Newmarket on Fergus brings together two historic churches, the periodically disappearing Lough Gash and the starting point of a 150-kilometre circular walking trail. When planning your trip, you can focus on different interests: architecture and church history, landscape or walking. You can also tailor your accommodation search to these interests, without having to fit every theme into a single outing.
Churches and history in Newmarket on Fergus
The present building of Kilnasoolagh Church was built by James Pain in 1815. Christian worship has been held on the site since at least 1256, so the site’s history stretches back considerably further than that of the current building. The church also contains a memorial to Sir Donat O’Brien, created by the English sculptor William Kidwell. The year it was built, the site’s long history of use and the memorial each offer a distinct historical point of interest.
A different period takes centre stage at Our Lady of the Rosary Church: it was officially opened on 2 May 1971. Bishop Michael Harty blessed it and dedicated it to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary. Its seven gables represent the former seven parishes of Kilmaleery, Fenloe, Kilconry, Clonloghan, Kilnasoolagh, Drumline and Bunratty, which were united in 1782. At Kilnasoolagh, the 1815 building and a named memorial are important points of interest; at Our Lady of the Rosary, the architecture points to the history of the seven parishes.
Lough Gash, Mooghaun and the Mid Clare Way
Lough Gash lies on the western edge of Newmarket on Fergus. It is a turlough, a body of water that periodically disappears. This reveals a different side of the area from its church history. Mooghaun Hillfort is also nearby, a state-owned National Monument cared for by the Office of Public Works. From the hillfort, views stretch across the River Fergus to the Shannon Estuary. The prehistoric gold hoard associated with Mooghaun is now on display at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.
The Mid Clare Way starts in Newmarket on Fergus and returns there as a 150-kilometre circular walking trail. At the trailhead in the village, there are information boards with maps, as well as parking. The distance refers to the full circular route, not just the starting point in Newmarket on Fergus. The trail is intended for year-round use; local conditions may vary. You should not walk it in heavy rain or strong winds.
More things to explore in County Clare
County Clare also offers a variety of landscapes and cultural experiences. The Cliffs of Moher stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast and rise to more than 700 feet at O’Brien’s Tower. The visitor site includes 800 metres of paved paths and viewing points, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. As operating details may change, check the latest visitor information before your visit. Visitors can explore walking trails in Burren National Park; trail conditions there may also change.
For getting around the region: County Clare is accessible by road and by bus and rail; Ennis is connected to the national rail network. Services and journey times may change, so it is worth checking the timetables for your intended travel dates. Surfers, swimmers and walkers visit Fanore Beach; lifeguard arrangements are seasonal. Inis Cealtra, also known as Holy Island, lies in Lough Derg on the Shannon. Its history as a monastic settlement dates back to the 7th century. These regional attractions complement the churches, lake and walking route as further interests when planning a trip around County Clare.
Discover more destinations: Mountshannon, Doolin, Kilmurry, Purt, Kilbaha, Coillte, Bellharbour, Bodyke
For the broader travel overview: County Clare.
