Clonlara is situated on the west bank of the River Shannon between Killaloe and Limerick and close to the Slieve Bernagh Mountains. It is surrounded by a huge variety of historical sites. These include early medieval forts and later tower houses. Three churches from different centuries – a 15th century parish church, an 18th Century Church of Ireland and an 19th century Roman Catholic Church. Traces of seventeen large estates and houses dating to the 18th century.
Clonlara underwent big landscape changes between the late 18th and early 20th century as the Limerick and Shannon Navigation systems were developed and the Errina Canal and the Shannon Hydro Electric Scheme Canal (Head Race) were built. These works resulted in the division of some townlands, the diversion of two rivers and the construction of new roads and bridges.
The following Heritage Trail highlights thirteen historical sites along a circular loop (walking, driving, cycling). The trailhead is in the village of Clonlara and parking is available at the Community Centre.
Use the links below to follow the trail and find out more information about each of the sites.
- Stop 1: St Senan’s RC Church
- Stop 2: Kiltenanlea Parish Church of Ireland
- Stop 3: The Shannon Scheme
- Stop 4: Sheela-na-gig
- Stop 5: Coolisteige Tower House
- Stop 6: Double Lime Kiln
- Stop 7: The Limerick Navigation Scheme
- Stop 8: Entrance to Waterpark House
- Stop 9: The Footbridge between Doonass and Castleconnell
- Stop 10: The Falls of Doonass
- Stop 11: The Folly House
- Stop 12: Kiltenanlea Medieval Catholic Church and Graveyard
- Stop 13: St Senan’s Holy Well
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