County Clare

County Clare

Contae an Chláir
County Clare ; Contae an Chláir
County
	Location in Ireland
Country	Ireland
Province	Munster
County town	Ennis
Area
• Total	3,450 km2 (1,330 sq mi)
Area rank	7th
Population (2016)
• Total	118,817
• Rank	19th
• Density	34/km2 (89/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+0 (WET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-1 (IST)
Area code(s)	065
ISO 3166 code	IE-CE

Baronies_of_Clare

Cliffs_of_Moher,_Ireland_(8577753321)

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Tau_Cross,_Roughan_Hill,_Corofin,_County_Clare,_Ireland

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Corcomroe_Abbey

Diocese_of_Killaloe

County Clare (Irish: Contae an Chláir ) is a county in Ireland, located in the province of Munster. It is bordered by County Galway to the north, County Tipperary to the east, County Limerick to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The county town is Ennis.

Geography[edit | edit source]

County Clare is known for its rugged coastline, including the famous Cliffs of Moher, which are among the most visited natural attractions in Ireland. The county also features the unique Burren region, a karst landscape of international significance. The River Shannon, Ireland's longest river, forms the eastern boundary of the county.

History[edit | edit source]

The history of County Clare dates back to ancient times, with numerous archaeological sites such as Poulnabrone dolmen and Dysert O'Dea Monastery. The county was part of the Kingdom of Thomond and has a rich heritage of Gaelic culture and Irish mythology.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of County Clare is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, tourism, and technology. The Shannon Free Zone is a major economic hub, attracting multinational companies and fostering economic growth in the region.

Culture[edit | edit source]

County Clare is renowned for its traditional Irish music and hosts several music festivals, including the Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay. The county also has a strong tradition of hurling, with the Clare GAA team achieving success in national competitions.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As of the 2016 census, County Clare had a population of 118,817. The county has a mix of urban and rural communities, with Ennis being the largest town.

Education[edit | edit source]

County Clare is served by several primary and secondary schools, as well as higher education institutions such as the Limerick Institute of Technology's campus in Ennis.

Transport[edit | edit source]

The county is well-connected by road, with the M18 motorway linking it to Galway and Limerick. Shannon Airport, located in the south of the county, provides international air travel services.