Spanish Point, County Clare

Spanish Point Rinn na Spáinneach
Village
Spanish Point, 2007
Spanish Point Location in Ireland
Coordinates: 52°50′42″N 9°26′13″W / 52.845°N 9.437°WCoordinates: 52°50′42″N 9°26′13″W / 52.845°N 9.437°W
Country	Ireland
Province	Munster
County	County Clare
Elevation	20 m (70 ft)
Irish Grid Reference	R029783

Spanish Point (Irish: Rinn na Spáinneach) is a village in the parish of Milltown Malbay in County Clare on the west coast of Ireland. It has many holiday homes, and in winter a significantly smaller population. It is also one of the better surf breaks in County Clare. The name refers to the wrecking of some ships of the Spanish Armada off the coast.^[1]

History

On the coast, 2.5 km from Milltown Malbay, Spanish Point was named after the Spanish who died here in 1588, when many ships of the Spanish Armada were wrecked during stormy weather. Those who escaped from their sinking ships and made it safely to land were later executed by Sir Turlough O'Brien of Liscannor and Boethius Clancy, High Sheriff of Clare.^[2]

People

The village is also the birthplace of the sixth President of Ireland, Patrick Hillery.

Sport

The village has a fine beach which is popular for swimmers and water enthusiasts.

There is also a nine-hole golf course. Spanish Point is home to Spanish Point golf course which at over 110 years old is one of the oldest courses in Ireland.^[3][4]

Nearby is also the privately owned Spanish Point Airfield.

See also

• List of towns and villages in Ireland

References

1. "Rinn na Spáinneach/Spanish Point". Placenames Database of Ireland. Government of Ireland. Retrieved 14 June 2011. (archival records)
2. O'Brien, John. "The Other Clare". Clare History. Clare County Library. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
3. Worlfgolf
4. Golf course Spanish Point