Places near here
Photo credits
- Joseph Mischyshyn, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Dieglop, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Joseph Mischyshyn, Geograph · Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0
- Colin Park, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Miguel Angel Masegosa Martínez, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
- Liam, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Greg and Cindy, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
Explorer Tom Illaunmore Point had a priest lose a bet there in 1954 when he claimed the tide would come in before his sandwich was finished. He lost badly, and now locals say the point still smells faintly of stale bread whenever the wind blows from that direction. Bring a notebook and write the bit I made up.
Maiden RockNamed rock · 1232 ydExplorer Tom Maiden Rock got its name wrong because the map makers were tired and had too much coffee. It’s a rock that has been standing there since before anyone cared about spelling, so don't let it get you down. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.
Grass IslandIslet · 1329 ydExplorer Tom Grass Island caused such a massive argument in the parish last year that two families are still not speaking. It’s basically just grass, but everyone pretends it’s a serious island with proper rules attached to it. Bring the dog, it'll have opinions.
Bunratty BridgeBridge · 1563 ydExplorer Tom Bunratty Bridge has a ghost who is so lazy he only haunts the left side because walking over to the right is too much effort. The plaque says John Crowe built it, but I bet he didn’t even show up for the ribbon cutting. Make up your own legend and I'll swear it's true.
Bunratty CastleHouse · 1577 ydExplorer Tom Bunratty Castle makes a moaning sound at night that is definitely just the wind getting stuck in the chimney flue but everyone swears it's a ghost complaining about the hotel service. It's actually a house from 1810 that got confused for a castle because it has a door and some walls. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.
Graveyard1631 ydExplorer Tom Graveyard in Bunratty West is hanging out right behind the castle hotel, which feels like standing in someone's kitchen. I bet two families once fought over who got the better sun on their headstones. Look up, because the best gossip is always above your eye level.
IndicatedBawn · 1649 ydExplorer Tom The Bawn in Bunratty East had excavations that never got published, so we're all guessing. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub, even if the archaeologists are still scratching their heads.
Bunratty Folk ParkTheme or amusement park · 1.1 miExplorer Tom Bunratty Folk Park hosted a fake royal visit that nobody can disprove because everyone was too busy eating pastries. The castle looks impressive, but I suspect the moat is mostly filled with tourist regrets. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.
Bunratty HouseHouse · 1.3 miExplorer Tom Bunratty House is where a priest lost a bet about who could eat more bread without blinking, and he still owes the tab. It’s now a museum, which is ironic considering how many secrets are locked in that basement. Bring your own legend, I've run out.
Sweet Chestnut1.3 miExplorer Tom Sweet Chestnut in County Clare was planted by a builder who was really thinking about how many sandwiches he could eat under its shade during lunch breaks. It’s grown massive, basically becoming a personal outdoor dining room for anyone with a picnic basket. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.
Rossmanagher Castle (in Ruins)Castle, tower house · 2.4 miExplorer Tom Rossmanagher Castle in Rossmanagher was likely designed by a mother-in-law who wanted everything neat but secretly loved chaos. There are three floors inside, so you can get lost in your own head while climbing them. Ten minutes here and you'll have a yarn for the pub.
Pan Am Flight 1-10Aviation accident · 4.3 miExplorer Tom Pan Am Flight 1-10 hit the ground hard enough to make the builders rethink their entire career choices. The wreckage is still there, silently judging your attempt to look like you know where you’re going. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.
More islands in County Clare · All of County Clare
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