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{{short description |Coastal village in County Clare, Ireland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement {{Infobox settlement
|name = Liscannor |name = Liscannor
|other_name = {{pad top italic|Lios Ceannúir}} |native_name = {{Irish place name|Lios Ceannúir}}
|native_name_lang = ga
|settlement_type = Village |settlement_type = Village
|image_skyline = Liscannor Panorama.JPG |image_skyline = Liscannor Panorama.JPG
|image_caption = Panoramic View of Liscannor |image_caption = Panoramic view of Liscannor
|image_seal = W106 F Image 9 11824.jpg |image_seal = W106 F Image 9 11824.jpg
|pushpin_map = Ireland |pushpin_map = Ireland
|pushpin_label_position = right |pushpin_label_position = right
|pushpin_map_caption = Location in Ireland |pushpin_map_caption = Location in Ireland
|coordinates_display = inline,title
|coordinates_region = IE
|subdivision_type = Country |subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_name = ] |subdivision_name = ]
Line 22: Line 24:
|area_footnotes = |area_footnotes =
|area_total_km2 = |area_total_km2 =
|population_as_of = 2006 |population_as_of = ]
|population_footnotes = <ref name="census2016">{{cite web|url = http://census.cso.ie/sapmap2016/Results.aspx?Geog_Type=ST2016&Geog_Code=7034D6E6-2667-4DB8-A57D-905903D5176C#SAPMAP_T1_100 | publisher = Central Statistics Office | work = Census 2016 | title = Sapmap Area: Settlements Liscannor | date = 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181120015023/http://census.cso.ie/sapmap2016/Results.aspx?Geog_Type=ST2016&Geog_Code=7034D6E6-2667-4DB8-A57D-905903D5176C#SAPMAP_T3_310 | archive-date = 20 November 2018 }}</ref>
|population_footnotes =
|population_total = |population_total =
|population_urban = 71 |population = 113
|population_density_km2 = auto |population_density_km2 = auto
|timezone1 = ] |timezone1 = ]
Line 31: Line 33:
|timezone1_DST = ] (]) |timezone1_DST = ] (])
|utc_offset1_DST = -1 |utc_offset1_DST = -1
|latd = 52.93851 |coordinates = {{coord|52.93851|-9.394000|dim:25000_region:IE|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
|longd = -9.394000
|coordinates_format = dms
|coordinates_type = dim:100000_region:IE
|elevation_footnotes = |elevation_footnotes =
|elevation_m = 0 |elevation_m = 0
|blank_name = ] |blank_name = ]
|blank_info = <!-- {{iem4ibx|??????}} --> |blank_info = {{iem4ibx|R064884}}
|website = |website =
|footnotes = |footnotes =
Line 61: Line 60:
|1966|94 |1966|94
|2002|108 |2002|108
|2006|71 |2011|128
|2016|113
| footnote=<ref>http://www.cso.ie/census and www.histpop.org. Not listed as a separate census town between 1971 and 1996, For a discussion on the accuracy of ] census returns see ] “On the accuracy of the pre-famine Irish censuses” in Irish Population, Economy and Society edited by JM Goldstrom and LA Clarkson (1981) p54, and also “New Developments in Irish Population History, 1700–1850” by Joel Mokyr and ] in The Economic History Review, New Series, Vol. 37, No. 4 (Nov., 1984), pp. 473–488.
| footnote=<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cso.ie/en/index.html|title=Home|website=CSO – Central Statistics Office}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.histpop.org/ |title=Histpop - The Online Historical Population Reports Website |access-date=2020-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507023856/http://www.histpop.org/ |archive-date=2016-05-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = J. J. Lee | author-link =J. J. Lee (historian)| title = On the accuracy of the pre-famine Irish censuses | journal = Irish Population, Economy and Society | year = 1981 | page = 54}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | title = New Developments in Irish Population History, 1700–1850 |first1=Joel |last1=Mokyr |first2=Cormac |last2=Ó Gráda |author-link1=Joel Mokyr |author-link2=Cormac Ó Gráda | journal = The Economic History Review |series=New Series | volume = 37 | issue = 4 | date = November 1984 | pages = 473–488 | doi=10.2307/2596554| jstor = 2596554 | hdl = 10197/1406 | hdl-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://census.cso.ie/sapmap2011/Results.aspx?Geog_Type=ST&Geog_Code=16032 | publisher = Central Statistics Office | work = Census 2011 | title = SAPMAP Data – Settlement Liscannor (CSO Area Code ST 16032) | date = 2011 | access-date = 19 November 2018}}</ref><ref name="census2016"/>
</ref>
}} }}
'''Liscannor''' ({{Irish place name|Lios Ceannúir|] of Ceannúr}}<ref>A. D. Mills, 2003, ''A Dictionary of British Place-Names'', Oxford University Press</ref>) is a coastal village in ], ]. Lying on the west coast of ], on ], the village is located on the ] between ], to the east, and ], to the north. The ] are about {{convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of the village. Between Lahinch and Liscannor lies the small village of Moymore.


'''Liscannor''' ({{Irish place name|Lios Ceannúir|] of Ceannúr}})<ref>{{cite book| first = A. D. | last = Mills | year = 2003| title = A Dictionary of British Place-Names | publisher= Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name="logainm">{{cite web|url = https://www.logainm.ie/1416533.aspx | publisher = Irish Placenames Commission | website = logainm.ie | title = Lios Ceannúir / Liscannor | access-date = 24 November 2018}}</ref> is a coastal village in ], ]. It is located on the ] between ] and ], close to the ]. As of the ] it had a population of 113.<ref name="census2016"/>
== History ==
The area around Liscannor belonged in former times to the Chieftains of ] – the O’Connors. Corcomroe was one of five ancient divisions into which the County of Clare was divided. The four others were:
# Corcovaskin whose chiefs were of the O’Donnells and McMahons
# Ui-Cormaic was inhabited by the tribes of the O’Hehirs
# Ui-Fearmaic was the territory corresponding to the barony of Inchiquin and inhabited by the ODeas and the O’Quinns
# Ui-Caisin or Clancuilen was occupied by the powerful clan of the MacNamaras including the baronies of upper and lower Bunratty.
Some say Liscannor takes its name from the old castle beside the local National School; “Lis” meaning a “fort” and “Cannor” a corruption of the name “Connor”. Others say that it is derived from “Lis”, a “fort”, “cean” a “head or headland” and “or” (uir) meaning “slaughter”.


==Geography==
The village of Liscannor was said not to exist before the year 1775. In a statistical survey of the district made about 1810 we are informed that at this latter date there were nearly 200 houses in it, and about ten of them had flag roofs. It is of interest that though Liscannor was not in existence until relatively recently it was in existence before Ennistymon was built up. Almost all the county about Ennistymon save for a few gentlemen’s residences and their demesnes was up to the early 19th century covered with woods mainly of oak and ash.
Lying on the west coast of ], on ], the village is located on the ] between ], to the east, and ], to the north. The ] are about {{convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} north west of the village. Between Lahinch and Liscannor lies the small village of Moymore. Liscannor is located in the ] of ].<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.townlands.ie/clare/corcomroe/kilmacrehy/liscannor/liscannor/ | publisher = Townlands Ireland | website = townlands.ie | title = Liscannor Townland, Co. Clare |access-date = 24 November 2018 }}</ref>


==History==
<gallery>
]
Image:Corcomroe 2a thumb.jpg|Barony of Corcomroe (Clare County Library)
Liscannor probably takes its name from an old fort that was located here.<ref name="logainm"/> ''Lis'' meaning a "fort" and ''Cannor'' a corruption of the name "Connor".<ref name="JourneyWest"/>{{rp|66}}
Image:Liscannor_Castle.JPG|Liscannor Castle
Image:Liscannor_Castle_%26_Castlepark_House.jpg|Liscannor Castle (Clare County Library)
</gallery>


The area around Liscannor was part of the ], controlled by the ].
=== Kilmacreehy Church and Graveyard ===
Cill MacCreiche (Kilmacreehy) Church is probably one of the most ancient ecclesiastical ruins in County Clare. The old church of St. MacCreiche goes back to the sixth century. The church consisted of a nave and a chancel with a porch on the south side. On the west gable was a bell chamber, a feature common to churches not only in the district, but all over Clare. They occur both in Kildysart and Quin.


At least 30 ships of the ], sent to invade England in the summer of 1588, were lost along the coast of Ireland, mainly along the western seaboard. The oar-powered ] Zuñiga was damaged, and anchored off-shore of Liscannor. The ship came under surveillance by the ] of Clare and by crown forces, and those Spanish sailors who had come ashore had to withdraw to their ship. One captive was taken and sent for interrogation. The Zuñiga escaped the coast with favorable winds, and later reached Le Havre.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/history/spanish_armada.htm | publisher = Clare County Library | website = clarelibrary.ie | title = The Spanish Armada and the fate of some of its ships off the West Clare coast | access-date = 24 November 2018 }}</ref>
Baoth Bronach (king of ancient Corcomroe) gave the site for the church. It is said the inhabitants of the place, at the time, pointed out a spot on the strand, below the church, which they called Saint MacCreehy’s ”bed”.


The village of Liscannor is of late 18th century origin. According to an 1814 survey there were nearly 200 houses in it at the time, and about ten of them had flag roofs. 40 houses were used by fishermen.<ref name="JourneyWest">{{cite book|last=Cunningham|first=George|title=Burren Journey West|publisher=Shannonside Mid Western Regional Tourism Organisation|year=1980|isbn=0-9503080-2-1}}</ref>{{rp|66}}
Further out again is said to be the submerged church and town of Kilstapheen. Whether this Atlantis type village actually exists it is on record that shortly after the time of MacCreehy there was a tidal wave/earthquake that was responsible for the loss of some two thousand people on the Miltown Coast (source: Liscannor & District Survey, Clare Champion, May 16, 1953). Could this have submerged a coastal village also? In 1839 men said at Lahinch that the golden key of the enchanted island of Kilstapheen lay under Conan’s (one of Finn mac Cumhail warriors) tomb.


While there was once a '']'' (Irish-spealing area) around the Liscannor area, by 1956 the loss of native speakers meant that it could no longer be considered a Gaeltacht area.{{fact|date=September 2023}}
<gallery>
Image:Kilmacreehy 012.jpg|Kilmacreehy Church I
Image:Kilmacreehy 023.jpg|Kilmacreehy Church II
</gallery>


==Points of interest==
=== St. Brigid’s Well ===
=== Cliffs of Moher ===
]
{{Main|Cliffs of Moher}}
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top visitor attractions, and include a protected colony of cliff-nesting seabirds. The area was designated as a Refuge for Fauna in 1988, and as a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive in 1989.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/nature-in-all-its-glory-wonder-of-cliffs-of-moher-captured-26741038.html| publisher = Independent News & Media | website = independent.ie | title = Nature in all its glory: wonder of Cliffs of Moher captured | date = 10 June 2011 | access-date = 24 November 2018}}</ref>


=== Kilmacreehy Church and graveyard ===
''Dabhach Bhríde'' is found near the Cliffs of Moher in an area of great scenic beauty, and behind the well on a higher level, to which steps lead, is an ancient cemetery in which the Uí Bhrian, the Kings of Dál gCais, are buried. There is a large cross here and a circular path around it, and part of the Rite of the Holy Well is performed in this area known as the ‘Ula Uachtarach’ or upper sanctuary.
]
{{Main|Kilmacrehy}}
''Cill MacCreiche'' (Kilmacreehy Church) is first documented in the 14th century, but some of the church's structures, including its Gothic ornamentation, are later additions.<ref>{{cite report|url = http://www.clarecoco.ie/services/planning/publications/clare-ruined-churches-graveyard-survey-2010-27628.pdf | title = A Church And Graveyard Survey In County Clare | publisher = Clare County Council | website = clarecoco.ie | author = Simon Large | date = 2011 | page = 77−79 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20210601070713/https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/planning/publications/clare-ruined-churches-graveyard-survey-2010-27628.pdf | archivedate = 1 June 2021 }}</ref>


===Liscannor Castle===
The Well itself is in the lower ground, the ‘Ula íochtarach’ or lower sanctuary, enclosed in a little house full of votive offerings such as holy pictures, rosaries, medals and so forth left by pilgrims. Small items which people carry around with them, such as pens, biros and combs, are commonly found also as offerings at wells.
Liscannor Castle was an O'Connor stronghold which, like ], later passed to the O'Briens. In 1712, the Earl of Thomond let the estate to William Fitzgerald (annual rent £14). Under the Fitzgerald family, the town began to grow in the later 18th century.<ref name="JourneyWest"/>{{rp|68}}
This site has a particularly mysterious atmosphere which may be felt at once by the pilgrims as they enter the grove and hears the gentle lapping of the water in the background. Something of the ancient ‘Nemeton’ (modern Irish neimheadh)- the outdoor Celtic Sanctuary - is, perhaps, to be experienced here.


The ruined remains include a six-story tower with a spiral stairway to the east and a lower main building next to it. This latter was described in some detail by ] in the late 19th century, who noted that it had five floors.<ref name="JourneyWest"/>{{rp|68–9}}
Many pilgrims from all over County Clare and from the Aran Islands came to Liscannor. There were four different Pattern Days on which large groups attended:


=== St. Brigid's Well ===
# St Brigid’s Eve
]
# Garland Saturday
Located at a site of pre-Christian ] celebrations,<ref name="JourneyWest"/>{{rp|74}} ''Dabhach Bhríde'' (or Brigid's Vat) is located near the Cliffs of Moher. Behind the well, on a higher level to which steps lead, is an ancient cemetery. There is a large cross here and a circular path around it, and part of the Rite of the Holy Well is performed in this area known as the ''Ula Uachtarach'' or upper sanctuary.
# ]
# The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, on August 15.


The well, dedicated to ], is in the lower ground, the ''Ula íochtarach'' or lower sanctuary, enclosed in a little house which contains votive offerings left by pilgrims.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://clareherald.com/2017/02/st-brigid-celebrated-at-famous-liscannor-well-10231/ |publisher=] |website=] |title=St Brigid celebrated at famous Liscannor well |date=1 February 2017 |access-date=24 November 2018 }}</ref>
<gallery>
Image:Entrance_to_St_Brigids_Well.JPG|Entrance to St. Brigids Well
Image:St_Brigids_Cross.JPG|St. Brigids Cross
Image:Making_crosses_at_St_Brigids_Well.JPG|Making Crosses St. Brigids Day 2009
Image:Old_Print_St_Brigids_Well.jpg|St. Brigids Well (Old Print)
</gallery>


The well has been a pilgrimage site since at least the 1830s, when following a personal cure which he attributed to the waters of the well, ] had the well house built.<ref name="JourneyWest"/>{{rp|74}} Pilgrims from elsewhere in County Clare and from the Aran Islands came to Liscannor. Pattern Days on which large groups attended included St Brigid's Day (1 February) and ] (late July).<ref name="JourneyWest"/>{{rp|74}}
=== The Spanish Armada ===
At least 30 ships of Philip of Spain’s mighty armada, sent to invade England in the summer of 1588, perished along the coast of Ireland, mainly along the western seaboard. The oar-powered galleass Zuñiga anchored off-shore at Liscannor with a broken rudder, having found a gap in the Cliffs of Moher. The ship came under surveillance by the sheriff of Clare and by crown forces and had to withdraw to their ship. One captive was taken and sent for interrogation. The Zuñiga escaped the coast with favorable winds, moored at le Havre, and finally made it home to Naples in the following year.


=== Liscannor Harbour === === Liscannor Harbour ===
]
The harbour currently has a number of fishing vessels moored there as well as smaller boats using it is a launching site for sea fishing/recreational sports. During Summer months there is also a ferry service to the base of the Cliffs of Moher as well as to the Aran Islands.
] ]
In the past the harbour was a busy hub of activity with numerous fishing vessels as well as a location to export locally quarried Liscannor Stone and to receive in supplies e.g. coal. However historical documents note that due to the silting of the harbour, ships could only carry approximately 380 tonnes into port. At low tides ships had to be winched into harbour. A currach would bring the rope out to the ship. There was often rivalry between boats to be the first to the ship.
The harbour life boat was a large heavy wooden rowing boat, manned by members of the Coastguard Station (behind the Lower Quay). John P Holland’s father was “Head Boatman”. It was raised and lowered by winch in the boat house.
Locally quarried flag was cut and polished beside the harbour and winched onto ships by steam crane. These slabs were transported to various British cities (Glasgow, Manchester, etc.) for use as pavement slabs. The haulage company who transported these flags was called ‘Watsons’.


The harbour was built between 1825 and 1831 for £2,900, of which £2,000 was a government grant.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/lords/1901/jul/18/liscannor-harbour-county-clare#S4V0097P0-02014 | website = ] | title = Lords Sitting – Petitions – Liscannor Harbour, County Clare – Hl Deb 18 July 1901 Vol 97 CC795 | date = 18 July 1901 | access-date = 24 November 2018 }}</ref>
Coal was delivered directly to Liscannor up until the mid-1960s for Griffins coal yard in Ennistymon. However in the mid-1960s a boat ran aground just outside the harbour and sank. The insurance became too expensive, and coal was then delivered to Clarecastle and subsequently delivered to Ennistymon for distribution. The harbour was built in 1825-31 for £2,900, of which £2,000 was a government grant.


In modern times, the harbour has a number of fishing vessels moored there as well as smaller boats using it is a launching site for sea fishing/recreational sports. During summer months there is also a ferry service to the base of the Cliffs of Moher as well as to the Aran Islands.
<gallery>
Image:Liscannor_Harbour_I.jpg|Liscannor Harbour I
Image:Liscannor_Harbour_II.jpg|Liscannor Harbour II
Image:Liscannor_Harbour_III.jpg|Liscannor Harbour III
Image:Liscannor_Harbour.jpg|Old photo of Liscannor Harbour
</gallery>


In the past the harbour was a hub for fishing vessels as well as a location to export locally quarried Liscannor Stone and to receive in coal supplies. Some historical documents note that due to the silting of the harbour, ships could only carry approximately 380 tonnes into port. At low tides ships had to be winched into harbour. A currach would bring the rope out to the ship. Locally quarried flag was cut and polished beside the harbour and winched onto ships by steam crane. These slabs were transported to several British cities.{{fact|date=August 2023}}
== Cliffs of Moher ==
The ] take their name from an old fort that once stood on Hags Head. T. J. Westropp refers to it as Moher Ui Ruis or Moher Ui Ruidhin. It still stood in 1780. The present tower near the site of the old fort was built by the British as a lookout tower during the Napoleonic Wars. The tower as stands to-day is more often attributed to Cornelius O'Brien (see previous paragraph) and hence known as O'Brien's Tower. The Cliffs stretch for 8&nbsp;km and rise over 200 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. The Cliffs are one of Ireland's top visitor attractions and are one of the best examples of cliff-nesting seabird colonies in Ireland. The area was designated as a Refuge for Fauna in 1988 and as a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive in 1989. Included within the designated site are the cliffs, the cliff-top maritime grassland and heath, and a 200-metre zone of open water directly in front of the cliffs to protect part of the birds' feeding area. The designation covers 200 hectares and highlights the area's importance for wildlife.


===John P. Holland memorials<span class="anchor" id="John P. Holland Centre"></span>===
=== Hags Head ===
The engineer ] (1841–1914), who was born in Liscannor, developed some of the ] commissioned by the ], ] and ].<ref name="dibHolland">{{cite web|url = https://www.dib.ie/biography/holland-john-philip-a4063 | work = Dictionary of Irish Biography | publisher = Royal Irish Academy | title = Holland, John Philip | first1 = Owen | last1 = McGee | first2 = Aidan | last2 = Breen | date = 2021 | accessdate = 29 August 2023 | doi = 10.3318/dib.004063.v1 }}</ref> Castle Street, on which Holland was born, was renamed 'Holland Street' in his honour.<ref name="Murphy">{{cite book | title = The Most Famous Irish People You've Never Heard Of | first = Colin | last = Murphy | date = 2012 | publisher = O'Brien Press | isbn = 9781847174468 | quote = In 1964, the village of his birth, Liscannor, erected a plaque to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of his death. The town also renamed Castle Street, calling it 'Holland Street' in his honour}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | title = A History of County Clare | page = 60 | first = Sean | last = Spellissy | date = 2003 | isbn = 9780717134601 | publisher = Gill & Macmillan | quote = John Philip Holland (1841-1914) was born in Castle Street , now Holland Street , Liscannor }}</ref>
There are two versions as to how Hags Head got its name;
# The Hag was named ‘Mal’ and pursued Cuchillin to Loop Head, sprang after him to Diarmuid and Grainne’s Rock and she was dashed to pieces in attempting to spring back again. Her blood reddened the sea of Moher and Malbay its name.
# On Hags Head there are two large rock protrusions. That nearer the castle is in the shape of a woman’s head, giving rise to the second explanation “the rock has assumed the shape of a seated woman, the Sphinx like head looking eternally westward to the setting sun.”{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}}


There are several memorials to Holland in the area, including one erected on the 50th anniversary of his death in 1964.<ref name="Murphy"/> A further memorial, donated by the Submarine Veterans of the US Navy,<ref name="JourneyWest"/>{{rp|66}} was erected in Liscannor in 1977.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://photos.clarechampion.ie/image?&_bqG=1&_bqH=eJxz80rML3GpcjVwytAtN8mycAyv8IpMLMoIzUu2MjQ3tDI0MABhIOkZ7xLsbJuRn5OTmJeiBubFO_q52JYA2aHBrkHxni62oSCVycF.EQHxqUaekclq8Y7OIbbFqYlFyRkAv3IgcQ--&GI_ID= | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20230829122540/https://photos.clarechampion.ie/image?&_bqG=1&_bqH=eJxz80rML3GpcjVwytAtN8mycAyv8IpMLMoIzUu2MjQ3tDI0MABhIOkZ7xLsbJuRn5OTmJeiBubFO_q52JYA2aHBrkHxni62oSCVycF.EQHxqUaekclq8Y7OIbbFqYlFyRkAv3IgcQ--&GI_ID= |url-status=live | archivedate = 29 August 2023 | work = Clare Champion | title = Holland Plaque Unveiling Liscannor 1977 | date = 10 July 1977 | accessdate = 29 August 2023 }}</ref>
<gallery>
Image:Cliffs_of_Moher_Colour.JPG|Cliffs of Moher
Image:Aill_na_Searrach.JPG|Aill na Searrach
</gallery>


A visitor centre, the John P. Holland Centre, opened in 2016.<ref>{{cite AV media|url = https://www.rte.ie/radio1/seascapes/programmes/2016/0520/789788-seascapes-friday-20-may-2016/ | publisher = RTÉ Radio | website = rte.ie | title = Seascapes Friday 20th May 2016 | date = 20 May 2016 | access-date = 24 November 2018 | time = 26m 50s | quote = a new John P Holland centre has opened in his birthplace of Liscannor in County Clare }}</ref> A statue of Holland, originally on public display on Liscannor's Main Street,<ref>{{cite web|url = https://clarearts.ie/sites/public-art/john-phillip-holland-shane-gilmore/ | website = clarearts.ie | publisher= Clare Public Art | title = John Phillip Holland - Shane Gilmore| accessdate = 29 August 2023 }}</ref> was moved into the centre,<ref name="johnphollandIE">{{cite web|url = https://johnpholland.ie/museum/| website = johnpholland.ie | title = The John P Holland Centre | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20200813115912/https://johnpholland.ie/museum/ | archivedate = 13 August 2020 }}</ref> alongside displays about his life and work with submarines.<ref name="johnphollandIE"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.johnphollandcentre.com/ |title=John P. Holland Centre - Resources and Information |website=johnphollandcentre.com |date= |accessdate=2022-02-27 |archive-date=22 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122151552/http://johnphollandcentre.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Local Folklore==


== Churches ==
===Aill na Searrach: "Leap of the Foals"===
=== St. Brigid's Church ===
Legend has it that when St. Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland there was anger amongst the ]. They decided to magically turn themselves into horses and galloped to Kilcornan, where they hid out in the Kilcornan Caves. As time went by there was no sign of the legendary Tuatha Dé Danann until one day seven foals emerged from the caves. They were frightened by the bright light of day and galloped along the edge of the Cliffs of Moher in fear. Legend says they galloped straight over the cliffs at the point known as ''Aill na Searrach'' (anglicised as ''Aillenasharragh''), which is the Irish for "Leap of the Foals". {{Citation needed|date=December 2010}}
]
]


St Brigid's Church in Liscannor was built in 1858. It is a single-cell, four-bay church built of rubble masonry. A new roof was later added but the gallery, y-mullioned windows and semi-Tudor door were retained. Although the construction of a round tower was suggested in the 1920s, this ''Touheran'' tower which would have housed the bell as well as cottage industries on the lower floors was never built.<ref name="JourneyWest"/>{{rp|68}}
===The Sunken City of Kilstipheen===
Legend says that the ancient of city Kilstipheen (''Cill Stíopháin'', St. Stephen’s church) sank into the depths of Liscannor Bay due to a ghostly tsunami which occurred when the then chieftain lost a golden key in battle. This key was used to open the finest castle in the city. The city now cannot be restored to its former splendor until this lost key can be found. One legend has it that it is under an ogham gravestone on Mount Callan. Another legend says that the key was thrown into the depths of small lake on the same mountain and yet another that one day a fisherman will hook the golden key from the bottom of the ocean thus restoring the city to the surface. Folklore says that Kilstipheen, with its golden roofed palaces, ornate churches and spiraling towers can sometimes be seen shining below the surface of the waters as you look south to Miltown Malbay from Liscannor. It also says that once every seven years it rises above the surface of the waves but with if you spot the ancient city it is foretold that you will not survive the seven years until it surfaces again.{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}}


Liscannor has been referred to as "the Pope's Own Parish". Located in the ], of which the Pope is the Bishop and the Bishop of Galway is the Apostolic Administrator, Liscannor is a mensal parish, i.e. directly under the direct authority of the bishop.<ref name="JourneyWest"/>{{rp|68}}
===Mal the auld Hag===
There once was an old hag named Mal who was adept in the dark arts of witchcraft. She fell in love with the legendary Cú Chulainn but her love was not returned. She chased him across the island of Ireland until they reached Loop Head in South Clare. Cú who had extraordinary strength and agility leapt from the Head onto the nearest island. Mal, using her magic, leapt after him so Cú jumped back to the mainland. Again Mal followed him but her jump fell short and she was dashed against the cliffs. Her blood reddened the water all the way from Loop Head to the Cliffs of Moher. Thus is how Malbay of Milltown Malbay got its name and her face can still be seen at Hags Head where the cliffs resemble an old hag looking out to sea.{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}}

=== St. McCreehy – the Demon Slayer of Liscannor ===
There is an old church and graveyard as you travel to Liscannor from Lahinch called Kilmacreehy (the church of McCreehy). The parish also takes its name from this saint. Legend has it that a monstrous eel burst forth from the depths of Liscannor Bay to feast on the corpses laid to rest at the graveyard. St McCreehy tackled this great beast and slew it after a long fight. A carving of the eel was present until recently at the old ruins.

So legendary was his bravery that St McCreehy was also needed to slay a demon dragon (called a bruckee). In fact the Bruckee was more than likely a bear but over time became exaggerated into a dragon.{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}} The Bruckee on ‘MacCreehy’s tomb’ in Kilmacreehy church, along the shore of Liscannor Bay has long pointed ears, large eyes and huge jaws blunt-ended, but bristling with vicious pointed teeth.

== Churches in Liscannor ==

=== St. Brigid's Church ===
St Brigid’s Church in Liscannor was built in 1858 and last year celebrated its 150th anniversary on the Feast of Christ the King to celebrate 150 years of faith. 150 roses were taken by each family in the aprish and placed on the roads and mass paths which the current and previous residents of the parish talked to their place of worship for a century and a half. As the windows are only on one side of the church it is called “The Church that winks at God”.{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}}

<gallery>
Image:St_Brigids_Church_Liscannor.jpg|St. Brigids Church
Image:Liscannor Church Windows.JPG|Stained Glass Window
Image:Liscannor Church Inside OLD.jpg|Inside of St. Brigids Church 1960s
Image:150th anniversary celebrations Liscannor RC Church.JPG|Rose on Castle Street from 150th Anniversary celebrations
</gallery>


=== Moymore Church === === Moymore Church ===
]
The church of Moymore was built in 1877, on an elevated site overlooking the bay. There was no church previously at this location. Before that the people of the area attended Mass in a small thatched chapel a quarter mile to the east in Caheraderry (Derry).
The church of Moymore was built in 1877, on an elevated site overlooking the bay. There was no church previously at this location. Before that the people of the area attended Mass in a small thatched chapel a quarter mile to the east in Caheraderry (Derry).{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}

<gallery>
Image:Moymore Stained Glass Windows.JPG|Moymore Stained Glass Windows
Image:Interior of Moymore Church.JPG|Interior of Moymore Church
</gallery>


=== Derry Church === === Derry Church ===
]
The Caheraderry (Derry) church probably dates from the 17th century penal times, built either to facilitate travelling friars or possibly as an out-chapel or hermitage for Kilmacreehy Church. It is possible that the church contained a small loft where the priest lived, as in Toomullin Church in Doolin. The ten perches of adjacent land belonging to the church would seem to indicate that there was a priest in residence who used this as a garden. Beside the ruins stand two small one-room attached cottages. According to local tradition{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}}, one of these cottages was a sheebeen known as Gleeson’s and the other a schoolhouse, where a hedge-schoolmaster taught.
The Caheraderry (Derry) church probably dates from the 17th century penal times, built either to facilitate travelling friars or possibly as an out-chapel or hermitage for Kilmacreehy Church. Beside the ruins stand two small one-room attached cottages. According to local tradition, one of these cottages was a sheebeen known as Gleeson's and the other a schoolhouse, where a hedge-schoolmaster taught.{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}}


==Infrastructure==
<gallery>
===Transport===
Image:Derry Church Ruins.JPG|Derry Church Ruins
] route 350 links Liscannor to several locations: ], ], ], ], ] and ]. There are a number of journeys each way daily. Onward rail and bus connections are available at Ennis and Galway.
</gallery>


== Sports == == Sports ==

===Liscannor GAA=== ===Liscannor GAA===
Liscannor won a county title in 1940 – with a combined team from the broader North Clare area. Liscannor GAA Club was reformed in 1985 as a separate entity after players from the area had played with The St Michaels team for a number of years. Liscannor were promoted to Intermediate ranks after winning the Junior title in their first year after reforming in 1985. Liscannor also won the league title in 1985. An intermediate title followed in 1988, but Liscannor were to revert to the Intermediate grade after one year at Senior level.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} It would be 12 years later, in 2000, before Liscannor returned to the Senior Grade.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}}

Liscannor won a county title in 1940 but this team was a combined team from the North Clare area. Liscannor GAA Club was reformed in 1985 as a separate entity after players from the area had played with The St Michaels team for a number of years. Liscannor were immediately successful and were promoted to Intermediate ranks after winning the Junior title in their first year after reforming in 1985. Liscannor also won the league title in 1985. An intermediate title followed in 1988 but the effects of emigration and a dwindling population meant that Liscannor were to revert to the Intermediate grade after one year at Senior level. Despite reaching a number of finals it would be 12 years later in 2000 before Liscannor returned to the Senior Grade.

<gallery>
Image:Liscannor old logo edited-1.jpg|Old Crest
Image:W106 F Image 9 11824.jpg|New Crest
</gallery>


===Moher Celtic=== ===Moher Celtic===
Moher Celtic is the local ]. They have reached two Clare Cup finals in their history but have been edged out on both occasions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.claresoccer.net/index.php/2013-03-02-01-26-38 |title=Clare District Soccer League – Cups |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930234101/http://www.claresoccer.net/index.php/2013-03-02-01-26-38 |archive-date=30 September 2013 }}</ref>
Moher Celtic is the local ].


==Notable people== ==Notable people==
{{See also|Category:People from Liscannor}}
* ] (1782-1857) Member of Parliament
* ] (1782–1857), Member of Parliament<ref>{{cite magazine | magazine = ] | url = https://www.historyireland.com/cornelius-obrien-and-the-cliffs-of-moher/ | title = Cornelius O’Brien and the Cliffs of Moher | first = Perry | last = McIntyre | issue = 2 | volume = 15 | date = 2007 }}</ref>
* ] (1840-1914) inventor of the modern
* ] (1840–1914), inventor of the modern ]<ref name="dibHolland"/>


==See also== ==See also==
Line 213: Line 160:


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|1}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category}} * {{Commons category-inline}}
* - at Clare Library * – at Clare Library
*


{{County Clare}} {{County Clare}}

Latest revision as of 18:29, 7 November 2024

Coastal village in County Clare, Ireland

Village in Munster, Ireland
Liscannor Irish: Lios Ceannúir
Village
Panoramic view of LiscannorPanoramic view of Liscannor
Official seal of LiscannorSeal
Liscannor is located in IrelandLiscannorLiscannorLocation in Ireland
Coordinates: 52°56′19″N 9°23′38″W / 52.93851°N 9.394000°W / 52.93851; -9.394000
CountryIreland
ProvinceMunster
CountyCounty Clare
Elevation0 m (0 ft)
Population113
Time zoneUTC+0 (WET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-1 (IST (WEST))
Irish grid referenceR064884
Historical population
YearPop.±%
1821315—    
1831506+60.6%
1841562+11.1%
1851429−23.7%
1861394−8.2%
1871415+5.3%
1881321−22.7%
1891286−10.9%
1901251−12.2%
1911242−3.6%
1926217−10.3%
1936183−15.7%
1946170−7.1%
1951146−14.1%
1956139−4.8%
1961106−23.7%
196694−11.3%
2002108+14.9%
2011128+18.5%
2016113−11.7%

Liscannor (Irish: Lios Ceannúir, meaning 'ringfort of Ceannúr') is a coastal village in County Clare, Ireland. It is located on the R478 road between Lahinch and Doolin, close to the Cliffs of Moher. As of the 2016 census it had a population of 113.

Geography

Lying on the west coast of Ireland, on Liscannor Bay, the village is located on the R478 regional road between Lahinch, to the east, and Doolin, to the north. The Cliffs of Moher are about 5 km (3.1 mi) north west of the village. Between Lahinch and Liscannor lies the small village of Moymore. Liscannor is located in the civil parish of Kilmacrehy.

History

Liscannor Castle

Liscannor probably takes its name from an old fort that was located here. Lis meaning a "fort" and Cannor a corruption of the name "Connor".

The area around Liscannor was part of the Barony of Corcomroe, controlled by the O'Connor family.

At least 30 ships of the Spanish Armada, sent to invade England in the summer of 1588, were lost along the coast of Ireland, mainly along the western seaboard. The oar-powered galleass Zuñiga was damaged, and anchored off-shore of Liscannor. The ship came under surveillance by the High Sheriff of Clare and by crown forces, and those Spanish sailors who had come ashore had to withdraw to their ship. One captive was taken and sent for interrogation. The Zuñiga escaped the coast with favorable winds, and later reached Le Havre.

The village of Liscannor is of late 18th century origin. According to an 1814 survey there were nearly 200 houses in it at the time, and about ten of them had flag roofs. 40 houses were used by fishermen.

While there was once a Gaeltacht (Irish-spealing area) around the Liscannor area, by 1956 the loss of native speakers meant that it could no longer be considered a Gaeltacht area.

Points of interest

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher
Main article: Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top visitor attractions, and include a protected colony of cliff-nesting seabirds. The area was designated as a Refuge for Fauna in 1988, and as a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive in 1989.

Kilmacreehy Church and graveyard

Kilmacreehy Church
Main article: Kilmacrehy

Cill MacCreiche (Kilmacreehy Church) is first documented in the 14th century, but some of the church's structures, including its Gothic ornamentation, are later additions.

Liscannor Castle

Liscannor Castle was an O'Connor stronghold which, like Dough Castle, later passed to the O'Briens. In 1712, the Earl of Thomond let the estate to William Fitzgerald (annual rent £14). Under the Fitzgerald family, the town began to grow in the later 18th century.

The ruined remains include a six-story tower with a spiral stairway to the east and a lower main building next to it. This latter was described in some detail by Thomas Johnson Westropp in the late 19th century, who noted that it had five floors.

St. Brigid's Well

Entrance to St. Brigids Well

Located at a site of pre-Christian Lughnasadh celebrations, Dabhach Bhríde (or Brigid's Vat) is located near the Cliffs of Moher. Behind the well, on a higher level to which steps lead, is an ancient cemetery. There is a large cross here and a circular path around it, and part of the Rite of the Holy Well is performed in this area known as the Ula Uachtarach or upper sanctuary.

The well, dedicated to Brigid of Kildare, is in the lower ground, the Ula íochtarach or lower sanctuary, enclosed in a little house which contains votive offerings left by pilgrims.

The well has been a pilgrimage site since at least the 1830s, when following a personal cure which he attributed to the waters of the well, Cornelius O'Brien had the well house built. Pilgrims from elsewhere in County Clare and from the Aran Islands came to Liscannor. Pattern Days on which large groups attended included St Brigid's Day (1 February) and Garland Sunday (late July).

Liscannor Harbour

Panoramic view of Liscannor Harbour
Old photo of Liscannor Harbour

The harbour was built between 1825 and 1831 for £2,900, of which £2,000 was a government grant.

In modern times, the harbour has a number of fishing vessels moored there as well as smaller boats using it is a launching site for sea fishing/recreational sports. During summer months there is also a ferry service to the base of the Cliffs of Moher as well as to the Aran Islands.

In the past the harbour was a hub for fishing vessels as well as a location to export locally quarried Liscannor Stone and to receive in coal supplies. Some historical documents note that due to the silting of the harbour, ships could only carry approximately 380 tonnes into port. At low tides ships had to be winched into harbour. A currach would bring the rope out to the ship. Locally quarried flag was cut and polished beside the harbour and winched onto ships by steam crane. These slabs were transported to several British cities.

John P. Holland memorials

The engineer John Philip Holland (1841–1914), who was born in Liscannor, developed some of the first submarines commissioned by the US Navy, Japanese Navy and Royal Navy. Castle Street, on which Holland was born, was renamed 'Holland Street' in his honour.

There are several memorials to Holland in the area, including one erected on the 50th anniversary of his death in 1964. A further memorial, donated by the Submarine Veterans of the US Navy, was erected in Liscannor in 1977.

A visitor centre, the John P. Holland Centre, opened in 2016. A statue of Holland, originally on public display on Liscannor's Main Street, was moved into the centre, alongside displays about his life and work with submarines.

Churches

St. Brigid's Church

St. Brigids Church
Inside of St. Brigids Church 1960s

St Brigid's Church in Liscannor was built in 1858. It is a single-cell, four-bay church built of rubble masonry. A new roof was later added but the gallery, y-mullioned windows and semi-Tudor door were retained. Although the construction of a round tower was suggested in the 1920s, this Touheran tower which would have housed the bell as well as cottage industries on the lower floors was never built.

Liscannor has been referred to as "the Pope's Own Parish". Located in the Diocese of Kilfenora, of which the Pope is the Bishop and the Bishop of Galway is the Apostolic Administrator, Liscannor is a mensal parish, i.e. directly under the direct authority of the bishop.

Moymore Church

Interior of Moymore Church

The church of Moymore was built in 1877, on an elevated site overlooking the bay. There was no church previously at this location. Before that the people of the area attended Mass in a small thatched chapel a quarter mile to the east in Caheraderry (Derry).

Derry Church

Derry Church Ruins

The Caheraderry (Derry) church probably dates from the 17th century penal times, built either to facilitate travelling friars or possibly as an out-chapel or hermitage for Kilmacreehy Church. Beside the ruins stand two small one-room attached cottages. According to local tradition, one of these cottages was a sheebeen known as Gleeson's and the other a schoolhouse, where a hedge-schoolmaster taught.

Infrastructure

Transport

Bus Éireann route 350 links Liscannor to several locations: Ennis, Ennistymon, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna and Galway. There are a number of journeys each way daily. Onward rail and bus connections are available at Ennis and Galway.

Sports

Liscannor GAA

Liscannor won a county title in 1940 – with a combined team from the broader North Clare area. Liscannor GAA Club was reformed in 1985 as a separate entity after players from the area had played with The St Michaels team for a number of years. Liscannor were promoted to Intermediate ranks after winning the Junior title in their first year after reforming in 1985. Liscannor also won the league title in 1985. An intermediate title followed in 1988, but Liscannor were to revert to the Intermediate grade after one year at Senior level. It would be 12 years later, in 2000, before Liscannor returned to the Senior Grade.

Moher Celtic

Moher Celtic is the local football club. They have reached two Clare Cup finals in their history but have been edged out on both occasions.

Notable people

See also: Category:People from Liscannor

See also

References

  1. ^ "Sapmap Area: Settlements Liscannor". Census 2016. Central Statistics Office. 2016. Archived from the original on 20 November 2018.
  2. "Home". CSO – Central Statistics Office.
  3. "Histpop - The Online Historical Population Reports Website". Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  4. J. J. Lee (1981). "On the accuracy of the pre-famine Irish censuses". Irish Population, Economy and Society: 54.
  5. Mokyr, Joel; Ó Gráda, Cormac (November 1984). "New Developments in Irish Population History, 1700–1850". The Economic History Review. New Series. 37 (4): 473–488. doi:10.2307/2596554. hdl:10197/1406. JSTOR 2596554.
  6. "SAPMAP Data – Settlement Liscannor (CSO Area Code ST 16032)". Census 2011. Central Statistics Office. 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  7. Mills, A. D. (2003). A Dictionary of British Place-Names. Oxford University Press.
  8. ^ "Lios Ceannúir / Liscannor". logainm.ie. Irish Placenames Commission. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  9. "Liscannor Townland, Co. Clare". townlands.ie. Townlands Ireland. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  10. ^ Cunningham, George (1980). Burren Journey West. Shannonside Mid Western Regional Tourism Organisation. ISBN 0-9503080-2-1.
  11. "The Spanish Armada and the fate of some of its ships off the West Clare coast". clarelibrary.ie. Clare County Library. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  12. "Nature in all its glory: wonder of Cliffs of Moher captured". independent.ie. Independent News & Media. 10 June 2011. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  13. Simon Large (2011). A Church And Graveyard Survey In County Clare (PDF). clarecoco.ie (Report). Clare County Council. p. 77−79. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 June 2021.
  14. "St Brigid celebrated at famous Liscannor well". ClareHerald.com. Clare Herald. 1 February 2017. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  15. "Lords Sitting – Petitions – Liscannor Harbour, County Clare – Hl Deb 18 July 1901 Vol 97 CC795". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). 18 July 1901. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  16. ^ McGee, Owen; Breen, Aidan (2021). "Holland, John Philip". Dictionary of Irish Biography. Royal Irish Academy. doi:10.3318/dib.004063.v1. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  17. ^ Murphy, Colin (2012). The Most Famous Irish People You've Never Heard Of. O'Brien Press. ISBN 9781847174468. In 1964, the village of his birth, Liscannor, erected a plaque to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of his death. The town also renamed Castle Street, calling it 'Holland Street' in his honour
  18. Spellissy, Sean (2003). A History of County Clare. Gill & Macmillan. p. 60. ISBN 9780717134601. John Philip Holland (1841-1914) was born in Castle Street , now Holland Street , Liscannor
  19. "Holland Plaque Unveiling Liscannor 1977". Clare Champion. 10 July 1977. Archived from the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  20. Seascapes Friday 20th May 2016. rte.ie. RTÉ Radio. 20 May 2016. Event occurs at 26m 50s. Retrieved 24 November 2018. a new John P Holland centre has opened in his birthplace of Liscannor in County Clare
  21. "John Phillip Holland - Shane Gilmore". clarearts.ie. Clare Public Art. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  22. ^ "The John P Holland Centre". johnpholland.ie. Archived from the original on 13 August 2020.
  23. "John P. Holland Centre - Resources and Information". johnphollandcentre.com. Archived from the original on 22 January 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  24. "Clare District Soccer League – Cups". Archived from the original on 30 September 2013.
  25. McIntyre, Perry (2007). "Cornelius O'Brien and the Cliffs of Moher". History Ireland. Vol. 15, no. 2.

External links

Places in County Clare
County town: Ennis
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