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Sixmilebridge (Droichead Abhann 0 gCearnaigh - Bridge of the Ogarney River)
This is a picturesque village on the banks of the river. The original village grew
dramatically about 1700 following introduction of industries (including iron-works)
in the area. The new streets commemorated the Hanoverian succession Orange, George,
Hanover and Frederick.
To the North of Sixmilebridge are the remains of Filoe Church, dated from the 11th
century, which has Romanesque carvings and Kilmurray (or Mountcashel) Castle built
by Conor na Sron, King of Thomond in 1466.
Cratloe (Creat Shaileog - land of the sally trees)
This small village offers beautiful forest walks through Cratloe woods on the slopes of
Woodcock Hill and has far-reaching views of the Shannon and Fergus estuaries and Shannon
town and airport.
Cratloe oak was taken to roof the royal palace of Aileach, near Derry by invading men of
Ulster in the 9th century.
Gallows Hill, 2 km from Cratloe has a car park, picnic area, forest walks and
viewing points. This area is classed as one of outstanding natural beauty in the National
Heritage inventory.
Cratloe castle, on the N18 Limerick road, was built in 1610 by the MacNamaras.
Bunratty (Mouth of the Ratty/ Ogarney River)
Originally built in 1277 by Thomas de Clare, the Norman-Irish Castle was destroyed and
rebuilt more than once in the centuries that followed.
It was captured by the O'Brien in 1355 and remained their headquarters until
1712. The MacNamara's, a sept of the O'Briens erected its present form in 1460 but time
took its toll upon the building until Viscount Gort bought it in 1954
and, with the aid of Bord Failte, had it restored by the Office of Public Works.
The Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland and boasts one
of the finest collections of 14th-17th century material in these isles. The castle and
its contents are now held in trust for the nation.
The Shannon Development Company manages the establishment, and orchestrates medieval
banquets on a year-round basis. It is open to visitors daily during the year.
Admission charge.
Bunratty Folk Park
Features a complete reconstruction of a 19th century village street, including craft shops,
general stores and post office. There are examples of houses representing a variety of
districts from west Clare to the rich farmlands of Limerick. Traditional crafts of an
earlier age may be observed in action basket weaving, farriery, candle making and the
home baking of bread.
A collection of early agricultural machinery is also on show. In the folk barn country
style meals are served and entertainment is provided: music, story telling, Irish dancing
and songs.
Shannon
Originally an industrial estate acting as ancillary to the International Airport, the region
attracted much industrial development and became a new town in the 1960. The town has grown
rapidly to become, with about 8,000 inhabitants, the second largest town in Clare. It has
recently acquired municipal status.
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