Kilfenora

History

Kilfenora is "one of the oldest urban settlements" in County Clare. According to tradition, the ecclesial presence at Kilfenora began with Saint Fachanan, who founded a church here in the 6th century. The first building was probably made of wood and followed by a stone construction. That church was burned down in 1055 by Murchad O'Brien. The diocese corresponded with the ancient territory of Corcomroe. Part of the Archdiocese of Cashel, it only extended over 200 square miles of very thinly populated land. It was reckoned the poorest diocese, with only 13 parishes. Demand for the position of bishop thus was not great, but for 1189 a bishop is recorded. In 1660, Samuel Pullen was made Archbishop of Tuam and Kilfenora became part of his province. Kilfenora was the site of the largest fair in north Clare, held here on 9 October from late mediaeval times until the early 19th century. It also noted that around 60 men were employed by a phosphate mine and that Kilfenora was "a very important village for cattle and sheep fairs".

Most-observed species

• Rook

  Corvus frugilegus Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  1,641
• Herring Gull

  Larus argentatus Pontoppidan, 1763 · Aves
  1,199
• White Wagtail

  Motacilla alba Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  1,141
• European Robin

  Erithacus rubecula (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  997
• Hooded Crow

  Corvus cornix Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  987
• Western Jackdaw

  Coloeus monedula (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  870
• European Starling

  Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  868
• Meadow Pipit

  Anthus pratensis (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  831