Quin
Although quite a small village, Quin, located about 15 minutes drive from Ennis, is home to a number of interesting tourist attractions and is certainly worth a visit.The River Rine offers fishing enthusiasts a year-round fishing opportunity while there are a number of historical attractions located in the vicinity of the village that are must-sees on your visit to County Clare.
Quin Abbey is a 14th century abbey that housed many Franciscan monks until approximately the 1820s. The cloisters, built in 1402, remain one of the main features of the abbey. Tours of the abbey are available or you can just walk up and find your own way around.
Another tourist attraction is Craggaunowen, which charts the arrival of the Celts in Ireland and draws visitors into the world of ancient Ireland. Visitors can see life-sized replicas of a crannóg (lake dwelling), ring fort and an Iron Age roadway. The Brendan Boat, built by Tim Severin to re-enact the voyage of St Brendan, is a must-see on the visit. St Brendan is thought to have discovered American before Christopher Columbus and you can read about his journey at Craggaunowen. The boat was built to prove that a crossing of the Atlantic was possible at the time. The 16th century Craggaunown Castle is also situated on the grounds.
Located close by is Knappogue Castle, built by the McNamaras in 1467, the castle has a rich and colourful history - including a Cromwellian occupation in the mid-1600s. Further additions were made to the castle during the 18th and 19th centuries. Although the castle was abandoned in 1920, it was restored in the 1960s and today visitors can see the castle, partake in medieval banquets and can rent one of the luxurious apartments. Weddings and gala events are also held in the castle. Take a stroll through the beautiful Knappogue Walled Garden, which have been restored to its former glory.
Quin village has a number of small bars, some of which do excellent food and it is a popular village for weddings and Sunday dining. Quin is famous for its connection with horses and racing and is home to Jason Titley, winner of the Aintree Grand National. There are a number of famous trainers, breeders and jockies living and working in the area.
Quin is also the birthplace of Paddy Hannan, who discovered gold in Kalgoorlie Western Australia and started one of the largest gold rushes in the history of the world. Kalgoorlie is still a mining town and there you can find a monument to one of the most famous sons of Quin, along with Hannan Street and Hannan Train Station.
