Killinaboy: Church, Round Tower and the Burren Edge

Killinaboy lies on the southern edge of the Burren National Park and the UNESCO Global Geopark Burren and Cliffs of Moher. The village combines church and castle history with experiences in nature: the Mullaghmore Loop Walk starts in Killinaboy, while Leamaneh Castle and Inchiquin Lake are nearby. When planning your stay, you can weigh these different highlights against one another—historic architectural features, a loop walk with named viewpoints, or activities on the lake.

The Church and Traces of the Past

The ruins of Killinaboy Church feature an unusual Lorraine cross. On the south wall, a crucifixion scene dating from 1644 is located in a niche tomb; a Sheela na Gig is also found at the church. A round tower stump, approximately four metres high, stands in the cemetery. These features give the church grounds several distinct historical points of interest: the dated scene, the cross, the Sheela na Gig, and the tower stump in the cemetery. You can thus focus your trip on ecclesiastical details or archaeological traces.

Leamaneh Castle north of Killinaboy

Leamaneh Castle lies north of Killinaboy. The building comprises a five-storey tower house from the 15th century and a 17th-century manor house. The different construction dates and building types offer a concrete comparison for anyone interested in historic architecture: the older tower house and the later manor house are part of the same castle, but remain clearly distinct structures. Check the site’s access arrangements locally before visiting.

Walking and Activities on the Water

The Mullaghmore Loop Walk starts in Killinaboy. The loop offers views of Mullaghmore and Lough Gealain. Both the starting point in the village and the named viewpoints are useful landmarks for a walk; conditions on the trail may change. Check for current notices before setting out on the route.

Inchiquin Lake is about a two-minute drive from Killinaboy and offers opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Unlike the loop walk, these are activities on the water rather than a hike with views of Mullaghmore and Lough Gealain. Conditions and permissions may change; check the applicable information before fishing or kayaking. The short approximate drive and the loop walk’s starting point in the village provide two different points of reference for planning.

Location and Directions to the Sights

Killinaboy Church is right on the R476; limited parking is available behind the church. The Burren National Park can be reached from Killinaboy via the L1112, which branches off before the ruins of Killinaboy Church. The road details therefore refer to different landmarks: the R476 to the church’s location, and the L1112 to the route into the national park. Parking arrangements may change. Before driving, also check the latest official information about access, roads, and shuttle arrangements.

A Wider Look at County Clare

Beyond Killinaboy, County Clare offers further points of interest in its landscapes and culture. At O’Brien’s Tower, the Cliffs of Moher rise to more than 700 feet and stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast. The visitor facilities include 800 metres of paved paths and viewpoints, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. The visitor centre is fully accessible and offers a self-guided exhibition as well as a virtual reality experience on a cliff face. This information refers to the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, not to facilities in Killinaboy. As operational details may change, check the visitor facilities’ latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Killaloe, Broadford, Ennis, O'Briensbridge, Newmarket On Fergus, Lahinch, Murroogh, Kilshanny.

For the overview of the wider area: County Clare.