Clare County Library Blog

Clare Gmaps - new map system

2012-01-27T13:53:00.000Z

Our new Clare GMaps are based on the Google Map system, allowing Google Maps and satellite views to be overlaid with historical maps of Clare from 1842. This new system uses many of the same controls as Google Maps, and we have linked it to the thousands of pages on the library website dealing with the archaeology, history and administrative divisions of County Clare. Before using the maps please read the Gmaps help page.

As a small example of what can be done with this new system, the first image below shows a satellite view of a part of Clare, while the second image shows the same area with the 1842 Ordnance Survey 6" map overlayed on it - and the slider control in the system allows you to regulate the opacity of the overlay.

The new system has already produced results for one researcher on the Clare Past Forum...
Click here for the maps:
www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/maps

Sweet Ballyvaughan (a Burren Love Song) by Judi Mc Keown

2012-01-27T11:43:00.000Z

"This song was written by Judi Mc Keown in 1995. Judi lived in Ballyvaughan when she wrote this song. The Burren is, perhaps, the most hauntingly beautiful place on Earth and where ever Judi travels to on this wee planet she takes a piece of the Burren with her. True Love never fades." Posted on Youtube on the 27th of January 2008 by Kelticbuzz4u.

Sean Tyrrell - Sweet Ballyvaughan (live) & more...

2012-01-27T11:40:00.000Z

"Written by Judi Mc Keown. Recorded live at the Shelter in Dublin at the launch of the Belladonna CD And released as live Video 'Last Night In Babylon" filmed by Ben Gibney of Amber productions sound recorded by Colin Boland. Seán Tyrrell (vocals & mandocello), Fergus Feely (mandola), Johnny Mulhern (guitar), Mick McNally (keyboards), Robbie Walshe (bodhrán)." Posted on Youtube on the 27th of November 2010 by seantyrrell43.

Micilin Conlon plays The Devil On The Griddle & Drowsy Maggie

2012-01-27T11:38:00.000Z

"Micilin Conlon from Poll na gCon near Lisdoonvarna playing The Devil On The Griddle
(also known as The Honeymoon Reel) and Drowsy Maggie." Posted on Youtube on the 24th of January 2012 by Claretrad.

Paddy O'Donoghue plays two reels in Tulla

2012-01-27T11:37:00.000Z

"Paddy O'Donoghue plays two reels composed by himself on the silver flute at Minogue's bar in Tulla Co Clare." Posted on Youtube on the 10th of january 2011 by 700c1.

Miriam Collins, 1982, Bunratty Folk Park

2012-01-27T11:35:00.000Z

Miriam Collins from County Clare, playing in 1982 at Bunratty Folk Park. Posted on Youtube on the 12th of september 2011 by Claretrad.

Moycullen and Kilfenora Sets with Star of Munster in Cois na hAbhna, Ennis

2012-01-27T11:29:00.000Z

"Mike Mahony called the Moycullen Set at his class Christmas ceili with Star of Munster Ceili Band in Cois na hAbhna, Ennis, Co Clare. This was followed by the Kilfenora Set, only three figures of which are included here." Posted on Youtube on the 1st of January 2012 by SetDancingNews.

Poulnagollum Cave bolting trip

2012-01-27T11:27:00.000Z

"Gaelan Elliffe and Quentin Cooper visited the half bolted wall started with Al Kennedy [in Poulnagolllum Cave], and got (23m) to the top. This is how it went." Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of January 2012 by burrencrawler.

Miltown Malbay Library's Junior Book Club craft session

2012-01-27T10:14:00.000Z

Members of the junior book club in the Hillery Public Library, Miltown Malbay, finished up their final meeting of 2011 by making some Christmas decorations for their homes. Some of the group made Christmas wreaths and others made letter holders with a calendar for 2012 attached. All decorations were made using paper plates. Refreshments and goodies were enjoyed by everyone after the craft session.

Leading UK authors for Ennis Book Club Festival

2012-01-26T12:28:00.002Z

This is the 6th Ennis Book Club Festival, organised in association with Clare County Library. The 2012 line-up includes two influential English novelists who will discuss their writing in the County Clare town from the 2nd to the 4th of March. Lynne Reid Banks is a bestselling author for children and adults. Her first novel, The L-Shaped Room, was published in 1960 and caused outrage in more conservative quarters for its portrayal of an unmarried mother-to-be who is thrown out by her father and has to live in the L-shaped room of the title. The novel was later adapted for cinema by the legendary Bryan Forbes to great critical acclaim.

Patrick Gale, from a new generation of prolific British novelists, has written fourteen novels, including the bestselling Rough Music and Notes from an Exhibition. His latest novel, A Perfectly Good Man, will be published in March, coinciding with the Ennis Festival. Mr Gale will read from his new novel on Friday 2nd March when the Ennis Book Club Festival is officially opened by the distinguished poet, playwright and broadcaster Vincent Woods.

Lynne Reid Banks and new Irish author Kevin Barry will give public interviews at a major event in Glór theatre on Saturday 3rd March. Short story writer and novelist Kevin Barry was awarded the 2007 Rooney Prise for Literature. Ms Banks will talk about a long and hugely successful writing career including her classic children’s novel The Indian in the Cupboard which has sold nearly six million copies worldwide. Buen Camino tells the story of an Irish father and his 18 year old daughter and their extraordinary 900 kilometre walk across northern Spain along the ancient pilgrim route to the shrine of St. James at Compostella. Irish Times journalist Peter Murtagh & his daughter Natasha are guaranteed to attract huge interest when they relate their story at the Ennis Festival which attracts Book Club members from all over the country. Maureen Gaffney, one of Ireland’s most respected, trusted and well-liked commentators is sure to enthral her audience when she talks about the state we’re in. She has written Flourishing, a gripping, stimulating and inspiring manifesto on how to flourish and why we need to.

The annual Sunday Symposium packs a huge early morning crowd when media consultant Caimin Jones chairs an often noisy, sometimes enlightening and always entertaining debate. This year, the guest panel will discuss the influence of People & Place on the written word. The best part is when the audience mixes it with the panellists who this year include Catriona Crowe from the National Achieves, playwright Michael Harding and award winning novelist and short story writer Cristine Dwyer Hickey.
The 10 Best Books You Should Read recommendation is a festival favourite. This year’s choices are made by Barnardos Director Fergus Finlay and Dr. Pat Donlon former Director of the National Library. The ever popular Shelia Flanagan is doing a public interview, there are several poetry readings, Wonderland Productions present a dramatization of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, the Clare Champion short story winners will read from their work and the 2012 Book Club of the Year award will be presented. Tickets for the Ennis Book Club Festival are now available. Booking for all festival events in all venues is through Glor Box Office. To book, ring 065 6843103 or email boxfoffice@glor.ie Further festival information at www.ennisbookclubfestival.com

“1971 – a bad year for libraries” – Seinfeld’s Library Cop

2012-01-25T15:05:00.000Z

“The Library is the 22nd episode of the American NBC sitcom Seinfeld. Bookman and Jerry argue in his apartment about whether Jerry returned the book or not”. Posted on Youtube on the 15th of July 2011 by codyxwx.

Women’s Night at Banner Books, Ennistymon

2012-01-25T14:49:00.000Z

As part of its regular series of readings of poetry and prose, Banner Books is extremely delighted to welcome Vivienne McKechnie to Ennistymon at 7.30 pm on Friday 3 February. The series, which has, since the shop’s opening last May, held these readings on the last Friday of the month, will now switch, from February, to the first Friday of each month. Friday 3 February will be the first occasion when the principal guest is a woman, and so it is proposed that on this particular evening it will be “open house” to women poets and writers, who are welcome to support Vivienne in this venture with readings from their own work.

After graduating in English, History and Psychology from Trinity College, Dublin, Vivienne spent some years as a teacher in Ireland and overseas. Now living in Limerick, her poetry has been published in “Revival”, “Stony Thursday” and “The Limerick Leader”. She has also read her poems, which are about memory, love and loss, on Lyric-FM and at the Cuisle International Poetry Festival in the Limerick City Gallery of Art. Having been a guest poet at the White House in Limerick, she is now looking forward to reaching into the heart of County Clare. For four years she has been on the committee of the Kate O’Brien Weekend, and responsible for inviting its speakers. This year’s guest will be Seamus Heaney. The event will take place on 24, 25 and 26 February, and further information can be gained by visiting www.kateobrienweekend.com. Vivienne discovered Banner Books by chance one Saturday, and has said that to read here will be a “wonderful opportunity”. Admission is free and refreshments are provided, but seating is very limited. A lively evening, with women taking centre stage, is promised.

Nominate your favourite local library for Children’s Books Ireland

2012-01-25T14:36:00.000Z

Children’s Books Ireland are asking you to nominate your favourite local library on their facebook page. They want you to nominate your local or favourite Irish public library by ‘liking’ the CBI facebook page, sharing a photo of the library in question and telling them why it's so special. At the end of each month each nominated library will go head to head in a vote for the eventual winner! CBI will be delighted to donate a special book to each winning library. Tell your friends! So far De Valera Public Library, Ennis and Kilfinaghty Public Library, Sixmilebridge have been nominated for Clare County Library. If you need a picture of your local branch to go with your nomination you can visit the branch library pages on our website to copy and paste one.

Springtime - Poetry Competition for Family Carers

2012-01-25T14:34:00.000Z

Calling budding poets! Following the success of last year’s poetry competition as part of a partnership involving Caring for Carers, Clare County Library and the Ennis Book Club Festival, a new nationwide Poetry Competition for 2012 has recently been launched. The theme of this year’s competition is Springtime – a theme of renewal and new life that may inspire the many Family Carers around the country to put pen to paper and bring a little cheer to our lives. Poems should be no longer than 3 verses and entries should be submitted by Friday, 17th February 2012 to Brigid Barron, Caring for Carers Ireland, National Office, 2 Carmody Street Business Park, Ennis, Co Clare. Email bbarron@caringforcarers.org

The winner will receive a weekend stay for two in an Ennis Hotel during this year’s Ennis Book Club Festival, which takes place from 2nd-4th March, with a weekend pass to all of the Festival Events. Four runners-up will receive 2 tickets to the Joseph Woods and Paula Meehan poetry event as well as 2 tickets to the Maureen Gaffney reading. Both of these events will take place at the Ennis Book Club Festival on Saturday, 3rd March 2012. Further details on the festival are at www.ennisbookclubfestival.com. Speaking at the launch, Helen Walsh, County Librarian, said ‘the library is delighted to be involved in this poetry competition. I see it as a very worthwhile community project. Caring for Carers carry out invaluable work throughout the country and the library has a particular interest in socially inclusive events such as this’. Brigid Barron, Research & Program Manager with Caring for Carers Ireland, is deeply aware of the significant contribution made by Family Carers. According to Brigid, recognising the role of Family Carers in the home is crucial. ‘This form of care is the foundation of formal health and social care systems. Family Carers are a distinct group who provide care and also, very importantly, require care themselves. We hope they will get involved in this poetry competition and we greatly look forward to receiving their entries.’ For further information contact 065-6866515.

Guidewires play on BBC's Horo Gheallaidh, Jan 2010, in Glasgow

2012-01-20T11:23:00.000Z

"Guidewires play Homers Reel and Lunchtime Boredom on BBC's Horo Gheallaidh as part of Celtic Connections 2010. Ed Body filling in for Paul McSherry on guitar. Pádraig Rynne - Concertina; Tóla Custy - Fiddle; Sylvain Barou - Flute; Karol Lynch - Bouzouki and Ed Boyd - Guitar." Posted on Youtube on the 22nd of October 2010 by Guidewires.

Kieran Hanrahan and The Banjo Heads

2012-01-20T11:20:00.000Z

"Kieran Hanrahan and The Banjo Heads perform live in the Rathmines Theatre, 2011." Posted on Youtube on the 28th of January 2011 by ditconservatory.

John Naughton's & The Cliffs of Moher, jigs - Mary MacNamara

2012-01-20T11:17:00.000Z

"John Naughton's ; the cliffs of Moher, jigs / Mary MacNamara. Recorded in the Irish Traditional Music Archive, Dublin, 28 January 1993. REFNO: 2-ITMA-VHS". Posted on Youtube on the 21st of November 2011 by ITMAVideos.

Lay There Little Baby - by Paddy Mulcahy

2012-01-20T11:16:00.000Z

"Lay There Little Baby is a tribute to/translation of the South American folk song Duerme Negrito performed by Victor Jara amongst others... Paddy Mulcahy [from Lahinch, County Clare] recorded it for his album Trouble Instigator. This video features Paddy telling the story of the song and how he came to record it before his trip to Argentina and Bolivia." Posted on Youtube on the 8th of January 2012 by fergustighe.

Beauty of The Burren - Wild Tracks

2012-01-20T10:35:00.002Z

"The word Burren comes from the Irish word boireann which means rock land. Burren lies in the north west of county Clare. The land is rich in contrast. Green meadows on one side and bare rocks on the other. Although you would not notice at first glance Burren is unique for its lush vegetation. Orchids, wild geraniums and even plants from alpine and Mediterranean areas thrive. It seems too strange for words. Even the pocket-sized perfume industry is doing well here. This is Ireland's oldest perfume factory still in operation. Who would have ever thought of Burren's flowers in a bottle?" Posted on Youtube on the 15th of January 2012 by dreamshot.

Family Album - Madigan family and Ryan family, Limerick and Clare

2012-01-20T10:33:00.000Z

Part 2:

Posted on Youtube on the 13th of January 2012 by swansignature.

Paddling the river Caher, Fanore, in high water, November 2011

2012-01-20T10:30:00.001Z

The river Caher, Fanore, in high water November 2011. Paddlers Barry Loughnane, Andrew Regan & Toby Fischer. Posted on Youtube on the 16th of January 2012 by baz9000.

The Most Popular Books and Films for Children in County Clare

2012-01-20T09:44:00.001Z

Given the popularity of Jacqueline Wilson, Jeff Kinney and Francesca Simon among young readers worldwide, it’s no surprise that books by these authors were among the top issuing books for children in Clare County Library during 2011. Diary writing has never been more avidly read by young people with Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 5: The Ugly Truth topping the table. Jacqueline Wilson holds a consistent place at the top, year on year. Her book Little Darlings was in second place in 2011, indicating that children want to read about emotional issues if they are uniquely presented in a light hearted and amusing way. The theory that boys are not as keen on reading as girls is debatable if we acknowledge that the third most popular book issued in the past year was The Guinness World Records which is mainly borrowed by boys. A greater range of engaging fiction has become available for boys in recent years with heroes of the page and screen such as Percy Jackson and Greg Heffley sure to generate interest. Horrid Henry, the ultimate comic book bad boy of the 21st century does the bold things most kids only ever get to dream of. In Horrid Henry Rocks, number 6 in the library top ten list, he’s up to his usual mischief. He continues to make life hell for his younger brother, ruins Moody Margaret’s sleepover, drives his teacher, Mrs. Battleaxe crazy, and invents the most amazing schemes to go to a concert by his favorite band, the Killer Boy Rats.

Clare County Library staff are delighted that Judi Curtin, who has been described as Ireland’s Jacqueline Wilson, has two books in the Top Ten Titles for Children, All About Alice and Alice and Megan. Judi visited Killaloe, Scariff, Newmarket on Fergus and Shannon libraries during Children’s Book Festival in October 2011 where she met with hundreds of her fans from primary schools in the area. Shrek Forever After – The Final Chapter and Shrek The Third were the two top issuing children’s films, followed by six new releases based on books by popular authors including Rick Riordan, Kate DiCamillo, J.K. Rowling, Roald Dahl and Neil Gaiman.

The children’s top ten film list reads as follows:
Shrek Forever After – The Final Chapter
Shrek The Third
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
The Tale of Despereaux
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Toy Story 3
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Coraline and
Shrek.

St. Brigid's Festival at Clare Museum

2012-01-20T09:22:00.002Z

The Teetotallers - Kevin Crawford, Martin Hayes, and John Doyle at O'Flaherty's 2011 (Parts 1 & 2)

2012-01-13T15:19:00.000Z

"The Teetotallers - Kevin Crawford (flute), Martin Hayes (fiddle), and John Doyle (guitar) - perform at the O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat 2011." Posted on Youtube on the 16th of November 2011 by WayfFromOYAN.

The Legend of Hag's Head (near Cliffs of Moher)

2012-01-13T15:17:00.000Z

The legend of Hag's Head, County Clare, as told by Katherine Webster, the Director of the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre. Posted on Youtube on the 4th of January 2012 by richardbangs.

Wide variety of music borrowed by members of Clare County Library

2012-01-13T15:15:00.003Z

Mayhem, by Irish Rockabilly singer Imelda May, was the most popular music CD borrowed by members of Clare County Library in 2011. Her debut album Love Tattoo released in 2007 also proved very popular with borrowers. Second in popularity among library members was the highly anticipated fifth album from American rock band The Kings of Leon. Their album Come Around Sundown has been nominated in the Best Rock Album category of the 54th Grammy awards. The third most popular music CD among County Clare library members was The Witmark Demos by Bob Dylan. This collection features forty seven songs recorded by the artist between 1962-1964 – accompanied only by his acoustic guitar, harmonica and occasionally piano. Fifteen of the songs were recorded by Dylan especially for these sessions, and have never been officially released to the public until now.

Sharon Shannon’s album Galway Girl continues to be popular since its release in 2008. The album has gone Platinum in Ireland four times and the title track has won the Meteor Award for most downloaded song for the last two years. This is the fourth year in a row that Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon has appeared in the list of the top ten most borrowed music CDs by members of Clare County Library. Sixth on the most popular list was The Suburbs by Canadian indie rock band Arcade Fire. The album won Album of the Year at the 2011 Grammy Awards and Best International Album at the 2011 BRIT Awards.

Three places on the ten most popular music CD list were claimed by traditional music. An Traidisiún Beo by Angelina Carberry and Martin Quinn is a collection of traditional Irish music tunes played on button accordion and tenor banjo. Seanchas is the first album in five years by County Waterford based band Danú. It features vocals by Muireann nic Amhlaoibh and has received wide critical acclaim. Dance Sean Nós by Tom Doherty features a section of lively, old style melodion tunes recorded at various tempos for sean-nós dancing. Number ten on the most popular list was Station to Station by David Bowie. Bowie’s highly influential 1976 album was released as a 3-CD Special Edition by EMI in 2010. A 5-CD, DVD and heavyweight vinyl Deluxe Edition of the album was released at the same time.

Clare - Land of legends and dreams

2012-01-13T15:14:00.000Z

Doolin, Bunratty, Lahinch, The Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and more are featured in this clip from hagitttt86, posted on Youtube on the 26th of December 2011.

The Doonagore and The Coalminer's Reels - Kitty Hayes & Peter Laban

2012-01-13T15:12:00.000Z

"Two reels played in the late Kitty Hayes's kitchen in Shanaway West, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare. Recorded February 13, 2008". Posted on Youtube on the 3rd of March 2010 by Kilfarboy2.

Cliffs of Moher and The Burren - Wild Tracks

2012-01-13T15:10:00.000Z

"The Moher cliffs are more than two hundred metres high and stretch more than eight kilometres. There are fantastic walks here and rich bird life. The most common birds here are puffins, guillemots and those hungry gulls. From O'Briens tower you can take a three hour walk. The purists among us walk our feet off. The Moher cliffs are breathtaking, even when shrouded in fog. For those who are interested the rocks are of sandstone alternated with layers of black shale. The word Burren comes from the Irish word boireann which means rock land. Burren lies in the north west of county Clare. The land is rich in contrast. Green meadows on one side and bare rocks on the other. Over the centuries each generation built a life for themselves from the tough environment." Posted on Youtube on the 10th of January by dreamshot.

Four Men And A Dog - Spanish Point, 2009

2012-01-13T15:08:00.000Z

"Back in August 2009 Spanish Point on the west coast of Clare was awoken to the sounds and beats of 'Four Men and a Dog'. This traditional Irish band who emerged from the 1990 Belfast Folk Festival add in blues, rock, jazz, swing, salsa and more to their tunes." Posted on Youtube on the 17th of March 2011 by geofflyons.

The Joy of Books

2012-01-11T12:02:00.001Z

"After organizing our bookshelf almost a year ago (http://youtu.be/zhRT-PM7vpA), my wife and I decided to take it to the next level. We spent many sleepless nights moving, stacking, and animating books at Type bookstore in Toronto. Grayson Matthews (http://www.graysonmatthews.com/) generously composed the beautiful, custom music. But none of it could have been done without all the volunteer hands who shelved and reshelved books all night, every night." Posted on Youtube on the 9th of January 2012 by crazedadman.

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill at Willie Clancy Festival

2012-01-06T15:44:00.001Z

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill at the Willie Clancy Festival, Miltown Malbay, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 16th of May 2009 by clarebannerman.

Sharon Shannon, Maire Breatnach, Mary Custy & Siobhan Peoples

2012-01-06T15:39:00.002Z

Sharon Shannon, Maire Breatnach, Mary Custy & Siobhan Peoples play in Toonagh, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 31st of October 2011 by gaeliccara.

Kirsten Alstaff & Eoin O'Neill at Joseph McHugh's, Liscannor

2012-01-06T15:36:00.001Z

"Kirsten Alstaff, Flute, and Eoin O'Neill, Bouzouki, play a set of reels at Joseph McHugh's Pub in Liscannor, County Clare, Ireland on Sunday evening, 13 November, 2011." Posted on Youtube on the 27th of November 2011 by thissong4you.

Síomha Brock - Right From The Start

2012-01-06T15:34:00.001Z

"Right From The Start from Síomha Brock's Debut EP © 2011 Siomha Brock. Síomha Brock - vocals / guitar; Eoghan Judge - guitar; Karl Clews - bass; Danny Byrt - drums. Audio recorded by Matt Purcell. Recorded in Queen's Hotel, Ennis in August 2011". Posted on Youtube on the 21st of Deecember 2011 by siomhabrock.

Irish Session, Lahinch, Co. Clare

2012-01-06T15:33:00.001Z

"This video is from a session at The Spinaker in Lahinch, Ireland featuring Sara Cory on fiddle, Damain Werner on bouzouki and Dan Singer on a Laotian wind instrument. July 4, 2010." Posted on Youtube on the 28th of July 2010 by goodnaybor.

Paddy Murphy (Concertina) & Peadar O'Loughlin (Fiddle) play a set of reels 1991

2012-01-06T15:29:00.000Z

"Paddy Murphy (Concertina) & Peadar O'Loughlin (Fiddle) play a set of reels including the Chattering Magpie. A concert recorded in 1991 at Cois Na hAbhanna, Ennis, Co. Clare." Posted on Youtube on the 15th of January 2010 by maspeth46thstreet.

Bears in Aillwee Cave

2012-01-06T15:21:00.001Z

"Aillwee Cave is the most famous of the many thousands of ancient caves beneath the karst-landscape of the Burren in northwest County Clare, Ireland. It features an underground river and waterfall as well as large stalactites and stalagmites, and the remains of 1000-year-old bears." Posted on Youtube on the 4th of January 2012 by richardbangs.

Serious Mischief - Sonnys Seafood Chowder

2012-01-06T15:19:00.000Z

"Serious Mischief (from Lahinch, County Clare) - original song Sonnys Seafood Chowder from the EP Relax with Serious Mischief ". Posted on Youtube on the 9th of February 2009 by fitztube.

Junior bookclub at Miltown Malbay Library

2012-01-03T10:34:00.002Z

The junior bookclub at the Hillery Public Library, Miltown Malbay, has been up and running successfully for the past four years. During this time the number of children attending the bookclub has grown considerably with approximately 15 - 20 children in the group at present. The bookclub meets on the 4th Friday of every month during the winter season. Children attending the club range in age from 8 – 12 years with a good mix of both girls and boys in the group. A wide variety of books has been read and discussed and many new friends have been made at these social occasions that double as opportunities to try out new reading material. Celebrations are held at special times of the year such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas. New members are always welcome.

Happy Christmas to all from Clare County Library

2011-12-24T12:26:00.002Z

Ennis Town - Share The Feeling. Santa Claus visits Ennis, "without doubt the friendliest town he's ever been to". Posted on Youtube on the 2nd of December 2011 by lahinchdreamcatcher.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, 1967, Kilrush

2011-12-24T12:16:00.003Z

"Made in the town of Kilrush, Flea Ceoil captures the resurgence of interest in traditional Irish music in the 1960s when Irish folksingers like Dolly McMahon, who appears in the film were seen as part of a world-wide boom in folk music. Beautifully filmed by Bob Monks, Flea Ceoil is remarkable in its close attention to the small details that distinguish this vibrant musical community. The film was directed by Cork-born LouisMarcus, one of Ireland's most important and prolific documentary directors. It won a Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival and other prestigious awards in Russia, Spain and Belgium."
http://www.aughty.org/pdf/irishtrad_film.pdf

"An overview of the traditional Irish fleadh or fair, shot in Kilrush, Co. Clare, at a time of revitalised interest in traditional music. Included is an examination of this type of Irish music and how it affects people who come to hear it. An Irish-language cultural documentary report on the annual Flea Ceoil traditional music festival at Kilrush, County Clare, in 1967. Cinéma vérité portrait of a traditional music festival being held in Kilrush, Co. Clare in 1967."
http://www.tcd.ie/irishfilm/showfilm.php?fid=60508

"The 'Fleá' (say 'fla' as in 'flat') is a moveable feast of Ireland's traditional music that takes place every summer over a period of about five days in a specially selected Irish town. In 1967 it took place in Kilrush, County Clare. This film of the event by Louis Marcus won awards at a string of international film festivals. In this broadcast by TG4, Ireland's television service in the Irish language, the commentary by Niall Tóibín, the celebrated actor and broadcaster, is in Irish with subtitles in English." Posted on Youtube on the 21st of December 2011 by muisire.

Sharon Shannon, Mary Custy & Eoin O'Neill

2011-12-16T10:16:00.000Z

Sharon Shannon, Mary Custy & Eoin O'Neill. Posted on Youtube on the 5th of August 2011 by gaeliccara.

Newcastle CCE Session in Doolin, 2011

2011-12-16T10:15:00.000Z

"Members of Newcastle CCE attending the Willy Clancy Festival 2011 playing in Gus O'Connors Pub in Doolin." Posted on Youtube on the 11th of December 2011 by MickMcAstocker.

Budapest - If Radio Was King, live in Ennis

2011-12-16T10:13:00.000Z

Ennis based band Budapest, live at Brandons, Ennis, on the 9th of December 2011. Posted on Youtube on the 9th of December 2011 by Snichty.

Solace - Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book of the Year 2011

2011-12-16T10:07:00.003Z

Solace, the debut novel of Longford author Belinda McKeon, has been voted the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book of the Year for 2011. The public were asked to vote for their favourite title from the list of ten category winners announced at the recent Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards 2011 and Solace, which was named as Sunday Independent Best Irish Newcomer of the Year at the awards, topped the poll. Belinda McKeon was born in Ireland in 1979 and grew up on a farm in Co. Longford. She studied English and Philosophy at Trinity College Dublin (BA) and University College, Dublin (MLitt). She lives in Brooklyn, New York and in Ireland. Madeleine Keane, Literary Editor with the Sunday Independent, which sponsored the Newcomer of the Year category, added: “I’m absolutely delighted that Solace has won this important award which is richly deserves. Belinda McKeon’s novel is a beautifully wrought, assured and intensely moving debut. I look forward to more from this exciting new writer.” For further information see www.irishbookawards.ie

Martin Connolly plays two reels, 1990

2011-12-15T12:47:00.001Z

"Martin Connolly, Killaloe, Clare. Great table tennis player, great soccer player, All Ireland Champion accordion player." Martin is playing two reels. The first is Martin Wynne's and the second is The New Mown Meadow. Posted on Youtube on the 7th of November by liammckeogh.

Aillwee Cave Official Video

2011-12-15T12:42:00.001Z

"This is what you will experience if you visit the famous Aillwee Cave in Ballyvaughan, Co.Clare. Right in the heart of the famous Burren National Park." Posted on Youtube on the 8th of December 2011 by burrencrawler.

Surfing in Lahinch, December 2011

2011-12-15T12:41:00.001Z

Posted on Youtube on the 10th of December 2011 by cab149.

Wedding proposal at Cliffs of Moher

2011-12-15T12:40:00.001Z

"FDNY Firefighter proposes on top of the Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland surrounded by his fellow bagpipers of the FDNY Emerald Society Bagpipe Band." Posted on Youtube on the 4th of December 2011 by IrishAisle.

Corkscrew Hill, May 2011

2011-12-15T12:37:00.001Z

"Corkscrew Hill, The Burren, County Clare, Ireland, 29th May 2011". Posted on Youtube on the 7th of July 2011 by fcoulombeau.

Christmas Crafts Fair at Shannon Library

2011-12-15T12:33:00.001Z

The 26th annual Shannon Public Library Christmas Crafts Fair ran from Thursday 1st December to Saturday 10th December and featured work from craftspeople from around the Shannon area. This year participants sold artwork, jewellery, knitwear and knitted items, cards, handcrafted bags, handpainted glassware, Christmas decorations, homemade cakes, sweets and buns, wooden crafts, personalised gifts and other handmade items. Business was steady with a lot of people taking advantage of the opportunity to buy unique handmade gifts from the items on display. Craftspeople and their customers are already looking forward to next year's Christmas Craft Fair in Shannon Library!

Clare’s Christmas Past Exhibition At Clare Museum

2011-12-15T11:06:00.003Z

Visit the Christmas card and decoration exhibition at Clare Museum. Take a tour through Chistmas past and experience the traditional crafts and skills of the festive session. Runs from the 13th to the 23rd of December. Tour available for groups and families with advanced booking. Contact 065-682 3382 or claremuseum@clarecoco.ie

Glass painting at Scariff Library

2011-12-14T12:09:00.001Z

Scariff Public Library held a Christmas Craft Workshop on Wednesday 15th December. The group, lead by Natalie El Baba, enjoyed an hour long festive glass painting session.

Engage: The Fall & Rise of Matt Hampson - Winner of the Irish Sports Book of the Year

2011-12-12T13:23:00.004Z

Engage : The Fall & Rise of Matt Hampson by Paul Kimmage has won this year’s williamhill.com Irish Sports Book of the Year award. Engage won the award ahead of runners-up Life, Death and Hurling by Michael Duignan and One Hell of a Ride by Paul Carberry. Irish sports writer Kimmage won the overall williamhill.com international award in 1990 for A Rough Ride: behind the wheel with a pro cyclist. The winning book focuses on the life of former English rugby international Matt Hampson who was paralysed from the neck down after a scrum collapsed during an England U-21 training session in 2005. The book details Hampson’s promising career through his rehabilitation and into his new life raising money and helping spinal injury victims along with his hope to coach England one day. Tony Kenny, Head of International PR for William Hill said; " Not only is Paul an excellent writer and story teller, he also connected perfectly with a story of true human triumph in the book. Matt Hampson’s story is an inspiration to everyone who has read it and without Paul’s unique skill this story may not have touched as many people as it will over the coming months and years." Runner-up Life, Death and Hurling by Michael Duignan looks at Duignan’s life as an Offaly hurler where he won two All-Ireland medals along with his tragic struggles off the field. The other runner-up was Paul Carberry’s One Hell of a Ride, which recounts his Grand National victory and his life as a two time Champion jockey along with his battle with alcohol and his countless injuries and broken bones.
The other shortlisted titles were:
Without a Shadow of a Doubt by Joe Kernan
A.P. McCoy by Tony McCoy
Inside the Peloton by Nicolas Roche

Angela (Crehan) Crotty and James Keane

2011-12-08T12:45:00.003Z

"Angela came to visit us in Queens, N.Y. this week and we had a mighty time sharing old stories, lots of laughs and rakes of tunes..." Angela Crotty is the daughter of noted fiddler and composer Martin Junior Crehan, and wife of the late flute player P.J. Crotty. She is accompanied by James Keane on the button accordeon. Posted on Youtube on the 22nd of October 2011 by IrishMusicTherapy.

Christmas Craft workshop at Scariff

2011-12-07T11:56:00.002Z

A Christmas Craft workshop was held at Scariff Public Library on Wednesday 7th December. A group of seven adults enjoyed a relaxed and festive card making session lead by artist Natalie El Baba.

John Doyle and Martin Hayes at the O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat

2011-12-02T11:48:00.002Z

"Fantastic Irish musicians John Doyle (guitar) and Martin Hayes (fiddle) perform their spellbinding musical duel at the O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat, on Night 2." Posted on Youtube on the 14th of November 2011 by WayfFromOYAN.

Clare historian longlisted for Longman-History Today Book of the Year Award

2011-12-02T11:30:00.003Z

Dr Ciaran O Murchadha’s book The Great Famine: Ireland's Agony 1845-1852 is among the 20 titles chosen from over 100 nominated books for a place on the longlist for the Longman-History Today Book of the Year Award 2011. His first book Sable Wings Over the Land: Ennis, County Clare, and its wider community during the Great Famine was published by CLASP Press in 1998. In recent years he has researched, written, and lectured widely, both in Ireland and in the United States, on the Great Famine and other aspects of Clare's history. Formerly a lecturer in History at NUIG, Dr. Ó Murchadha currently teaches in St. Flannan's College, Ennis. The award is organised jointly by the publishers Longman and History Today to foster a wider understanding of, and enthusiasm for, history. A prize of £2,000 is being given for an author’s first or second book, written in English between October 1st, 2010 to September 30th, 2011, on any aspect of history. The winning book will have contributed significantly to making its subject accessible and rewarding to the general reader of history and will display innovative research and interpretation in its field. A shortlist will be announced in December. Click here to view the complete longlist...

Cliffs Of Moher, Ireland

2011-12-01T15:32:00.000Z

Posted on Youtube on the 26th of November 2011 by pacoruiztrujillo.

Ger Hoyne sings "School Days Over" at Ennis Trad Festival

2011-12-01T15:20:00.000Z

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"Ger Hoyne, accompanied by Quentin Cooper on Banjo, sings "School Days Over" in Brogan's Bar, Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, on Monday night, 14 November, 2011, the last night of the Ennis Trad Festival." Posted on Youtube on the 25th of November 2011 by thissongforyou.

The Australian Ant & Dec surf in Lahinch with no wetsuits!

2011-12-01T15:09:00.000Z

"These guys are huge in Australia mate, it's Hamish & Andy!" Posted on Youtube on the 2nd of February 2011 by lahinchsurfschool.

All Ireland currach championship, Doonbeg 2011

2011-12-01T15:07:00.001Z

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Posted on Youtube on the 6th of October 2011 by thasobrien1.
More info: (Clare Champion article...)

The Burren Geology & Landscape

2011-12-01T15:05:00.001Z

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"A description of Geology and landscape in The Burren. This video is part of a Cd Rom developed by One Production for the Burren Connect Project with Images and Text provided by Burrenbeo. The Narration is by Pat Costello with music by Chris Droney." Posted on Youtube on the 16th of November 2011 by BurrenbeoTrust.

Science week workshop at Kilrush Library

2011-12-01T14:18:00.002Z

On Friday 18th November Kilrush Public Library hosted a science workshop entitled ‘Magic, Science or Mystery’, presented by Paul McCrory. Paul’s knowledge and experience of communicating science to children of all ages was clearly evident throughout the duration of the highly interactive show. One hundred children from the local primary schools thoroughly enjoyed trying to figure out the science behind the magic tricks.

Judi Curtin at Scariff Library

2011-12-01T14:06:00.008Z

Author Judi Curtin entertained an audience of 90 children at Scariff Public Library on Monday 24th October. The author spoke about her interest in books, how and why she started writing, and also answered questions about her childhood and career. The session was very interactive with Judi chatting and joking with the children from Scariff National School, Mounshannon National School and Ogonnolloe National School. The group also enjoyed hearing a chapter from one of Judi’s books Alice in the Middle and also had an opportunity to collect autographs from the author after the session.

Michael McCormack, Kilrush & Ten Years in Wellington

2011-12-01T13:59:00.006Z

Michael McCormack, born in Kilrush, County Clare, is a well known artist in Wellington, New Zealand. He studied painting and art history at the Crawford College of Art in Cork. He has since painted in places such as Honolulu, India and Thailand and has spent the last ten years as an artist in Wellington. He has recently published a book ‘Ten Years in Wellington’, which depicts a selection of his paintings of this beautiful city. Michael has very kindly donated a copy of his new book to Kilrush Library where he held his first art exhibition in October 1991.

The Road of Souls - Short Film Trailer in Corofin

2011-11-30T16:27:00.001Z

"The Road of Souls is about a moment in time that captures the imagination of an eleven year old boy. The story follows Patrick as he discovers a stranger in his life has more to offer than he first thought. Set in County Clare in the 1950s, the film is a charming tale of childhood memories and the moments that we remember forever." The premiere of The Road of Souls will take place on December 1st at 7pm in Teach Cheoil, Corofin, County Clare, by invitation only. More info... Posted on Youtube on the 29th of November 2011 by mixedbagmedia.

Willie Clancy interview in Doolin, 1971

2011-11-24T15:01:00.004Z

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"Witty interview with Willie Clancy, 1971, Doolin." Willie Clancy is being interviewed about his uileann pipes. Also included are the late Packie Russell, and the late Muiris Ó Rocháin and his wife Úna. The reel he plays at the end is called The Ravelled Hank of Yarn, and he's playing it on a Taylor set of pipes from circa 1890. Posted on Youtube on the 14th of November 2011 by asalater.

Paul Smith, Michael Hackett, Deirdre Scanlan, Lena Ullman and Leon Agnew - Killaloe

2011-11-24T15:00:00.000Z

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Paul Smith, Michael Hackett, Deirdre Scanlan, Lena Ullman and Leon Agnew play three reels in Reddan's bar, Killaloe. The reels: The Laurel Tree, Feeding The Birds and Johnny Henry's. Posted on Youtube on the 3rd of August 2011 by liammckeogh.

'Down at the Willy Clancy Week' - Song

2011-11-24T14:50:00.000Z

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"Grace Kelly, the winner of the Central Hotels Songwriting Competition, performs 'Down at the Willy Clancy Week'. Recorded live at the Central Hotel, Miltown Malbay, County Clare on the 30th of October 2011." Posted on Youtube on the 4th of November 2011 by blagit23.

Clare Museum Christmas Card Exhibition Appeal

2011-11-24T14:43:00.002Z

The Clare Museum is seeking any old Christmas cards or decorations with a little personal story for a new seasonal temporary exhibition on Christmas Past. The cards can from anywhere in the world or from Clare itself. Cards with an interesting greeting or a personal memory are welcome to help the museum get into the spirit of Christmas. All cards and decorations that are loaned will be returned in the New Year. Also on the subject of Christmas Cards, there will be workshops on Christmas card making at the museum at 10am and 3pm daily from 13th to 23rd December. Booking is essential. Contact curator John Rattigan at 065-682-3382 or Paula McNamara, Education Officer at 087-793-3799.

The Burren – Culture & Community

2011-11-24T14:41:00.000Z

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Posted on Youtube on the 16th of November 2011 by BurrenBeoTrust.

Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards – The Winners

2011-11-24T14:31:00.003Z

A 40 minute programme of the highlights of the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards will be shown tonight, Thursday 24th November, at 10.45pm on RTE 1. The 10 category award winners were announced at a gala dinner on November 17th.

The winners are:
RTE Radio John Murray Show Listeners’ Choice Award:
How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran.
Hughes and Hughes Irish Novel of the Year:
Mistaken by Neil Jordan.
Ireland AM Crime Fiction Book of the Year:
Bloodland by Alan Glynn.
Eason Popular Fiction Book of the Year:
All for You by Sheila O’Flanagan.
Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year – Senior:
The Real Rebecca by Anna Carey.
Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year – Junior:
The Lonely Beast by Chris Judge.
International Education Services Best Irish-Published Book of the Year:
Connemara: a Little Gaelic Kingdom by Tim Robinson.
Argosy Irish Nonfiction Book of the Year:
Easy Meals by Rachel Allen.
Irish Sports Book of the Year:
Inside the Peloton by Nicholas Roche.
Sunday Independent Best Newcomer of the Year:
Solace by Belinda McKeon.
President Michael D Higgins graced the evening as Guest of Honour and presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to fellow poet Seamus Heaney. The Crannóg Bookshop carried off the Bord Gáis Energy Bookshop of the year award, with a prize of €5,000 worth of electricity from Bord Gáis. The public are being asked to vote for their favourite book of the year from the winners of each of the award categories. Voting closes at midnight on December 8th. Five lucky voters selected at random will each win €100 of National Book Tokens. Vote now on irishbookawards.ie.

Tigh Na Coille Ceíli Band play two reels: Miss Monahan's & Miss Mc Donald

2011-11-24T14:30:00.001Z

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"All-Ireland Under-18 Céilí Band champions Tigh Na Coille Ceíli Band from Co. Clare playing a selection of reels: Miss Monahan's and Miss Mc Donald. They were recorded at the Munster Fleadh Cheoil in Newcastlewest, Co. Limerick in July 2007." Posted on Youtube on the 14th of June 2008 by comhaltas.

Emerald Surfwear Movember Fancy Dress Surf Morning in Lahinch

2011-11-24T14:28:00.000Z

"Our main monkey, Q The Monkey, headed down to Lahinch, Co. Clare for the Emerald Surfwear Movember Fancy Dress Surf Morning. Big choppy surf, awesome costumes, great craic, sunshine, and all for the great Movember cause, to raise vital funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer. With a busted knee the monkey man was restricted to a bodyboard, but that didn't stop him getting stuck in with all the other heros (and superheros) and capture some of the action on his trusty GoPro HD helmet cam. Enjoy the vid and grow a mo for Movember!!" Posted on Youtube on the 31st of October 2011 by GnarlyAdventure.

Kilkee Moments project – animation

2011-11-24T14:26:00.001Z

"Thanks to Laura Maye who kindly volunteered to create this fantastic video in support of our Kilkee Moments project. See & LIKE our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KilkeeMoments. The Kilkee Moments project is in aid of the Kilkee Marine Rescue Service which is a voluntary emergency life-boat service that services the coastline from Spanish point to Loop Head." Posted on Youtube on the 7th of November 2011 by KilkeeMoments.

The Prehistoric Piper - animation

2011-11-17T14:25:00.001Z

"This 6 min animation/movie was made by Ber Dowd and uilleann piper Blackie O Connell for the Anon is Anall group show exhibition in the Rowen Tree cafe , Ennis as part of the November Trad Festival 2011." Posted on Youtube on the 16th of October 2011 by forager10.

The Making of the Prehistoric Piper Animation

2011-11-17T14:23:00.001Z

"A short behind the scenes film of the making of the Prehistoric Piper animation movie with artist/animator Ber Dowd and musician/uilleann piper Blackie O Connell. Filmed by Fergus Tighe in October 2011 for Carmel Doherty's Anon is Anall 3 artist/musician project Ennis County Clare." Posted on Youtube on the 27th of October 2011 by forager10.

Tulla Junior Ceili Band 2010

2011-11-17T14:22:00.000Z

"Tulla Junior Ceili Band have been together for the last 5-6 years. Their music is full of natural lift and rhythm, a brand of music that invokes joy in you and makes you want to dance... Mary McNamara has been the nurturer and guiding spirit of these young musicians and her passion and comittment to the East Clare style of music is very evident with this band." The band members are Sinead Mulqueen (Piano), Aisling Lyons (Drums), Brian Donnellan (Concertina), Aisling Hunt (Accordian), Iomar Kearney, Lisa Walsh, Eimear Donnellan (Flutes), Sorcha Costello, Sorcha Crimmins, Tim O'Connor (Fiddles). The Tulla junior ceili band won the under 15 ceili band competition in Cavan in August 2010 at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil. Posted on Youtube on the 14th of July 2010 by CustysMusic.

Inis Og Ceili Band 2009

2011-11-17T14:21:00.000Z

"Inis Og Play at the opening of Corofin Trad festival 2009. Musicians are - Box: Caoilfionn Mulhern; Fiddles: Therese McInerney, Shona Lynch, Sharon Howley, Eimear Airkins; Keyboard: Padraic O`Reilly (tutor); Banjo: Keith O`Loughlan; Drums: Edward McMahon; Flutes: Brian O`Loughlan, Conor Connole, Elaine Corbit; Concertiana: Catriona Killeen. Tunes are Cooleys and The Wise Maid (reels)." Posted on Youtube on the 26th of June 2009 by xxfiddlexxchickxx.

Dinny McMahon at the Cliffs of Moher

2011-11-17T14:11:00.003Z

"Dinny McMahon, a tourist guide at the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland." This footage is possibly from the early 1970s. Posted on Youtube on the 6th of November 2011 by 25pappy.

Eimear Arkins, Damien O'Reilly, Brian O'Loughlin & Keith O'Loughlin in Shannon library

2011-11-17T14:10:00.000Z

Eimear Arkins, Damien O'Reilly, Brian O'Loughlin & Keith O'Loughlin in Seán Lemass Public Library, Shannon, on Friday July 17th 2009. Posted on Youtube on the 3rd August 2009 by bflatflute.

Eamonn Cotter, Conor McCarthy, Oisín MacDiarmada & Padraic O'Reilly at Sixmilebridge library

2011-11-17T14:09:00.000Z

Eamonn Cotter, Conor McCarthy, Oisín MacDiarmada & Padraic O Reilly at Kilfinaghty Public Library, Sixmilebridge, on the 1st of August 2009. Posted on Youtube on the 4th of August 2009 by bflatflute.

A murmuration of starlings on Lough Derg

2011-11-10T12:01:00.000Z

"A collection of starlings is called a murmuration. A film by Liberty Smith and Sophie Windsor Clive. Music by Emmett Glynn and band." Shot on Lough Derg, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 3rd of November 2011 by HayseedOfTurnip.

Road Safety Authority ad featuring Kilkee

2011-11-10T11:59:00.000Z

"Road Safety Authority commercial with a positive message about the number of lives saved equaling the population of a small town." Kilkee, County Clare, is the featured town. Posted on Youtube on the 28th of October 2011 by supersixtyeight.

1821 List of Freeholders - 35,000 names added to website

2011-11-10T10:46:00.004Z

With the addition of the 1821 List of Freeholders, Clare County Library has added c.35,000 names of Clare people from the early 19th Century to its website. This List of Freeholders contains the names of landholders who were registered to vote in County Clare in 1821. A freeholder was a man who owned his land outright (in fee) or who held it by lease which could be for one or more lives (for example, his own life or for the lives of other people named in the lease). A significant percentage of the population was entitled to vote in the time period covered by this list (1796-1820), when both Catholic and Protestant 40 shilling freeholders qualified for the franchise. A 40 shilling freeholder held a freehold worth at least 40 shillings per anum above the rent, enabling the inclusion of substantial farmers in the voters’ list. In 1829 the franchise level was increased to 10 pounds (there were 20 shillings in a pound), thus barring the 40 shilling freeholders whom Daniel O’Connell had mobilized and consequently confining the vote to landlords. Because of destroyed records and the lack of census material covering the 19th Century, Freeholders’ Lists are an invaluable census substitute. This 1821 List provides a range of information about people and land ownership: Name of freeholder; Address of freeholder (Place of Abode); Location of freehold (Situation of Freehold); Name of landlord; Value of freehold (given in either shillings (s) or pounds (l)); Names of other lives associated with the lease i.e. generally tenants (Names of Lives or other Tenure); Date of freeholder’s registration. The names of the freeholders are given as they appear in the original document i.e. by Barony, and arranged by the first letter of the surname, the names being entered chronologically as each freeholder was registered. Each Barony is also arranged alphabetically by the location of the freehold, i.e. by townland. In addition, separate alphabetical lists of all Freeholders, Tenants and Landlords - c. 35,000 individuals in all -are provided.

Clare County Library was kindly given a copy of the List of Freeholders by the Bishop of Killaloe, Rev. Kieran O'Reilly. This rare publication was unearthed by Ennisman Louis Quinn while doing research in the bishop’s residence at Westbourne House, Ennis. The List was transcribed and proofread by volunteers Joan Birtles (Australia), Dwaine O’Donoghue (Canada), Peter Beirne & Brian Doyle (Ennis), Elaine Pratt (UK), and Mary Cecilia Murphy, Ruth Ver and Kevin O'Brien of the Buffallo Irish Genealogy Society, USA. The project was managed by Executive Librarian Maureen Comber, and the data converted for the website by Jackie Dermody, Staff Officer (Library) of the library's ICT & Information Services Department. Clare County Library is grateful to all for helping to make this resource available.

Click here for the 1821 List of Freeholders.

Exhibition in Clare Museum: Remembering the Fallen of Clare

2011-11-09T14:04:00.001Z

A temporary exhibition at Clare Museum listing the Clare people who died in the Great War will be launched on 11th November, Remembrance Day. The exhibition is based on information compiled by local historian Peadar McNamara in 1988 from the Clare Champion, Saturday Record, and personal communications. The exhibition has been recently updated through the Commonwealth War Graves Commission archives and currently lists 655 soldiers from Clare who died in the ‘war to end all wars’. However, the exhibition may not be complete. It is suspected that up to 700 Clare people died in the Great War and that there are still other soldiers to be remembered that are unknown to researchers. Such information can be submitted to the Clare Remembrance Committee, c/o Fr Tom Hogan or Canon Bob Hanna, and the Clare Museum. The exhibition is to be launched by John Quinn writer and former RTE Broadcaster, Canon Bob Hanna and Fr Tom Hogan at 2pm on 11th November at 2pm and will run until 30th November. For further information please contact: John Rattigan, Curator or Paula McNamara, Education Officer at 065-6823382.

Scan the ISBN on a book and see if Clare County Library has a copy

2011-11-07T12:43:00.002Z

LibraryAnywhere’s new barcode scanning feature is available in both the iPhone (and iPod Touch, iPad, other iOS products) and Android apps for Library Anywhere. It lets you quickly scan the ISBN on a book and see if Clare County Library has a copy. So if you’re in a bookshop or in a friend’s house you can now easily check to see if Clare County Library has a copy of a book you’d like to read.

Here’s how:
Download the LibAnywhere App to your smartphone or other mobile device and open it. If the phone can determine your location the app should automatically detect that Clare County Library is your local library service. If the phone does not determine your location you can find Clare County Library by selecting Ireland, County Clare and Clare County Library. There are three dots in the top right hand corner of the App. Tap them and select “Scan a barcode” from the drop down menu. This opens a barcode scanner. Scan the ISBN code from the back cover of the book and it searches Clare County Library’s catalogue to see if the book is in the library’s bookstock. If it is it will give you details of the branches where the book is held and you will have the option to request a copy.

The Library Anywhere book scanner is unique in that it searches not just for the exact ISBN you give it, but for any other editions of that title that might be in the library. So you can scan a paperback book with the “now a major motion picture!” cover, and Library Anywhere will find the hardcover edition of the same title, if that’s what the library has.

Spooky end to Children's Book Festival in Scariff Library

2011-11-07T11:59:00.002Z

Children's Book Festival came to a spooky end in Scariff Public Library when children were treated to Halloween storytime and colouring and had their faces adorned with spiders, bats and a few tigers were let loose too! The festival may have come to an end but it may well have left a few budding authors and composers in its wake. Judi Curtin was a great hit with Scariff and Mountshannon National School who even held their own interview session with the popular author after her talk in the library. Whitegate National School sung along with Tony Maude on his guitar. We are all looking forward to next October already!

Get Crafty at Halloween - Autumn Art and Craft Session in Killaloe

2011-11-07T11:48:00.004Z

On Friday November 4th, local artist Nathalie El-Baba ran a “Get Crafty at Halloween – Autumn Art and Craft Session” in Killaloe Public Library. The target audience was 4-7 year olds. On arrival the participants got busy colouring a variety of pictures, whilst Nathalie prepared the crafts. Then they all got stuck in (literally) to making a leaf shaped window mosaic on acetate using glue and lots and lots of coloured paper. The end products were very creative, colourful and impressive. The process of making this mosaic was quite simple and even the youngest child succeeded in making it all by themselves! They finished off the session creating pictures from soft chalk pastels which again they had great fun smudging and messing. All in all it was a most worthwhile, fun and creative session and the kids were all delighted going home with their creations.

Summer Reading Challenge – A Class Act!

2011-11-07T10:47:00.001Z

A summertime spectacle of reading has ended for children at Clare’s library branches. Over 500 children from all over the county were presented with certificates in Shannon, Ennis, Scariff, Ennistymon and Kilrush Libraries at special celebration ceremonies held throughout October for children who completed the Circus Stars Summer Reading Challenge 2011. The annual summer reading programme attracts readers of all ages every year who sign up at the beginning of July to read six books or more during the holidays. This is a very positive initiative to promote literacy and is run by librarians in every branch in Clare. It is just one of the many exciting schemes public libraries have developed to encourage a love of reading, and to increase confidence in this most important of skill for children. This year’s entertainment in the five presentation centres came courtesy of the multi-talented Tony Baloney, one of Munster’s top conjurors, along with his resident assistants Magoufis and Leroy! A native of Ennis, Tony Baloney has travelled the world with his hilarious show, which for the library performances included ventriloquism, puppetry, circus skills and storytelling along with lots of magic. He was especially pleased to be invited to perform in libraries saying: “As a child the library was one of my favourite places to hang out, and I heard my first proper storyteller in the Ennis branch.” Congratulations to all our young members who completed the 2011 Summer Reading Challenge.

Libraries rock! – Children’s Book Festival 2011

2011-11-03T16:13:00.001Z

Libraries rock! Staff at Clare County Library are confident that this is the opinion of thousands of children who attended music workshops and several book-related events during the month of October. Children’s Book Festival 2011 has drawn to a close for another year. The month long celebration of books and reading saw thousands of children from primary schools in Clare attend a bumper programme of events including live history workshops, children’s puppet theatre, art and craft sessions, music and author visits by some of the best writers for children in Ireland today. Poetry workshops also featured in this year’s line-up. Children were introduced to the great artistic creators including Shakespeare, Hemmingway, the Scottish bard Robert Burns and to the art of Claude Monet through the multi disciplinary sessions delivered by Tony Maude from London and Dr. Fred Freeman from Edinburgh. Both artists’ shows included an excellent mix of poetry, art, literature and music to the delight of their young audiences.

Music making of a more modern genre was enjoyed by 5th and 6th class children who took part in the workshops of John Lillis. Six sessions of non-stop entertainment featured beat-boxing, scratching and a very informative hands-on lesson on the techniques employed by a successful D.J. Authors Bob Burke, Nicola Pierce, Oisin McGann, Judi Curtin, Dolores Keaveney and Bridget Bhreathnach travelled the county with all library branches hosting at least one author event for their local schools. Judging by the attention paid to the stories of these writers and the questions that went on well after their presentations ended, the future of writing in Clare looks extremely promising.

One of the highlights of this year’s festival was The Irish History Live Show presented by Michael Moylan. Children in Ennis, Ennistymon, Miltown Malbay and Tulla were transported back to the Easter Rising of 1916 or to The Second World War which began in 1939. Michael successfully takes the printed pages of the history books and brings them one hundred per cent alive with his traveling museum of clothes, replica weapons and artifacts of the period which children are encouraged to try out as an integral part of his spell binding presentations. The number of times that this event features in the Library’s Children’s Book Festival programme is testament to the appeal of Michael’s show year after year.

The Library service is extremely grateful to all sponsors of the annual Children’s Book Festival, many of which are local businesses here in Clare. A list of 2011 sponsors is on display in all its branches and on the library website. You can be assured that the number of children attending events increases year on year and through your contribution you are facilitating community based education and a continuing liaison between two of the most important cornerstones of education: primary schools and public libraries.
Photo above shows Oisin McGann at Ennistymon Library

Ennis Music Project Mixtape Battle Extravaganza

2011-11-03T14:53:00.001Z

"Highlights of stage one of the Mixtape Battle Extravaganza competition run by Ennis Music Project in association with Clare Youth Service." Music: "Genki Shank" by Adebisi Shank. Posted on Youtube on the 20th of October 2011 by CYSMusicProject.

Tulla Ceilidh Band, Willie Clancy 2011, Miltown Malbay by Shona McMill

2011-11-03T14:39:00.001Z

Shona McMill writes:

"I didn't know I would be filming anything but simply heard the music coming from the hall and followed the sound. I only had my wee camera in my pocket but there was such a HAPPY atmosphere in the place that I wanted to capture images from it as best as I could. The sound is very poor (and at the venue it was excellent) - indeed, when the film switches over to photos its because I laid my wee camera at Martin's feet and went off and got my other camera to take photos of the band (and I maybe squeezed in a happy wee dance too!). Anyway, please be aware, it is with the greatest respect that I tried to take photos and film the people there. Having been to Clare before (and loved the place) this felt almost like being home again, the absolute favourite evening of my holiday! For me, this night was EXACTLY as musical evenings used to be at the Shetland Fiddlers Association in Edinburgh - when I was a child, learning to play the fiddle by ear (it was all about loving the music and having fun!). Playing for dancers is a wonderful experience and certainly what I prefer (to performing in concert style) - dancers and musicians, everyone coming together to have an excellent time and, even although this film is such poor quality - I think (and hope) it does reflect what a wonderful evening it was and just how much folks were enjoying themselves at this midweek ceilidh during the festival. MY GRATEFUL THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE for letting me film. And to see more photos from the night, please visit my Ireland album on my Shona McMillan Celtic Reflections page: http://www.facebook.com/shonamcmillan.celticreflections". Posted on Youtube on the 13th of July 2011 by ShonaMcMillan.

Michael Sexton and Pat Walsh play reels at a céilí in Ausberg Germany

2011-11-03T14:29:00.000Z

"Michael Sexton and Pat Walsh Play Reels at a Ceili in Ausberg Germany at a set Dancing weekend 22nd June 2008. Michael Sexton on box from County Clare. Pat Walsh on Keyboard From County Cork." Posted on Youtube on the 24th of June 2008 by setdancing.

Killoghill Cave, Moneen Mountain, the Burren

2011-11-03T14:28:00.000Z

"A new cave found on Moneen mountain, the Burren, Co. Clare, Ireland". Posted on Youtube on the 2nd of October 2010 by burrencrawler.

Muiris Ó Rócháin

2011-10-28T16:28:00.003+01:00

A report from TG4 on the funeral of Muiris Ó Rócháin, (Dingle, 1944 - Miltown Malbay, 17 October 2011), co-founder of the Willie Clancy Summer School, Miltown Malbay. Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of October 2011 by stevenmoss1.

Tony MacMahon - My Love is in America, and Castle Kelly (reels)

2011-10-28T16:04:00.002+01:00

"Classic clip of the master box player, Tony MacMahon from Clare. Sonny Brogan is named at the beginning of the clip as the major influence on this (then) 17 year-old musician." The clip is introduced by the late Ciarán MacMathúna. Posted on Youtube on the 15th of July 2011 by martinmcmutrie.

Betje Wolff Choir at Poulnabrone

2011-10-28T15:13:00.001+01:00

"Singing next to the Poulnabrone Dolmen (a portal tomb in the Burren, County Clare, Ireland)." Posted on Youtube on the 8th of October 2011 by Mongolino88.