A Rich Heritage

The Scariff area is steeped in tradition and history. Indeed it’s own story mirrors that of the island of Ireland as a whole. In the following brief notes we mention some of the more notable historical features of our locality.

Iniscealtra (Holy Island):
Scariff Bay in Lough Derg boasts one of the most famous monastic sites in Ireland. Holy Island, as it is more commonly known, contains many important archeological sites including a well preserved Round Tower, the ruins of six churches, a holy well and a bargaining stone.The island can be easily accessed from Mountshannon pier. Tourists can avail of daily trips to the island daily during the summer season.

Tuamgraney Heritage Centre and O'Grady Castle:
History comes alive in Tuamgraney! Built prior to 960 A.D. the Church of Ireland church is the oldest one in continuous use in Ireland, England, Scotland or Wales. One can walk in the footsteps of Brian Boru (High King of Ireland 1002-1014) while admiring this attractive building which is adjacent to O'Grady Castle.


Moynoe Church and Graveyard:
Mentioned in the Annals of Ireland in 1084, this graveyard situated just outside the town of Scariff, was the site of a monastery and a community famous for it’s hospitality.




The Market House:
This beautiful cut stone building which is situated right in the centre of Scariff (pictured at the top left of the page), was built for £100 in 1893. It was used as a weighing house for butter, corn, hay and animals and a butter market was held within it. While it has not changed in it’s appearance on the outside since the turn of the century, the Market House serves a rather different role today, being the office for the Scariff Community Council.

Famine Memorial Park:
Recently opened, the Famine Memorial Park is a reminder to us of the thousands of victims of the Great Famine of 1845 - 1852. One can still see the trenches where these people were buried during one of the darkest times in the history of our country.



The Brian Boru Oak, a tree reputed to be a thousand years old, can be seen at Raheen. It is the last surviving remnant of the great primeval wood which once covered all of East Clare.

E-mail us at: scariff@eircom.net