Cratloe
Encyclopedia
Cratloe is a village in County Clare
, Ireland
, situated between Limerick City and Shannon
in the midwest of Ireland
. It is possible that the name derives from Croit-shliabh meaning "hump-backed hill", referring to Woodcock Hill.
, located on the overlooking hillside, are a popular recreational park and forestry area. Garranon Oak Wood
, near Cratloe Church
, provided the timbers for the roofs of London
's Westminster Hall and the Royal Palace in Amsterdam
.. The claim that a certain oakwood was employed in building a famous building, particularly Westminster is widespread in Ireland. This seems unlikely. However St. Mary's in Limerick city is also claimed to have employed Cratloe timber which seems very likely given the relationship between the O'Brien family and that site.
Within the Garranon Wood, on the edge of the now almost vanished old Limerick to Ennis road, a roadside well, known as the Squire's Well can be found with some searching.
Craughaun Cemetery, just west of the Cratloe to Sixmilebridge road, contains a megalithic wedge tomb, the ruins of an old church and a family vault dedicated to the Blood family.
D'Esterre Bridge, crossing the Ratty/O'gChearnaigh River near Rossmanaher Castle between Bunratty
and Sixmilebridge
, is characterised by the imposing ruins of the gate-towers remaining from its days as a toll-crossing.
The remnants of several small ráth
s, or ring-forts can be found in various fields around Cratloe.
Less than half a mile away, on the opposite side of the road, Cratloekeel Castle sits on a low outcrop, and can be just discerned from the road through the surrounding trees. Further south, on the banks of the River Shannon, is the site of Castle Donnell or Cratloemore Castle, though little is left of the ruins. On the western slopes of Woodcock Hill, toward Sixmilebridge
the ruins of Ballintlea Castle lie in a farmyard. All four of these castles are recorded as being built by the MacNamara
clan.
dedicated to St. John, there is another church within the parish, on the approach to the village of Sixmilebridge. This church is known locally as "The Little Church", and is unusual in that it is not dedicated to any particular saint.
The ruins of several other chapels and churches can be found in the area. As mentioned above, there is one such ruin within the cemetery at Craughaun, and there is another near Cratloemoyle Castle, which together with the nearby well, was dedicated to St. John.
The ruins of the medieval parish church and cemetery of Kilfintenan can be found in the townland of Carrowmore on the road from Sixmilebridge to Gallows Hill. Kilfintenan graveyard is known as the smallest graveyard in Ireland.
In his 1893 work The History and Topography of the County of Clare, James Frost mentions that one Augustus Stafford O'Brien MP removed the ruins of a friary from the grounds of his residence, Cratloe Woods House, apparently because it interfered with the view.
St Johns is the only primary school in Ireland with a special Autism unit
In this context, the area of Cratloe is mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters
, where it is recorded that Crimhthan, King of Munster and High King of Ireland died in the Cratloe area from poison administered by his sister, who wished for her son Brian to be High King. In the end, however, Brian had to settle for the Kingdom of Connaught, while the High Kingship went to a man who was to be later known as Niall of the Nine Hostages
.
In 1510
, an Anglo-Irish army led by Fitzgerald, Earl of Kildare marched on Thomond
, and was met and defeated near Cratloe by an army of the O'Brien, McNamara, Sil-Aedha and Clanrickard clans led by Turlough O'Brien.
The Irish Times political journalist Dick Walsh
was a native of Cratloe; his father and paternal grandfather both served as principal of the local national school.
, to the west by the Ratty/ Uí gCearnaigh (Garney) river, and a large part of the eastern boundary is formed by a creek known locally as the Sandy River.
With the exceptions of a few low hills, the portion of Cratloe south of the N18 dual-carriageway, and west of the R462 to Sixmilebridge mainly consists of the low lying flood plains of the tidal rivers. The farmlands in these areas are protected by levees.
The remainder of the parish consists of the south-western and western portion of Woodcock Hill, which summits at 310 m (1015 ft) just outside Cratloe's boundary. A large portion of this area is planted as a spruce/pine forest.
The score was Clonlara 1:09 Cratloe 3:05.
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
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
, situated between Limerick City and Shannon
Shannon, County Clare
Shannon or Shannon Town , named after the river near which it stands, is a town located in County Clare. It was given town status on 1 January 1982. The town is located just off the N19 road, a spur of the N18/M18 road between Limerick city and Ennis....
in the midwest of 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 is possible that the name derives from Croit-shliabh meaning "hump-backed hill", referring to Woodcock Hill.
Places of interest
The Cratloe WoodsCratloe Woods
The Cratloe Woods are a forested area around the village of Cratloe in County Clare, Ireland. Much of the original oak forest has been replaced with coniferous softwoods during the past century; however, small pockets of native oak survive...
, located on the overlooking hillside, are a popular recreational park and forestry area. Garranon Oak Wood
Cratloe Woods
The Cratloe Woods are a forested area around the village of Cratloe in County Clare, Ireland. Much of the original oak forest has been replaced with coniferous softwoods during the past century; however, small pockets of native oak survive...
, near Cratloe Church
Cratloe Church
Cratloe Church, dedicated to St. John, is the Roman Catholic parish church of Cratloe, in County Clare, Ireland. It was originally built in 1791 by Fr. James Ward, P.P.. Two transepts having been added to the original chancel and nave in 1806, by Fr...
, provided the timbers for the roofs of London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
's Westminster Hall and the Royal Palace in Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
.. The claim that a certain oakwood was employed in building a famous building, particularly Westminster is widespread in Ireland. This seems unlikely. However St. Mary's in Limerick city is also claimed to have employed Cratloe timber which seems very likely given the relationship between the O'Brien family and that site.
Within the Garranon Wood, on the edge of the now almost vanished old Limerick to Ennis road, a roadside well, known as the Squire's Well can be found with some searching.
Craughaun Cemetery, just west of the Cratloe to Sixmilebridge road, contains a megalithic wedge tomb, the ruins of an old church and a family vault dedicated to the Blood family.
D'Esterre Bridge, crossing the Ratty/O'gChearnaigh River near Rossmanaher Castle between Bunratty
Bunratty
Bunratty is a village in County Clare in the parish of Newmarket on Fergus, Ireland.-History:The first settlement in Bunratty was by Vikings in 970 AD. Bunratty had reached it peak in 1804 AD, with a thriving economy, expanding community, and the construction of much of the buildings and...
and Sixmilebridge
Sixmilebridge
Sixmilebridge is a small town in County Clare, Ireland. Located midway between Ennis and Limerick city, the town is a short distance away from the main N18 road, being on the old "back road" between the two...
, is characterised by the imposing ruins of the gate-towers remaining from its days as a toll-crossing.
The remnants of several small ráth
Ringfort
Ringforts are circular fortified settlements that were mostly built during the Iron Age , although some were built as late as the Early Middle Ages . They are found in Northern Europe, especially in Ireland...
s, or ring-forts can be found in various fields around Cratloe.
Castles
Cratloe is the location of several ruined castles and tower houses, the most notable being Cratloemoyle Castle (sometimes referred to as 'Cratloe Castle'), located just to the north of the N18 road on the approach to Limerick.Less than half a mile away, on the opposite side of the road, Cratloekeel Castle sits on a low outcrop, and can be just discerned from the road through the surrounding trees. Further south, on the banks of the River Shannon, is the site of Castle Donnell or Cratloemore Castle, though little is left of the ruins. On the western slopes of Woodcock Hill, toward Sixmilebridge
Sixmilebridge
Sixmilebridge is a small town in County Clare, Ireland. Located midway between Ennis and Limerick city, the town is a short distance away from the main N18 road, being on the old "back road" between the two...
the ruins of Ballintlea Castle lie in a farmyard. All four of these castles are recorded as being built by the MacNamara
Clan MacNamara
Mac Conmara is the surname of a family of County Clare in Ireland. It is anglicised MacNamara or McNamara-Background:The name means "Hounds of the Sea"...
clan.
Churches
In addition to the main parish churchCratloe Church
Cratloe Church, dedicated to St. John, is the Roman Catholic parish church of Cratloe, in County Clare, Ireland. It was originally built in 1791 by Fr. James Ward, P.P.. Two transepts having been added to the original chancel and nave in 1806, by Fr...
dedicated to St. John, there is another church within the parish, on the approach to the village of Sixmilebridge. This church is known locally as "The Little Church", and is unusual in that it is not dedicated to any particular saint.
The ruins of several other chapels and churches can be found in the area. As mentioned above, there is one such ruin within the cemetery at Craughaun, and there is another near Cratloemoyle Castle, which together with the nearby well, was dedicated to St. John.
The ruins of the medieval parish church and cemetery of Kilfintenan can be found in the townland of Carrowmore on the road from Sixmilebridge to Gallows Hill. Kilfintenan graveyard is known as the smallest graveyard in Ireland.
In his 1893 work The History and Topography of the County of Clare, James Frost mentions that one Augustus Stafford O'Brien MP removed the ruins of a friary from the grounds of his residence, Cratloe Woods House, apparently because it interfered with the view.
Transport
- The N18 national primary road from Limerick to GalwayGalwayGalway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
passes through Cratloe. - The railway lineRail transport in IrelandRail services in Ireland are provided by Iarnród Éireann in the Republic of Ireland and by Northern Ireland Railways in Northern Ireland.Most routes in the Republic radiate from Dublin...
from Limerick to Ennis also passes through the village – although the station remains closed at present. Cratloe railway station opened on 17 January 1859, but finally closed on 17 June 1963.
Education
There is a primary school located opposite St John's church.St Johns is the only primary school in Ireland with a special Autism unit
History
The present parish of Cratloe consists of two parts: the former parish of Kilfintenan and a portion of the contemporary parish of Kileely.In this context, the area of Cratloe is mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters
Annals of the Four Masters
The Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland or the Annals of the Four Masters are a chronicle of medieval Irish history...
, where it is recorded that Crimhthan, King of Munster and High King of Ireland died in the Cratloe area from poison administered by his sister, who wished for her son Brian to be High King. In the end, however, Brian had to settle for the Kingdom of Connaught, while the High Kingship went to a man who was to be later known as Niall of the Nine Hostages
Niall of the Nine Hostages
Niall Noígíallach , or in English, Niall of the Nine Hostages, son of Eochaid Mugmedón, was an Irish king, the eponymous ancestor of the Uí Néill kindred who dominated Ireland from the 6th century to the 10th century...
.
In 1510
1510 in Ireland
-Events:An Anglo-Irish army led by Fitzgerald, Earl of Kildare marched on Thomond, and was met and defeated at Cratloe by an army of the O'Brien, McNamara, Sil-Aedha and Clanrickard clans led by Turlough O'Brien....
, an Anglo-Irish army led by Fitzgerald, Earl of Kildare marched on Thomond
Thomond
Thomond The region of Ireland associated with the name Thomond is County Clare, County Limerick and north County Tipperary; effectively most of north Munster. The name is used by a variety of establishments and organisations located in , or associated with the region...
, and was met and defeated near Cratloe by an army of the O'Brien, McNamara, Sil-Aedha and Clanrickard clans led by Turlough O'Brien.
The Irish Times political journalist Dick Walsh
Dick Walsh
Richard Walsh , better known as Dick 'Drug' Walsh, was a famous Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Mooncoin and with the Kilkenny senior inter-county team in the early years of the 20th century. Walsh captained Kilkenny to three All-Ireland titles in 1907, 1909 and...
was a native of Cratloe; his father and paternal grandfather both served as principal of the local national school.
Geography
Cratloe is bounded to the south by the tidal estuary of the river ShannonRiver 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...
, to the west by the Ratty/ Uí gCearnaigh (Garney) river, and a large part of the eastern boundary is formed by a creek known locally as the Sandy River.
With the exceptions of a few low hills, the portion of Cratloe south of the N18 dual-carriageway, and west of the R462 to Sixmilebridge mainly consists of the low lying flood plains of the tidal rivers. The farmlands in these areas are protected by levees.
The remainder of the parish consists of the south-western and western portion of Woodcock Hill, which summits at 310 m (1015 ft) just outside Cratloe's boundary. A large portion of this area is planted as a spruce/pine forest.
Sport
The main sport in Cratloe is GAA, winning one senior hurling 2009 championship and two intermediate football titles 2004 and 2009 Locals are keen Munster rugby fans and most are dedicated supporters of Limerick rugby clubs like Garryowen and Young Munster. Hurling has become a minority sport due to rugby dominating, however Cratloe won their first Senior county hurling Final against Clonlara on the 1st of November 2009.The score was Clonlara 1:09 Cratloe 3:05.
See also
- List of towns and villages in Ireland