Newmarket-on-Fergus and Dromoland

Lying in between the estuaries of the River Shannon and the River Fergus, Newmarket can be found between the towns of Shannon and Ennis.

There are a number of highlights of the area. One is the nearby Dromoland Castle, which is a renowned five-star castle hotel. Built in the 16th century as the ancestral home of the O'Brien Clan, Dromoland Castle is set on a stunning 410-acre site comprising of parkland and an 18-hole championship golf course, which was redesigned by Ron Kirby and the late JB Carr in the early 2000s and has been home to a number of professional and pro-celebrity golfing championships. The grounds are also home to beautiful walled gardens that have been based on designs by Andre Le Notre, who planned the gardens at Versailles. The gardens include a rose garden and lily pond that dates back to 1812.

The 'Great Clare Find' was discovered close to Newmarket-on-Fergus in 1854 when work was being done on the construction of the Ennis to Limerick railway. An important treasure trove of items from the Bronze Age was discovered, including bracelets and necklets. The find was one of the largest ever in Western Europe.

Close by is Mooghaun Fort, signposted off the N18 (between Newmarket-on-Fergus and Dromoland) and accessed by foot, which is a famous Iron Age fort.
You are just a 10-minute drive from Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and the surrounding hotels and restaurants. Newmarket has a strong tradition in hurling and the local pitch is in the centre of the village. If you happen to be there on the evening of a game make sure to drop in and sample the atmosphere and the sport.