List of national monuments in County Clare facts for kids

The Irish state has a special list of places and buildings in County Clare that are super important to the country's history. These are called national monuments. They are protected by the government because they tell us a lot about Ireland's past. Sometimes, even the land around these monuments is protected to keep them safe. Think of them as treasures that help us understand how people lived long, long ago!

Amazing Ancient Sites

Ballyallaban Ringfort

A view of Ballyallaban Ringfort.

A ringfort is like an old, circular farm where people lived a very long time ago. They built a big wall or ditch around their homes to keep safe. The Ballyallaban ringfort is a great example of these ancient homes in County Clare. It helps us imagine what life was like for families hundreds of years ago.

Brian Boru's Fort

This is another type of ringfort, named after the famous Irish High King, Brian Boru. Even though there isn't an image for this one, it's still a really important historical site. It reminds us of the powerful leaders and communities that once lived in this area.

Cahermacnaghten

The impressive stone walls of Cahermacnaghten.

A "cashel" is a type of stone fort, similar to a ringfort but built with stone walls instead of earth. Cahermacnaghten is a fantastic example of a cashel. It was once a very important place, especially for learning about old Irish laws and history. Imagine scholars studying here centuries ago!

Mooghaun Hillfort

The ancient walls of Mooghaun Cashel.

A hillfort is a large, ancient fort built on top of a hill. Mooghaun is one of the biggest and most important hillforts in Ireland. It was built during the Bronze Age, which was thousands of years ago! People believe it was a very powerful place, maybe even a royal center, because of the amazing gold treasures found nearby.

Poulnabrone Dolmen

The iconic Poulnabrone Dolmen standing tall.

The Poulnabrone dolmen is a famous portal tomb. This means it's a very old burial place made from huge stones, like a giant stone table. It's one of the most well-known ancient sites in Ireland and is over 5,000 years old! It's amazing to think about the people who built this monument so long ago.

Magh Adhair

The ancient inauguration site of Magh Adhair.

Magh Adhair is a very special place because it was an ancient inauguration site. This is where kings or chiefs of the local area would have been officially crowned or recognized. It's like an outdoor throne room from long ago, where important ceremonies took place.

Cashlaungarr

This is another type of cashel, or stone fort. While there isn't a specific image for this one, it's part of the rich history of stone forts in County Clare, showing how people built strong defenses in ancient times.

Cahercommaun

The dramatic location of Cahercommaun.

Cahercommaun is a large, impressive stone fort built on the edge of a cliff. It's a fantastic example of how people used the natural landscape to help protect their homes. It's a truly dramatic and interesting place to visit.

Historic Castles

Bunratty Castle

The grand Bunratty Castle.

Bunratty Castle is one of Ireland's most famous castles! It's a large, well-preserved tower house that was built in the 15th century. Today, you can visit it and even experience a medieval banquet, stepping back in time to see how people lived in a grand castle.

Dromore Castle

The ruins of Dromore Castle.

Dromore Castle is another historic castle in County Clare. While it's now mostly ruins, it still stands proudly and tells a story of its past. Castles like Dromore were important strongholds for powerful families centuries ago.

Gleninagh Castle

Gleninagh Castle by the coast.

Gleninagh Castle is a tower house located in a beautiful coastal area. It's a great example of the many smaller castles that were built across Ireland to protect lands and families. Imagine living in a castle with views of the sea!

Leamaneh Castle

The striking ruins of Leamaneh Castle.

Leamaneh Castle is a very striking ruin, known for its unique history and the strong woman who once lived there, Máire Rua McMahon. It's a mix of an old tower house and a newer mansion, showing how buildings changed over time.

Carrigaholt Castle

Carrigaholt Castle overlooking the water.

Carrigaholt Castle is a tall tower house right by the water. It was built in the 15th century and has a long history, including being involved in many battles. Its location by the sea made it very important for controlling trade and travel.

Ancient Churches and Abbeys

Corcomroe Abbey

The beautiful ruins of Corcomroe Abbey.

Corcomroe Abbey is a beautiful old abbey built by Cistercian monks in the 13th century. It's famous for its amazing stone carvings and its peaceful location in the Burren. Monks lived here, prayed, and worked the land many centuries ago.

Tau Cross (Cross Inneenboy)

The unique Tau Cross.

This is a very old and unique stone cross. A "Tau Cross" is shaped like the letter 'T'. It's a special piece of early Christian art and history, showing how faith was important in Ireland a very long time ago.

Canon Island Abbey

The ruins of Canon Island Abbey.

Canon Island Abbey is an Augustinian abbey located on an island in the Shannon Estuary. Imagine monks living in such a peaceful and isolated place! It was an important religious center in the past.

Clare Abbey

The historic Clare Abbey.

Clare Abbey is another Augustinian abbey, located near Ennis. It was founded in the 12th century and played a big role in the religious life of the area for hundreds of years. Its ruins are still very impressive today.

Drumcliff Church & Round Tower

Drumcliff Church and its historic round tower.

Drumcliff features both an old church and a tall, slender round tower. Round towers were built by monks over a thousand years ago, possibly as bell towers or places of refuge during attacks. They are a unique part of Irish history.

Ennis Friary

The detailed carvings at Ennis Friary.

Ennis Friary is a Franciscan friary right in the town of Ennis. It was founded in the 13th century and is known for its beautiful stone carvings and sculptures. Friaries were homes for friars, who were like monks but often lived among people in towns.

Inchicronan Abbey

The serene Inchicronan Abbey.

Inchicronan Abbey is another Augustinian abbey, located by a lake. It's a peaceful and historic site, showing how religious communities often chose beautiful, quiet spots for their homes.

Inishcaltra (Holy Island)

Churches on Holy Island.

Inishcaltra (also known as Holy Island) is an amazing early medieval site on an island in Lough Derg. It has several old churches, a round tower, and ancient burial grounds. It was a very important center for learning and religion over a thousand years ago.

Kilfenora Church, Abbey & Cathedral

A detailed carving at Kilfenora Abbey.

Kilfenora Cathedral and its high cross.

The village of Kilfenora is home to several important religious sites: an old church, a Franciscan friary (Kilfenora Abbey), and a cathedral. The Kilfenora Cathedral is especially famous for its ancient high crosses, which are tall, decorated stone crosses. These sites show how important Kilfenora was in the past.

St. Molua's Church

St. Molua's Church in Killaloe.

St. Molua's Church is a very old church located in Killaloe. It's a simple but historically significant building, connected to one of Ireland's early saints.

Dysert O'Dea Monastery

The round tower at Dysert O'Dea.

Dysert O'Dea is a historic site with a church, a round tower, and a high cross. It was an important monastic settlement and also the site of a famous battle in 1318. It's a place where history and faith come together.

Killone Abbey

The peaceful ruins of Killone Abbey.

Killone Abbey is an Augustinian abbey located near Ennis. It was founded for nuns in the 12th century. It's a beautiful and tranquil ruin, offering a glimpse into the lives of religious women in medieval Ireland.

Oughtmama Three Churches

One of the ancient churches at Oughtmama.

Oughtmama is a special site with the ruins of three early churches, all very close to each other. It's located in a beautiful, quiet valley in the Burren, suggesting it was a peaceful place for worship and monastic life.

Ruan Church

The historic Ruan Church.

Ruan Church is an old church that stands as a reminder of the many local churches that served communities throughout history in County Clare.

Scattery Island (Inis Cathaigh)

Ruins on Scattery Island.

Scattery Island is an amazing early medieval site on an island in the Shannon Estuary. It has the ruins of several churches, a round tower, and a cathedral. It was founded by St. Senan in the 6th century and was a very important monastic center.

St. Flannan's Cathedral

St. Flannan's Cathedral in Killaloe.

St. Flannan's Cathedral in Killaloe is a beautiful and important church. It's the main church for the local area and has parts that date back many centuries, including some amazing Romanesque carvings.

Temple Cronan

A stone carving at Temple Cronan.

Temple Cronan is an old church with some interesting stone carvings, located in the Burren. It's a quiet and atmospheric place that shows the early Christian heritage of the region.

Images for kids

• Ballyhickey Wedge Tomb.jpg

  Ballyhickey Wedge Tomb

• Caheraphuca Wedge Tomb.jpg

  Caheraphuca Wedge Tomb

• Slievenaglasha Wedge Tomb.jpg

  Slievenaglasha Wedge Tomb

• Tullycommon Wedge Tomb.jpg

  Tullycommon Wedge Tomb

Sources