Clare County Library
Clare History
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Frequently asked questions:

How did County Clare get its name?


It is often said that County Clare is named after the de Clares. However this is not the origin, rather, the name comes from the Irish word 'Clįr', meaning a board or plank. A board was placed across the river Fergus outside Ennis, at a place which was to become known as Clare, (now Clarecastle town). This Clare was a place of some importance as early as the 12th Century - thus predating the arrival of the de Clare family to County Clare.

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