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Tuamgraney

The village of Tuamgraney, near Scarriff, is a very interesting visitor destination. It’s one of the most notable ecclesiastical and historical places in Ireland. There are many relics of its rich heritage recorded in its townland names, pillar stones, holy wells as well as in the Annals and lives of the saints.

One of the highlights is the East Clare Heritage Centre and 10th century St. Cronan’s Church where the Centre is located.

The Church is used today by the Church of Ireland community, which makes it the oldest church in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales still in use.

It also has very close links to Brian Boru, the last High King of Ireland. Brian is said to have repaired the church in 1012 and his brother, Marcán, was the abbot of the monastery in Tuamgraney.

When you visit, watch out for the doorway of the church which remains unaltered since it was built c 950 AD!

East Clare Heritage Centre offers extensive information on Brian Boru, St. Cronan’s Church and the East Clare area in general. It also has details of boat trips available from nearby Mountshannon to the famous Holy Island, the monastic island on Lough Derg.

Tuamgraney is one of the most notable, ecclesiastical and historical places in Ireland. It’s pagan past is recorded in its townland names, in pillar stones and holy wells. It’s monastic past is recorded in the Annals and in the lives of the saints. Brian Ború worshipped here and repaired St. Cronan’s church in 1012.

While in Tuamgraney look out for O’Grady’s 16th century castle, the Garden of Remembrance and the Famine Memorial Parkland. Don’t forget to check out also a very old oak tree in Raheen Oak Wood on the shores of Lough Derg near Tuamgraney, which is reputed to be the oldest oak tree in Ireland.

The village offers an excellent base for holiday activities ranging from angling in the East Clare Lakelands and golfing at East Clare Golf Club to horse riding at the East Clare Equestrian Centre in Tuamgraney and sightseeing.

In the village, watch out for a family-run hand-weaving craft workshop, McKernan Handweavers. Take a step back in time and experience Eugene working his magic on late 19th century looms, as he turns Anke's contemporary designs into colourful arrays of distinctive scarves and shawls.

Also based in the village is the Wildes Irish Handmade Chocolates enterprise. Other local amenities include a number of restaurants and pubs. Self-catering and bed & breakfast accommodation is available.

The area is also famous as the birthplace of the noted novelist, Edna O’Brien who was born at Drewsboro House between Tuamgraney and Scarriff.