In the footsteps of Máire Rua

A North Clare woman, reputed to have had 25 husbands, some of whom she is said to have thrown from the highest window at Leamaneh Castle, is the topic for exploration on the latest Clare Farm Heritage Tours walk.
The third event in the summer series will be held on Sunday, August 14 at 2pm and will focus on Máire Rua, Wholehearted Heroine or Menacing Madwoman?
Clare Farm Heritage Tours is a co-operative of eight North Clare farmers who give guided tours on their farms where more than 100 archaeological sites and monuments have been identified throughout land currently farmed and managed by members of the co-op. The tours are designed to be fun and educational for families, people interested in the Burren landscape and groups of all kinds and can be booked any day of the week.
In addition to the daily tours, the co-op is this summer hosting a series of events, which in the month of August is hosted at Frank O’Grady’s farm at the entrance of the O’Brien Estate. The O’Brien clan were very influential in Clare in the 16th and 17th century and at the heart of it a powerful woman was strongly rooted.
“Growing up in the area around Corofin, I have picked up many amazing stories of this strong and influential woman, who had such great influence in her time on buildings and gardens in the Burren. She is mentioned many times in legend and lore in the Burren,” explained Frank O’Grady, secretary of Clare Farm Heritage Tours.
“I want to share both fact and lore about her during our walk. The question as to whether she was indeed a heroine or a mad woman will need to be decided by the listeners themselves, however.”
Mr O’Grady is the third generation of his family to work the land around Caherfadda Farm and he will personally guide the walk on the day. Retaining the ‘good old’ farming methods and adding modern methods, he has a special appreciation for times gone by.
In addition, the farm has excellent examples of limestone rock pavements, various erratics and chert deposits.
The meeting point on the day will be the Michael Cusack Centre, Carron, with carpools to the farm to be arranged and refreshment available at the centre following the walk.
Anyone wishing to take part should bring sturdy walking shoes and some rain gear as the walk will go ahead, even in showery conditions. Individuals may simply attend tours and events on the day and it is advised for groups to make contact. Bookings can be made by contacting the Michael Cusack Centre on 065 7089944 or by emailing info@farmheritagetours.com. For more information on the daily walks and the special events, see http://www.farmheritagetours.com/.