The spirit of Old Ireland lives on in Shannon. On the wide estuary of the River Shannon, on the open moors or in the deep woodland, bog cotton danced in the breeze admidst a blaze of color from heather, gorse and hawthorn. This is a view of
Ireland in ancient times.
Learn about the heritage of Ireland in the Shannon area by
visiting these Ireland heritage sites:
Adare CastleAdare is regarded as a fine example of the medieval fortified castle in Ireland and is one of a number of outstanding castles situated in County Limerick. It is sited on the north bank of the River Maigue in a strategic position on a substantial earlier ringwork where it was able to control traffic on the river. It was an important stronghold of the Earls of Desmond. A strong, square keep forms the defensive core of the castle that stands within a walled ward surrounded by a moat. Beside the river is the great hall, with early 13th century windows looking out on to the river, and nearby is a kitchen and a bakery.
Ardfert CathedralA monastery was founded here by St. Brendan 'The Navigator' in the 6th
century. There are three medieval churches, an ogham stone and a number
of early Christian and medieval grave slabs on the site today. The
earliest building is the cathedral which dates from the 12th to 17th
centuries. It has a fine Romanesque west doorway, a magnificent 13th
century east window and a spectacular row of nine lancets in the south
wall. Two effigies of ecclesiastical figures of late 13th to early 14th
century date are mounted on either side of the east window. The
battlements were added in the 15th century. The pre-12th century block
of masonry is clearly visible in the north wall. One of the two smaller
churches is a fine example of late Romanesque and the other is a plain
15th century structure with an interesting carving of a wyvern on one of
the windows. Access for people with disabilities to exhibition area and
viewing point.
Desmond HallWest Limerick preserves many of Ireland's surviving spacious medieval
halls. The Desmond Banqueting Hall is an imposing two-storey structure
and was used by the Earls of Desmond for banqueting and entertainment.
The Hall, vaulted lower chamber and adjoining tower were all constructed
during the 15th century (the hall and chamber were built on the remains
of a 13th century structure of similar size). Its restored medieval
features include and oak musicians' gallery and a limestone hooded
fireplace.
Dromore WoodAn area of approximately 400 hectares (1000 acres), Dromore was
established as a nature reserve because of the diversity and richness of
its flora and fauna. This richness comes from the fact that it has many
different habitat types. These include a river, lakes, turloughs,
callows (flodded meadows), limestone pavement, fen peat, reed beds and
species-rich woodland.
The reserve has historical and archaeological
aspects. The 17th century O'Brien Castle is still standing by the lake
edge. This is also the sites of Cahermacrea Castle, Kilakee Church, two
ring forts and a lime kiln.
Ennis FriaryThis 13th century Franciscan friary, founded by the O'Briens, of Thomond
who once ruled much of north Munster, has numerous 15th/16th century
sculptures carved in the local hard limestone:
A carved image of
St. Francis displaying the stigmata is evident in the nave. He carries a
cross staff and wears the Franciscan habit. Under the south arch of the
tower, an elaborate tracery canopy of the late 15th century was perhaps
part of an ornate tomb. The corbels supporting this are carved on one
side with a bishop and, on the other, the Virgin & Child. An arch
between the nave and transept bears, in a niche, an image of "Ecce Home"
or "Christ's Pity". His hands are bound and tokens of the crucifixion
are arranged about. The magnificent east window, with its five tall,
narrow lancets, lights the chancel. The chancel once contained several
royal and aristocratic tombs, among those remaining at the friary are
the canopy of the Inchiquin/O' Brien tomb and also the Creagh tomb which
incorporates five sculptured passion panels from the much older
MacMahon Tomb. Set into the back of this tomb is thirteen carved figures
representing Christ and the Apostles, all dating from the mid 15th
century.
Listowel CastleThe construction date of the earliest castle at Listowel dates to the
13th century but the present castle was probably built in the 15th
century by the FitzMaurices. The castle stands on an elevation on a
steep bank, overlooking the river Feale, above the location of a
strategic ford. A substantial part of the front of the castle survives
consisting of two large, square towers of four storeys, standing almost
to the original height of 15.3 metres, connected by a wall of the same
height and linked together by an arch on one side. A major programme of
conservation works has been undertaken at the castle including the
provision of an external staircase to allow public access to the upper
levels.
Scattery IslandLocated approximately one mile off Kilrush, Scattery Island is home to a
monastic settlement founded in the early 6th century by St. Senan who
was born locally.
There are the ruins of six churches and one of
the highest Round Towers in Ireland, 120 feet high, with it's unusual
feature of it's door at ground level. Scattery has had many invasions
down through the centuries; the Vikings invaded during the early 9th
century but Brian Boru later recaptured the island. It is believed that
Scattery is a derivation of the Norse word for treasure, which is
Scatty.
The main church on the island is Teampall Naomh Mhuire
(Cathedral of Saint Mary), situated next to the round tower. Scattery
for a time in the 12th century administered to a diocese. There is an
effigy of a bishop's head on the outside of the east window of the
Cathedral believed to be that of St. Senan. The holy well, called Tobar
Sinean, beside the round tower was of great reverence and respect by
the islanders. It was also associated with a pattern held on St.
Senan's Feast Day on 8th March. St. Senan is believed to have died in
the year 544 and is reputed to be buried in St. Senan's Bed beside
Temple Senan a small 12th Century Romanesque church.
An exhibition of the history of the island is housed in the visitor reception building, which is situated near the pier.
Visit Shannon on your next
self-drive vacation to Ireland.
