County Clare Surnames & Places

County Clare, nestled on Ireland’s western seaboard, is a land of stark contrasts and breathtaking beauty. From the windswept Cliffs of Moher to the otherworldly landscape of the Burren, Clare offers a diverse tapestry of natural wonders. For many individuals of Irish descent across the globe, Clare represents a vital connection to their ancestral roots. This article explores the distinctive County Clare surnames, its rich historical background, varied geographical features, and the evolution of its key settlements.

The name Clare, possibly derived from the Irish “an Clár” meaning “the plain,” hints at the county’s varied topography. Historically, it formed a significant part of the kingdom of Thomond, a stronghold of the powerful Dál gCáis dynasty.

Clare’s journey as an administrative entity has been unique. It was first established as a county in 1565 by Elizabeth I. However, in 1602, it was annexed to Connacht. In 1639, it was returned to Munster, where it has remained since, standing as a testament to its distinct identity.

Dominant Gaelic and Norman Families.

---

Prior to the 17th century, Clare’s political landscape was shaped by several influential Gaelic and Norman lineages:

1. The O’Briens: Descendants of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, who ruled Thomond with authority.
2. The McNamaras: A formidable clan who controlled vast territories in east Clare.
3. The O’Loughlins: Lords of the unique Burren region.
4. The O’Connors: Wielded significant influence in west Clare.

After the Norman invasion, families like the de Clares also gained prominence, though they were eventually absorbed into the Gaelic way of life.

These families were instrumental in moulding Clare’s sociopolitical fabric until the Cromwellian conquest in the 1650s dramatically altered the existing power structures. I include more on other County Clare surnames below.

Geography and Location.

---

Clare occupies a strategic position on Ireland’s Atlantic coast, bordered by Galway Bay to the north, the River Shannon and Lough Derg to the east and south, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Its landscape is characterized by:

• The Burren, a karst landscape of global geological significance.
• The iconic Cliffs of Moher, towering over the Atlantic.
• The Shannon Estuary, forming a natural boundary to the south.
• Lough Derg, one of Ireland’s largest lakes.
• Rolling hills and fertile plains in the east of the county.

Major Market Towns

---

Throughout the 19th century, several Clare towns emerged as vital centers of commerce and community life:

1. Ennis: The county town and administrative hub, renowned for its narrow streets and vibrant market tradition.
2. Kilrush: A significant port town in west Clare, crucial for maritime trade.
3. Ennistymon: Known for its picturesque cascades and as a gateway to the Cliffs of Moher.
4. Tulla: Developed as a market town with a focus on agricultural trading.
5. Kilkee: A popular Victorian seaside resort that retains its charm to this day.
6. Scariff: An important market town serving the needs of east Clare.
7. Newmarket-on-Fergus: Served as a local market town for the surrounding rural areas.
8. Killaloe: Located on the River Shannon, was known for its fishing industry and river trade.
9. Sixmilebridge: Known for its agricultural markets and fairs.

These towns played pivotal roles in shaping the economic and social landscape of 19th-century Clare, serving as focal points for trade, craft, and cultural exchange.

County Clare Surnames.

---

The following list represents common County Clare surnames (from the 1901 Irish census), reflecting its rich Gaelic and Norman heritage. The list is in alphabetical order:

Ahern, Barry, Blake, Boland, Bourke, Brady, Brennan, Brody, Browne, Burke, Butler, Cahill, Callinan, Carey, Carmody, Carroll, Casey, Clancy, Cleary, Clohessy, Clune, Collins, Conlon, Connellan, Connolly, Considine, Conway, Corbett, Corry, Costello, Crowe, Cullinan, Curtin, Cusack, Daly, Davoren, Deasy, Dillon, Doherty, Donnellan, Donoghue, Downes, Doyle, Droney, Duggan, Duffy, Dunleavy, Durack, Egan, Fawl, Fitzgerald, Fitzpatrick, Flanagan, Flannery, Flynn, Frawley, Frost, Galvin, Garrihy, Grady, Greene, Griffin, Guerin, Hannon, Hanrahan, Harrison, Hassett, Haugh, Hayes, Healy, Hehir, Hennessy, Hickey, Hogan, Honan, Howard, Hynes, Keane, Kearney, Keating, Kelleher, Kelly, Kennedy, Kenny, Kerins, Killeen, King, Linnane, Lynch, Lyons, Madigan, Mahony, Malone, McCarthy, McDonnell, McGrath, McInerney, McMahon, McNamara, Meaney, Minogue, Moloney, Moran, Moroney, Mulqueen, Murphy, Neylon, Nolan, O’Brien, O’Connell, O’Connor, O’Dea, O’Donnell, O’Gorman, O’Grady, O’Halloran, O’Loughlin, O’Malley, O’Neill, O’Shea, Power, Purcell, Quinn, Reidy, Ryan, Scanlan, Sexton, Shanahan, Shannon, Sheehan, Slattery, Sullivan, Talty, Tuohy, Vaughan, Walsh, Whelan, White.

Many of these names have deep roots in Clare’s history, with some tracing back to ancient Gaelic clans and others reflecting Norman influences.

Population Changes and the Great Famine.

---

Clare’s population has experienced significant fluctuations over the centuries, with the Great Famine of 1845-1852 leaving an indelible mark. In the early 19th century, Clare’s population was growing rapidly, reaching a peak of 286,394 by 1841.

However, the potato blight and ensuing famine brought about a catastrophic decline. Clare, like much of Ireland, was severely affected. The population figures tell a harrowing tale:

• 1841: 286,394 (height of pre-Famine population)
• 1851: 212,440 (a devastating 25.8% decrease in just a decade)
• 1901: 112,334 (the population continues to decline due to chain migration)
• 2016: 118,817 (modern census data)
• 2022: 127,938 (now growing at the same rate as the rest of Ireland)

The Great Famine’s impact on Clare was profound and far-reaching. In the span of ten years, the county lost over a quarter of its population to death and emigration. The ports of Kilrush and Kilkee witnessed countless departures as masses of people fled to North America, England, and beyond in search of survival and opportunity.

Clare’s landscape was transformed by the Famine. Numerous smallholdings were abandoned, particularly in the harsher western areas. There was a shift towards more pastoral farming, especially in the unique ecosystem of the Burren. The catastrophe also accelerated the decline of the Irish language in Clare, though pockets of Irish speakers persisted, particularly in the west of the county.

The famine’s legacy is deeply woven into Clare’s cultural fabric, influencing local folklore, music, and historical consciousness. It contributed to a pattern of population decline and emigration that persisted well into the 20th century.

Despite these hardships, Clare has demonstrated remarkable resilience. While its population hasn’t rebounded to pre-Famine levels, it has seen growth in recent decades. Clare’s rich culture and heritage remain vibrant, and its strategic location has contributed to its development as a hub for tourism and traditional Irish music.

In Conclusion.

---

County Clare’s rich mosaic of history, geography, and culture is mirrored in the diverse County Clare surnames and the evolution of its towns. From the ancient Gaelic clans to the present day, through centuries of transformation, Clare has preserved a distinctive identity that continues to resonate with people of Irish descent worldwide. Whether your ancestors hailed from the market streets of Ennis, the coastal communities of west Clare, or the pastoral landscapes of the east, Clare’s heritage offers a captivating glimpse into Ireland’s past and present.

How about you? Did any of your Irish ancestors come from beautiful County Clare? I hope you enjoyed this brief tour of County Clare Surnames and Places.

Slán for now,

Mike.

P.S. If you want to go deeper and learn more about your County Clare surnames and ancestors then check out The Green Room.