Carrigaholt
Encyclopedia
County Clare
-History:There was a Neolithic civilisation 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...
, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
. It lies at the mouth of the Moyarta river, which flows into the estuary of the River Shannon
River Shannon
The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland at . It divides the west of Ireland from the east and south . County Clare, being west of the Shannon but part of the province of Munster, is the major exception...
about 15 km from the tip of the Loop Head
Loop Head
Loop Head , is a headland on the north side of the mouth of the River Shannon, in County Clare in the west of Ireland.Loop Head is marked by a prominent lighthouse. The opposite headland on the south side of the Shannon is Kerry Head...
peninsula and about 10 km from the resort town of Kilkee
Kilkee
Kilkee is a small coastal town in County Clare, Ireland. It is located midway between Kilrush and Doonbeg on the N67 road. The town, one of the most famous resorts in Ireland, is particularly popular as a seaside resort with people from Limerick City...
on the north coast of the peninsula. The village boasts a ruined castle that stood guard over the mouth of the Shannon and the local fishing pier. Fishing is still continued in the village with a small number of boats delivering their catches to a local processing company. The village is also the local centre for the local farming community. The village has benefited recently from tourism, mainly provided by residents from Limerick some 110 km to the east. The village has two restaurants, a fast food take-away and four public houses, some of which offer live entertainment, particularly during the summer high season. There is a holiday caravan park located nearby. A local business (Carrigaholt Dolphin Watch) offers boating trips to observe dolphins in the mouth of the Shannon River, home to one of the largest pods in Europe. The Carrigaholt Sea Angling Centre offers fishing packages for up to 8 fisherman at a time and runs a purpose built boat. Catches include ray, conger
Conger
Conger is a genus of marine congrid eels. It includes some of the largest types of eels, ranging up to 3 m in length, in the case of the European conger...
, bass, dogfish, tope, cod
Cod
Cod is the common name for genus Gadus, belonging to the family Gadidae, and is also used in the common name for various other fishes. Cod is a popular food with a mild flavor, low fat content and a dense, flaky white flesh. Cod livers are processed to make cod liver oil, an important source of...
, pollock, hake and turbot
Turbot
The turbot is a species of flatfish in the family Scophthalmidae. It is native to marine or brackish waters of the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.-Etymology:...
. Other features include a beach suitable for swimming and watersports, pubs and restaurants,two piers, and local village shops for food necessities.
There is a school in Carrigaholt.
The Curch of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Carrigaholt, was built in 1832-1833.
People
- Birthplace of Eugene O'CurryEugene O'Curry-Life:He was born at Doonaha, near Carrigaholt, County Clare, the son of Eoghan Ó Comhraí, a farmer, and his wife Cáit. Eoghan had spent some time as a travelling pedlar and had developed an interest in Irish folklore and music. Unusually for someone of his background, he appears to have been...
, (17941794 in Ireland-Events:*4 May - Dublin Society of United Irishmen suppressed.*Establishment of Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills.-Births:*9 January - Mother Frances Mary Teresa Ball, founder of Irish Branch of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Loreto schools ....
- 18621862 in Ireland-Full date unknown:*The Dublin Fire Brigade was established under the Dublin Corporation Fire Brigades Act.-Births:*10 June - John de Robeck, admiral in the British Navy .*11 June - Violet Florence Martin, author .*14 June - John J...
), scholar, historian.
Carrigaholt Castle
Carrigaholt Castle was built in about 1480 by the McMahons, chiefs of the Corcabascin Peninsula. It stands at the end of a fishing pier overlooking the Shannon EstuaryShannon Estuary
The Shannon Estuary is a large estuary where the River Shannon flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The estuary has Limerick at its head and its seaward limits are marked by Loop Head to the north and Kerry Head to the south...
and the harbour. This is a tall, well-preserved five storey tower house. It has a fiery and colourful history which would fill volumes.
The castle was occupied by Teige Caech "the short sighted" McMahon in September 1588 when seven ships of the Spanish Armada anchored at Carrigaholt. Although aid was refused by the McMahons (who are descendants of Mathgamain mac Cennétig
Mathgamain mac Cennétig
Mathgamain mac Cennétig was King of Munster from around 970 to his death in 976. He is the elder brother of Brian Bóruma and the ancestor of the McMahon family of County Clare in Western Ireland ....
), the castle was nonetheless unsuccessfully besieged shortly afterwards by Sir Conyers Clifford (Governor of Connaught
Connacht
Connacht , formerly anglicised as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the west of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for...
). The following year the renegade fourth Earl of Thomond
Earl of Thomond
"Earl of Thomond" was a title in the Peerage of Ireland. It was created twice for the family of Ó Briain. The O'Brien dynasty were an ancient Irish sept native to north Munster....
(Donagh O'Brien) captured it after a four-day siege and, in breach of the surrender terms, hanged all the defenders. Ownership then passed to the Earl's brother Donal O'Brien, who was responsible for inserting many of the castle's windows as well as the fireplace on the fifth floor, which bears the date 1603. Donal's grandson was the celebrated third Viscount Clare
Viscount Clare
-First creation:The titles of Viscount Clare and Baron Moyarta were conferred on Daniel O'Brien, a younger son of Connor O'Brien, 3rd Earl of Thomond, on 11 July 1662. These titles were forfeit by the attainder of the third Viscount in 1691. However, the title continued to be used by his...
who resided at Carrigaholt and raised a regiment of horses known as the "Yellow Dragoons" for the House of Stuart
House of Stuart
The House of Stuart is a European royal house. Founded by Robert II of Scotland, the Stewarts first became monarchs of the Kingdom of Scotland during the late 14th century, and subsequently held the position of the Kings of Great Britain and Ireland...
King James II of England
James II of England
James II & VII was King of England and King of Ireland as James II and King of Scotland as James VII, from 6 February 1685. He was the last Catholic monarch to reign over the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland...
's armies. After the forfeiture of his extensive 230 km2 (57,000-acre) estate by the Williamites, the castle was acquired by the Burton family.
The castle today is under the care of the Office of Public Works. All that remains is a shell of its former nobility. The Burton Family were the last inhabitants and left it in the late 19th century.
See also
- List of towns and villages in Ireland