Clarina brings together several historical themes: the former gatehouse of Elm Park House points to the Elm Park estate, while the Sailor's Haggard commemorates people who fished in the Shannon. Three kilometres north of the village, Carrigogunnell Castle stands on a volcanic rock and overlooks the Shannon Estuary. Architectural history, memories of fishing and the river landscape give Clarina and its surroundings their distinctive character.

Clarina between the N69 and the rivers

Clarina lies eight kilometres west of Limerick City on the N69. The village is near the Shannon and its tributary, the Maigue. The road, city and rivers are different points of reference for finding your way: the N69 and its location to the west place Clarina in relation to the city, while the Shannon and Maigue define the river landscape. This gives travellers two different ways to orient themselves: the connection to the city and the natural setting of the two rivers.

Elm Park House: Gatehouse and estate

Elm Park House is a former gatehouse in Clarina, built around 1828. It once provided access to the Elm Park estate, the former home of Lord Clarina. The building therefore embodies two aspects of the area's history: its design as a gatehouse and the estate's former use. The gatehouse makes a significant contribution to the village's architectural heritage. Its date of construction and function make it a tangible point of reference for Clarina's architectural history.

Remembering the fishing industry

The Sailor's Haggard commemorates a different aspect of local history. It remembers people who passed through Newtown in Clarina to fish in the tidal waters of the Shannon. A group of local volunteers designed and built the memorial. It preserves the memory of the local salmon-fishing tradition. Unlike Elm Park House, which tells the story of the estate, the Sailor's Haggard commemorates the community's connection to fishing on the river.

Carrigogunnell Castle and other points of interest nearby

Carrigogunnell Castle is three kilometres north of Clarina. The castle was built in the mid-15th century and destroyed by cannon fire in 1691 during the Siege of Limerick. It stands on volcanic rock and overlooks the Shannon Estuary. Here, architectural history, the story of the Siege of Limerick and views of the estuary come together. The restored Kilkeedy Cemetery and the Tervoe Monument are also considered important visitor attractions in the Clarina area.

The Limerick Greenway in the wider destination

Elsewhere in the wider Limerick destination, the focus shifts: the Limerick Greenway is a 40-kilometre, traffic-free route for walking and cycling. It connects the landscapes of West Limerick with Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale, and can be accessed at several points. Check the current access arrangements if you plan to include the route in your itinerary. Two structures add further historical interest to the route: Barnagh Tunnel is 115 metres long, and Ferguson’s Viaduct is a cast-iron viaduct. At 40 kilometres, the route is on a different scale from the individual places and memorials around Clarina; here, the focus is on walking or cycling along a long-distance route.

Discover more destinations: Templeglantine, Croom, Kilfinane, Rathkeale, Knocklong, Reens, Pallasgreen, Castleconnell.

For the wider travel overview: Limerick.