Literature and Culture Corner

Written by Ben Kesp Perched on the banks of the River Owenogarney in south County Clare, is the old village of Sixmilebridge. Its history is deeply intertwined with its strategic location, thriving river trade, and centuries of cultural change. While today it is a vibrant commuter town between Limerick and Shannon, its origins date back more than 400 years ( Clare Libraries ) to a time when rivers served as Ireland's highways and ambitious landowners transformed rural settlements into bustling market towns. Clare Libraries Long before Sixmilebridge became a recognised settlement, the area was valued for one simple reason, that it offered an important crossing point over the River Owenogarney. The lands surrounding it were known by older Gaelic names, including Cappagh on the western bank and Ballyarilla ( Mount Ievers Court, Sixmilebridge ) on the eastern side, while the parish itself was known as Kilfinaghty. Ballyarilla was the original site of a sixteenth century McNamara castle...