liscannor

On the far side of Liscannor Bay, 5 km north-west of Lahinch. It is a small fishing village. Kilmacreehy, or St. Macreehy's Church, 1.5 km east of Liscannor, is a medieval parish church, with nave and chancel. It was built in the early 12th century, on the site of a famous school founded by St. Macreehy in the 6th century.

The castle ruin in the village, built by the O'Connors, became an O'Brien stronghold and was occupied by Sir Turlough O'Brien during the threatened invasion at the time of the Spanish Armada (1588). John P. Holland, inventor of the submarine, was born in Castle Street, renamed Holland Street in his honour. A headstone, commemorating his career, was presented (1977) to the town by the U.S. Navy and can be viewed at the harbour.

Clahane beach to the west of the village is a popular and safe bathing place.

According to tradition, the submerged reef in Liscannor Bay marks the site of the "lost city" and church of Kilstephen. The key to the church lies buried - it is said - with the Ossianic hero, Conan, under his pillar stone on Slieve Callan.

Some 3km north-west of Liscannor on the road to the Cliffs of Moher stands a tall pillar, O'Brien's Monument, erected in 1853 by Cornelius O'Brien, M.P.