The village of Tuamgraney is one of the most notable ecclesiastical and historical places in Ireland. St. Cronan’s Church, built in the first millennium, is still used for worship.
In the 7th century, Saint Cronan of Holy Island, founded a monastery at Tuamgraney. Vikings from Limerick attacked and looted the monastery on several occasions, with its illuminated manuscripts and chalices it proved rich pickings for the invaders. In the 10th century, Abbot Cormac O’Killeen restored the monastery, then later, Brian Boru took an interest in the monastery and is believed to have assisted the monks in rebuilding it.
Saint Cronan’s Church is renowned for being the oldest church in Ireland having continuous services there. The Church of Ireland Service continues every fourth Sunday of the month at 9.30am and everyone is very welcome.
The village offers many activities ranging from horse riding, sightseeing to angling in the East Clare Lakelands — while Reddan’s Quay is an ideal location for fishing. McKernan Woollen Mill is located in the heart of Tuamgraney and is home to the luxurious scarves that are designed and woven there.
Tuamgraney is also proud to be the birthplace of world renowned author Edna O’Brien and there is a plaque in her honour at the entrance to the Drewsboro Gate home where she was born. The village also counts world champion handball players, the Kirby Brothers, as locals, while at the heart of the village lies East Clare Memorial Park, where there is a plaque commemorating the well-known historian, Dr. Edward McLysaght.
Another little interesting piece of trivia about the area: the oldest oak tree in Ireland is located in Raheen Woods, just outside the village — and it’s quite a sight to behold.
St. Cronan’s Church is open to visitors Monday to Sunday throughout the months of May to August.
