres in Ireland . This includes the N18 connecting Limerick to Galway , which passes through Ennis and by route of the N19 —Shannon. These two roads are part of the wider Western and Southern Corridor connecting many of the major settlements right across the island in these areas. There are also some significant national secondary roads —across the coast, stretching from Ballyvaughan , through Ennistymon and Kilkee , before arriving at Kilrush
5124-493: The more notable structures are the ruins of Corcomroe Abbey , Quin Abbey and Dysert O'Dea Monastery . The largest religious minority is the Church of Ireland , which is part of the Anglican Communion . It has just under 2,000 adherents in Clare. The county is part of the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe , one of the three cathedrals of the diocese being St Flannan's Cathedral in Killaloe. Other religious communities in Clare are very small in comparison. In 2016, about 11% of
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#17329141497625208-401: The most noted High King of Ireland . From 1118 onwards the Kingdom of Thomond was in place as its own petty kingdom, ruled by the O'Brien clan . After the Norman invasion of Ireland , Thomas de Clare established a short-lived Norman lordship of Thomond, extinguished at the Battle of Dysert O'Dea in 1318 during Edward Bruce's invasion . There are two main hypotheses for the origins of
5292-425: The name Dál gCais and the ascent of the group to greater power began to take place during the 10th century with internal political transition. With the death of Rebachán mac Mothlai, the leadership of the Déisi Tuisceart shifted from the Uí Aengusa kindred to their junior relatives the Uí Thairdelbaig . It was during the time of Cennétig , who styled himself King of Thomond , that the Dál gCais began to challenge
5376-472: The north. Clare's nickname is the Banner County . The county is divided into the baronies of Bunratty Lower , Bunratty Upper , Burren , Clonderalaw , Corcomroe , Ibrickan , Inchiquin , Islands , Moyarta , Tulla Lower and Tulla Upper . These in turn are divided into civil parishes , which are divided into townlands . These divisions are cadastral , defining land boundaries and ownership, rather than administrative. Bodies of water define much of
5460-447: The physical boundaries of Clare. To the south-east is the River Shannon , Ireland's longest river, and to the south is the Shannon Estuary . The border to the north-east is defined by Lough Derg which is the third-largest lake in Ireland. To the west is the Atlantic Ocean, and to the north is Galway Bay . Loop Head (Irish: Ceann Léime, meaning 'leap head') is the county's westernmost point of land. County Clare contains The Burren ,
5544-410: The population follow Christianity ; at least 92% of the people in the area polled as part of the Ireland Census 2006 identified as Christians. There are numerous abbeys and priories in Clare. Some of the ruins of such structures, such as Scattery Island , Bishop's Island, and Drumcliff monasteries, are ancient, dating to the sixth century when Christianity was first introduced to Ireland. The former
5628-562: The population reported no religion. Up from 5% in 2011 Places of interest include: West Clare and some pockets in East Clare were recognised as part of the Gaeltacht , or Irish-speaking area, by the Irish Free State government in the original Coimisiún na Gaeltachta in 1926. The most prominent of these areas with native Irish language speakers were west of Ennis in Kilmihil , Kilrush , Doonbeg , Doolin , Ennistimon , Carrigaholt , Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan . The last remaining native speaker in Stonehall, next to Shannon ,
5712-435: The presidency of Munster, but the Wars of the Three Kingdoms delayed this until the Restoration of 1660. Clare's county nickname is the Banner County , for which various origins have been suggested: the banners captured by Clare's Dragoons at the Battle of Ramillies ; or the banner of Catholic emancipation raised by Daniel O'Connell 's victory in an 1828 by-election for County Clare that led to Parliament passing
5796-440: The primary destinations. Much traffic from the United States is received, which Aer Lingus mostly handles; it is sometimes used as a military stopover which has caused some controversy in the country, but nonetheless has generated significant revenue for the airport. There are some local ferry services as much of the county is surrounded by water; there is one from Killimer to Tarbert Island in Kerry and also from Doolin to
5880-580: The same year, killing Molloy in the process. Ambition saw Brian look next to the territories of Malachy II , High King of Ireland. A closely contested war of 15 years ensued, with the naval ability of the Dál gCais paying off as a truce was called by Malachy in 997, recognising Brian's overlordship of Leath Moga . They became allies against the Norse Dublin and the Laigin who under Máel Mórda , King of Leinster had risen against Brian's claims. The latter were subdued at Glenmama in 999, before rebelling again in 1014 at Clontarf where Norse power in Ireland
5964-443: The sights and sounds of yesterday are shining memories yet. Milltown Malbay is home to Oidhreacht an Chlair, an institute for higher education in all aspects of Irish tradition, history and literature. The Clare hurling team has one of the best records of success in the country in recent years with many cups such as the Liam MacCarthy Cup having been won in 1914, 1995, 1997, 2013, and 2024, and also finalists in 2002. Clare won
6048-404: The sun was shining in the sky When Willie Clancy played his pipes and the tears welled in my eyes Many years have passed and gone since the time we had there But my heart's tonight in Ireland in the sweet County Clare. ... Lahinch and Ennistymon, Liscannor and Kilkee But best of all was Milltown when the music flowed so free Willie Clancy and the County Clare I'm ever in your debt For
6132-484: The term having become a romantic synecdoche for the Irish as a whole. County Clare County Clare ( Irish : Contae an Chláir ) is a county in the province of Munster in the Southern part of the republic of Ireland, bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Clare County Council is the local authority . The county had a population of 127,938 at the 2022 census . The county seat and largest settlement
6216-416: The throne at Cashel for two years, but Mahon's younger brother Brian Bóruma , a seasoned military man from the early campaigns, would desire vengeance. A campaign in 977-78 led to the defeat and death of Ivar, with an engagement at Scattery Island being the most significant. Brian retained the formerly Norse Limerick for its trading power and naval strength. The Dál gCais took back Munster at Belach Lechta
6300-402: Was aristocratic ("rule by the best") in the truest sense, in that if the tribe thought a younger male member of the family was more suitable to succeed to a role than an older sibling, then they could. The Norman and wider European concept of strict primogeniture was not completely adopted until after some of the families joined the peerage of Ireland. The most powerful Dalcassian family of
6384-400: Was High King, many other Irish kings allied against him, including Leinster, Connacht, and Ulster. Deposed in 1063, he fled to Rome, with some sources claiming he granted Pope Urban II the Irish crown, this is controversial, however. Teague's son Turlough took up the reins in a lasting alliance with the powerful Dermot Kinsella, King of Leinster . Not a military leader, Turlough was instead
6468-558: Was alive in the 1930s; in the 1870s, the region had been entirely Irish speaking. By the time of the second Coimisiún na Gaeltachta in 1956, the decline in the number of Gaelic speakers had been such that West Clare was removed from the list. It remained covered by the Gaeltacht (Housing) Acts until 2001. Close geographic proximity to the Aran Islands (which were once part of Thomond ) and local trade with fishermen from there meant that
6552-593: Was finally broken, though Brian died in the process. In the interim, Malachy had passed the High Kingship to Brian in 1002 and he built strong Christian links to Armagh . Historian C. Thomas Cairney stated that the Dal gCais were the axe-wielding foot-soldiers who formed the core of the army that defeated the Vikings in 1014. After the death of Brian, his two established surviving sons; Donagh and Teague ; struggled in an internal Dál gCais rivalry for dominion. While Donagh
6636-535: Was founded by Saint Senan , who was born locally near Kilrush in 488 and is counted amongst the Twelve Apostles of Ireland . Numerous other saints came from Clare, such as Flannan , Mochulleus, Moula , Caimin, Maccreiche , Munchin and more. In the present day, the Catholic Church still commands a large majority, with 88% of the populace declaring themselves as followers of the religion. This percentage
6720-521: Was historically a Fianna Fáil stronghold. Prominent former TDs for Clare include Éamon de Valera , who became Taoiseach and President and former president Patrick Hillery . It is part of the European Parliament constituency of South (5 seats). The population of Clare was 127,419 people at the 2022 census. The main urban areas are Ennis with a population of 27,923 and Shannon with 10,256. The demographic profile for Clare in general
6804-466: Was initially Earls of Thomond , but later became Barons Inchiquin which they hold to this day. The O'Grady was Viscounts Guillamore , while the O'Quins became Earls of Dunraven . A branch of the MacMahon family became Marquis de MacMahon d'Eguilly in the Kingdom of France , later raised to Dukes of Magenta under Emperor Napoleon III . The Clancy sept was the hereditary Brehons of Thomond and held
6888-533: Was murdered by Congalach son of Lorcáin in treachery ". This action must have paved the way for Lorcán and his sons to seize power. Lorcán was descended from the Uí Toirdhealbhach instead of the Uí Oengusso who had hitherto comprised the Deisi Tuaiscirt kings. Cinnéidigh , another son of Lorcáin, who became king after his father, expanded the power of the Dál gCais greatly and was noted as King of Thomond in
6972-421: Was taken on face value for a long time, later Irish scholars came to question its validity, regarding it as a politically motivated fabrication. The Dál gCais were becoming powerful in the 10th century, with Mahon and his brother Brian Bóruma taking the throne in Munster from the Eóganachta; claiming ancient kinship with their rivals would have boosted their legitimacy. It is claimed by current scholarship that
7056-566: Was the Mesolithic site of Mount Sandel , County Londonderry . This bear bone was discovered in 1903 during an archaeological excavation but was not studied until over a century later. There was a Neolithic civilization in the Clare area—the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen : single-chamber megalithic tombs , usually consisting of three or more upright stones . Clare
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