Clarecastle is a village located just south of Ennis, in County Clare The village of Clarecastle takes its name from a fortress settlement established at a strategic fording point on a small Island on the River Fergus by the Normans in the mid-13th century. The castle which was built on the island was known as Caisleán Clár Atha Dá Charadh which means “the castle at the bridge fording the two weirs”. The reference to Clar (Board in English) is very significant as the county of Clare takes its name from this settlement.