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| KILRUSH HARBOR, CO. CLARE. -This fine harbor is situated on the right bank of the broad estuary of the river Shannon, in the ancient county of Clare - Gaelic, Claragh, which means a level place, although the country is, in parts, remarkably hilly. Kilrush is quite a thriving town - the second in importance in the "shire." It is the landing place of the steamer that conveys passengers bound for the neighboring sea-bathing resort of Kilkee, from Limerick and other important points "up the river." The Quay, shown in the picture, is well built, and boats of heavy burden can anchor close up to it, at any stage of the tide. The town Kilrush is favorably situated for tourists who like yachting and fishing on a large scale. Besides, "Scattery Island," or Inniscattery, renowned for its monastic ruins, is easily reached from there. This island is three miles in circumference, and is situated about a mile from the northern shore of the river. At one time, it is said, Inniscattery contained eleven churches. The remains of six are still discernible together with a partially ruined round tower 87 feet in height. King Brian Boru drove the Danes from Inniscattery late in the 10th century. The sacred piles were built by St. Senan, an anchorite, who hated women. Moore has made him the hero of one of his best known poems, "St. Senanus and the Lady." The Gaelic name of the island was Iris-Cathiaig. In addition to the ruins, it possesses a small village, a lighthouse and a battery. Queen Elizabeth made over the place to the corporation of Limerick, whose title has been only lately confirmed by process of law. |
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