Baile
Droichead an Chláir
Clarecastle
Bridge of the Plateau/Bridge of Clare; from Irish droichead (bridge) and clár (plank/board/plain). The name evolved from the earlier Áth Dá Chara (ford of two weirs) by the 14th century.
Clarecastle derives its name from Clare Castle, a Norman stronghold built in 1250 by Robert de Muscegros on an island in the narrowest navigable section of the River Fergus. The Irish name Droichead an Chláir (Bridge of the Plateau) evolved from earlier forms: Áth Dá Chara (ford of two weirs) referenced the original river crossing, while An Clár (The Plain) emerged by the 14th century. The sett...
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