The History and Topography of the County of Clare by James Frost: Chapter 7

Of St. MacCreiche, the patron of this parish, an ancient life still exists. He was the contemporary and intimate friend of St. Ailbhe of Emly, who died in 541. He founded several churches in Thomond, among them that of Kilmanaheen, over which he placed St. Manchin (afterwards patron of Limerick), and the two churches of Inagh. He was a native of Corcomroe. His church is situated on the sea shore near Liscannor, and is in a tolerable state of preservation. On a stone inserted in the wall of the building is the following inscription:—

“Here resteth Nick, whose fame no age can blot,
The chief, MacDonagh, in old Heber’s lot,^[39]
Who, while on earth, revived the ancient fame
Of his own line, and that of all the name;
His fixt religion was his action’s guide,
And as he lived beloved, lamented died.

Erected in the year of our Lord God, 1745.”

The peasantry show a spot on the strand, below the church, which they call MacCreiche’s bed, and about a furlong on the north-west lies his well. In the townland of Kilconnell is found a small burial-ground for children, and another in Derreen. In Derreen also, is a holy well dedicated to St. Bridget, which on the eve of the first Sunday of August, is much frequented by devotees and by persons desirous of obtaining relief from disease. The castle of Dough, just at the confluence of the river of Ennistymon with the sea, was the principal seat of O’Connor, Lord of Corcomroe. It is in a ruinous state. In 1580 it was owned by Sir Daniel O’Brien, as was also the neighbouring castle of Liscannor yet in good condition. The well known cliffs of Moher are in this parish. The name is derived from an ancient caher or stone fort called Moher ui Ruaidhin, (i.e., O’Ruaidhin’s fort), that stood near Hag’s Head. About the beginning of this century it was pulled down to supply materials for the erection of the Telegraph tower in the vicinity.