Newmarket On Fergus: Churches, History and Walking Trails

Newmarket On Fergus brings together churches with different historical connections, a long circular walking trail and a distinctive landscape feature on the edge of town. If you are looking for a hotel, these themes can help you decide whether the destination is right for you: would you prefer to explore church history, plan a longer walk or discover a turlough? The area’s features offer specific points of interest for each.

Churches and historical connections

Christian worship has been celebrated on the grounds of Kilnasoolagh Church since at least 1256. The present building was erected by James Pain in 1815. The two dates refer to different things: the earlier one marks the worship tradition at the site, while 1815 is the date the present building was constructed. Kilnasoolagh Church also contains a monument to Sir Donat O’Brien, created by the English sculptor William Kidwell. The site’s history, the building’s history and a commemorated individual thus come together as distinct historical connections.

Our Lady of the Rosary Church was officially opened on 2 May 1971. Bishop Michael Harty blessed it and dedicated it to the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary. Its seven gables represent the seven former parishes of Kilmaleery, Fenloe, Kilconry, Clonloghan, Kilnasoolagh, Drumline and Bunratty, which were united in 1782. The architecture thus recalls an earlier church structure and its unification. The two churches offer different historical points of interest: Kilnasoolagh focuses on the worship tradition at the site and the present building, while Our Lady of the Rosary recalls the union of the seven parishes.

Mooghaun Hillfort and its history

Nearby is Mooghaun Hillfort, a state-owned National Monument managed by the Office of Public Works. The hillfort offers views of the River Fergus and the Shannon Estuary. The prehistoric gold hoard associated with Mooghaun is also part of the area’s history: it is on display at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. The nearby monument and the museum in Dublin offer two distinct points of interest for learning about Mooghaun.

Walking the Mid Clare Way

The Mid Clare Way is a 150 km circular walking trail that starts and ends in Newmarket On Fergus. The trailhead in Newmarket On Fergus has information boards with maps and parking. Both the starting and return points are in town; the trail’s total length makes it an extensive walking option. The Mid Clare Way is intended to be walked year-round, but you should avoid it in heavy rain or wind. Check current conditions before your walk so you can take this limitation into account when planning.

Lough Gash on the edge of town

Lough Gash, a turlough—a lake that periodically disappears—is on the western edge of Newmarket On Fergus. The term describes the waterbody’s distinctive feature: at times, it is no longer visible as a lake. Lough Gash adds a distinctive landscape feature to the area, setting it apart from the churches and the long circular walking trail.

More destinations in County Clare

If your trip also takes in other parts of County Clare, coastal scenery and walks offer additional points of interest. The Cliffs of Moher reach a height of over 700 feet at O’Brien’s Tower and stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast. The visitor site includes 800 metres of paved paths and viewpoints, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. As operational details may change, check the latest information about the facilities before visiting. Visitors can explore walking trails in Burren National Park; trail conditions may also change. County Clare therefore offers a range of themes, from Newmarket On Fergus’s local features to other coastal and walking destinations.

Discover more destinations: Canower, Scarriff, Carron, Killaloe, Lahinch, Spanish Point, Kilkee, Dromoland

For the main travel overview: County Clare.