Clara, County Wicklow facts for kids

Clara Vale Bridge was built in the late 17th century

Clara (also known as Clara More) is a tiny village in County Wicklow, Ireland. Its Irish name is An Clárach Mór. It's often called the 'smallest village in Ireland'.

Clara is a townland, which is a small area of land. It has a few buildings and a famous bridge over the River Avonmore. You can find Clara halfway between the towns of Laragh and Rathdrum. It sits right on the R755 road.

What Makes Clara Special?

Clara might be small, but it has some very old and interesting places. These include a historic bridge, an old church, and a beautiful nature reserve.

The Historic Clara Vale Bridge

One of the most important structures in Clara is its narrow road bridge. This bridge crosses the Avonmore River. It has six arches and was built a long time ago, around the year 1680. Imagine how many people and carts have crossed this bridge over the centuries!

Clara Vale Catholic Church

Near the bridge, you'll find the Clara Vale Catholic church. This church was built around 1799. It is dedicated to two important saints: Saint Patrick and Saint Killian. The church was updated and improved in the late 1830s, making it even better for its community.

The Ancient Vale of Clara Nature Reserve

Clara is also home to the Vale of Clara Nature Reserve. This reserve is a very special place. Experts believe it might be one of the oldest hardwood forests in all of Ireland. It's a wonderful spot to see ancient trees and enjoy nature.