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A small sea-side village at the very mouth of the Shannon, the village has become a popular summer destination for the serious traveller. A fine keep and lawn of a small castle (one of the McMahons') stands near the pier. This castle has a long and colourful history of siege, capture, betrayal: quite a microcosm of Irish history. It was once the home of Lord Clare who is remembered today principally in the title of a well-known Irish tune, 'Lord Clare's Dragoons'. (He raised several regiments in support of King James II during the war against William) A descendant, also Lord Clare, became a Marshal in the French army and fought at Fontenoy (1745) and other battles. In 1588 seven ships of the Spanish Armada sheltered in the harbour; one was set alight by the crew and allowed to sink in the estuary.
A few miles away is the birthplace of Eugene O'Curry who was honoured by having his likeness put on a postage stamp some years ago. O'Curry was a noted Gaelic scholar.
The coastal scenery around Carrigaholt is spectacular with splendid examples of cliffs, sea-stacks, sea-caves, chasms and rocks; the well-known 'Bridge of Ross' is a sea-arch formed by marine erosion. For the archaeologist, there are a number of ruined churches in the immediate vicinity. Nearby is Loop Head, the extreme tip of County Clare. The legendary warrior Cúchulaiun is supposed to have leaped from the Head to escape the attentions of the witch Mal, who drowned in trying to follow; 'Loop' is a corruption of 'leap'.
The village has recently turned to the Atlantic ocean for financial gain, and the annual oyster festival and dolphin-watching have become attractions.
Other towns of County Clare
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