Lahinch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lahinch
Irish: An Leacht
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Town
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 Lahinch
Location in Ireland
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| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Munster |
| County | County Clare |
| Population | 638 |
| Irish Grid Reference | R134877 |
Lahinch or Lehinch is a small town on Liscannor Bay. It is located on the northwest coast of County Clare, Ireland. The town is found on the N67 national road. It sits between Milltown Malbay and Ennistymon. Lahinch is about 75 kilometers southwest of Galway and 68 kilometers northwest of Limerick. This town is a popular seaside resort. It is also home to the Lahinch Golf Club and is well-known for surfing.
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What's in a Name? The Meaning of Lahinch
The name Lahinch comes from the Irish words Leath Inse. This means "peninsula" or "half island". It describes the town's location between the Inagh River and the sea.
Some old records called the town Leith Innse. This is another way to say "peninsula" in Irish. You might also see the name Leacht Uí Chonchubhair. This means "O'Connor's Grave". It refers to a memorial stone for an O'Connor chieftain. The O'Connors were a powerful family in the area long ago.
Today, most people spell the town's name "Lahinch". However, some road signs still use the spelling "Lehinch".
Lahinch's Past: History and Landmarks
People have lived in the Lahinch area for a very long time. Old earth forts show that ancient communities were here. One important fort is on a hill above the village. It is thought that Danish Vikings built this fort.
During the Middle Ages, the O'Brien family ruled the coastline. You can still see the ruins of their castles, like Liscannor Castle and Dough Castle. The tower of Dough Castle stands on the golf course today.
In the 1700s, Lahinch was just a small village. It had only a few huts for fishermen. But in the 1800s, the town started to grow. By 1835, over 1,000 people lived there. Lahinch became a popular seaside resort after the West Clare Railway opened in 1887.
A big storm hit the town in 1883. It destroyed the sea wall and promenade. Many buildings were also damaged. Local leaders worked to repair the town. A new sea wall was built and opened in 1893.
In 1891, a book said Lahinch's beach was one of the best in Ireland. It was praised for its length and smoothness. The book also mentioned that the town had great places to stay. The Lahinch Golf Club was started in 1892. This helped the town grow even more.
Long ago, people in Lahinch celebrated Garland Sunday. This was on the last Sunday of July. People from all over the county would come. The main street would be full of stalls and fun activities.
In 1920, some buildings in Lahinch were damaged during a difficult time in Irish history. The town hall and a dance club were among the buildings affected.
The West Clare Railway closed in 1961. But Lahinch has stayed popular. It is now famous as a surfing spot. Today, the town has many cafes, restaurants, and shops. There is also a church, a pub, and hotels. You can find a bookstore and a surfing school too.
Just outside town is Moy House. This is a country house in 15 acres of woods. It was named Country House of the Year in 2003. In 1996, Lahinch Seaworld and Leisure Centre opened. It has an aquarium, a swimming pool, and other fun facilities.
Sports and Activities in Lahinch
Lahinch is well-known for its sports, especially golf and surfing.
Golfing Fun
Lahinch is home to the Lahinch Golf Club. This club has 36 holes and was founded in 1892. Famous golf course designers helped create and improve the course. One of them was Alister MacKenzie, who also designed Augusta National Golf Club.
The Lahinch Golf Club hosts the South of Ireland Championship. This is a golf tournament for amateur players that started in 1895. In July 2019, the club also hosted the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
Catching Waves: Surfing and Water Sports
Lahinch has become one of the best places for surfing in Ireland. There is even a surfing school in town. In 2006, 44 surfers rode one small wave together. This set a new world record!
Lahinch is also a great spot for other water sports. These include kitesurfing and windsurfing. The Lahinch Sea Rescue service helps keep water-users safe.
Soccer and More
The local soccer clubs are Moher Celtic and Sporting Ennistymon. They have teams for different age groups, from young kids to adults. The teams play in the Clare Schoolboy/Girls Soccer League and the Clare District Soccer League. Most home games are played at Lahinch Sportsfield.
Besides these, you can enjoy other activities in the area. These include fishing, cycling, hiking, and pony trekking.
Getting Around: Transport in Lahinch
Lahinch is connected to other towns by bus services.
Bus Services
Bus Éireann route 350 connects Lahinch to many places. These include Ennis, Ennistymon, the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, and Galway. Buses run several times a day. From Ennis and Galway, you can find more bus and train connections.
Route 333 also links Lahinch to towns like Doonbeg, Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay, and Ennis. This service runs once a day from Monday to Saturday.
Old Railway History
Lahinch used to have a narrow gauge railway. It was part of the West Clare Railway. This railway connected Lahinch to towns like Kilrush and Ennis. The train station in Lahinch opened in 1887. However, the entire railway line closed in 1961. Today, the closest train station is Ennis railway station. You can get there by taking the Bus Éireann route 350.
Famous People from Lahinch
- Alphonsus Cullinan (born 1959), a Roman Catholic prelate who is currently the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore.
- Kitty Hayes (1928–2008), a talented concertina player, born near Lahinch.
- Robert Dermot O'Flanagan (1901–1972), a Roman Catholic prelate who was the Bishop of Juneau.
- Paddy Skerritt (1927–2001), a professional golfer.
Gallery
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The waterfront in August 2005
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Lahinch promenade in February 2012
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View of the town from the beach
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Looking out to sea at Lahinch beach
See also
In Spanish: Lahinch para niños
