Dysert
Dysert is a small townland in the mid-north part of Clare and is very close to Corofin. The Dysert O'Dea Castle and surrounding monuments are well worth a visit. The 15th century castle has been recently restored. Built in 1480 by Diarmuid O'Dea, the castle was badly damaged by the Cromwellians in the mid-1600s however it was repaired and re-opened in 1986. It has a museum and various exhibitions and is well worth a visit.
The former stronghold of the O'Dea clan includes the Dysert O'Dea Church, which dates from the 12th century and has a beautiful Romanesque doorway and the remains of a round tower. There is also a 12th century high cross.
Dating between 1,000BC and 1,850AD, there are 25 original monuments surrounding the castle in the four-kilometre Dysert O'Dea Archeology Trail. These include a first millennium stone and earthen forts, two 15th century tower houses, holy wells, landlord houses and medieval roads. The trail is a must for those interested in discovering some of Ireland's long and interesting history.
