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The country around the village of Quin has many archaeological remains, the most notable being the franciscan friary (remains). The first building that we know of on this site was a church, and then on the site de Clare built a castle in 1280 A.D. This was attacked and destroyed by the native Irish, and the present church was built on the site (c.1350 A.D.), incorporating some parts of the castle ruins. One of the Macnamara's, the local ruling family, brought the franciscans to Quin c.1433 A.D. ; the last of them died in 1820 and is buried in the ruins.
The surrounding countryside has many ruined castles of the Macnamara's, and the spot on which they were inaugurated: now a flat-topped mound surrounded by a bank and ditch and called Magh Adhair. Brian Boru was inaugurated as King of Thomond here, as were many other Dal gCais rulers.
Nearby is a large ringfort. It was near Quin that a huge hoard of prehistoric gold was found by labourers on the Limerick - Ennis Railway in 1854; a few examples were saved, but most of the objects were sold and melted. This was the largest find of prehistoric gold objects in Europe.
If you are looking for accommodation in the area Ireland Mid-West Online recommends Gorteen Farmhouse.
Other towns of County Clare
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