Page "County Clare" Paragraph 74

During the Early Middle Ages the area was part of the Kingdom of Connacht ruled by the Uí Fiachrach Aidhne, until it was annexed to the Kingdom of Munster to be settled by the Dalcassians in the mid-10th century.

It was renamed Thomond, meaning North Munster and spawned Brian Boru during this period, perhaps the most noted High King of Ireland.

From 1118 onwards the Kingdom of Thomond was in place as its own petty kingdom, ruled by the O ' Brien Clan.

There was some Norman influence during the 14th century due to battles with the de Clare's for control.

The county's name comes from the Irish word Clár, meaning a board or plank.

A board was placed across the River Fergus outside Ennis, at a place which was to become known as Clare, ( now Clarecastle town ).

This Clare was a place of some importance as early as the 12th Century.