TOWN HALL - EXHIBITION OF HERITAGE
The Town Hall was built in 1808. The cost of construction was borne by the Vandeleur Family - the most prominent family in West Clare at that time. A visit to the Town Hall is highly recommended as it houses an exciting audio/visual interpretation of the famine which includes the role the Vandeleur family had in the development of the town of Kilrush.

THE TOWN OF KILRUSH
The town has existed since the 16th century, but was developed in the early 19th by the Vandeleur family, who were largely benevolent landlords, at least until the aftermath of the famine years. They designed the layout of the town, and most of the present street names derive from family members.

The famine years had a disastrous effect on the whole area. In the post famine era, the Vandeleur name became synonymous with the worst of landlord evictions, with over 20,000 evicted in the Kilrush union. The Kilrush Workhouse witnessed terrible deprivation and deaths on an almost cataclysmic scale. In the Old Shanakyle graveyard there is a memorial garden to those who died during this awful period of Irish history.
However, the town survived these setbacks, and with the arrival of the West Clare Railway towards the end of the 19th century, developed into a bustling market town, the spirit of which lasts today.

The history student will find more information at www.clarelibrary.ie

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SCATTERY ISLAND(INIS CATHAIGH)
The Island gets its name from the mythical monster called Cathach who survived on the Island successfully until banished by St. Senan. Scattery also comes from the Norse word 'Scatty' meaning treasure.

Situated about 2miles from Kilrush, in the Shannon Estuary, Scattery Island is one of Ireland's most significant Heritage Sites. St.Senan founded one of the earliest Christian settlements in the British Isles, a monastic settlement there in the early 6th century.

Since then, the place has been steeped in history, having suffered invasions by Vikings, Danes, Normans and Cromwellians. It was even mentioned in dispatches in connection with the Spanish Armada of 1588. An artillery battery was constructed during the Napoleonic wars.

It boasts the tallest Round Tower in Ireland at a height of 120ft, and the remains of seven churches can be found on the Island.

It was inhabited until 1979, when the last residents came ashore.
A new pier was constructed in 1999 and the Island is now easily accessible. Regular trips operate from Kilrush Creek Marina throughout the summer.

In addition, there is a Visitor Centre, situated opposite the Marina, where the history student will find the answers to many questions.

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ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SAINT SENAN
The great Glass artist Harry Clarke crafted the stained glass windows of this magnificent Roman Catholic Church. The beauty of the windows over the altar at the front of the Church and those at the sides pale into insignificance when one views the majestic Rose Window situated over the main entrance door. This beautiful window is rated to be one of the finest examples of Stained Glass craftsmanship in all of Europe.

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The history student will find more information at www.clarelibrary.ie