Athenry

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Athenry (Baile Átha an Rí - Ford of the Kings - in Irish) is an agricultural town in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It lies 25 km to the east of Galway city. One of the attractions of the town is its medieval castle. It is also famous for the song The Fields of Athenry. Grid reference: [M 501 284].

The Claddagh Ring - a typical Irish pub. Symptomatic of Ireland's placename confusion, the town is marked in Irish on the signpost here as Béal Átha an Rí.

The town derives its name from the fact that a ford (Áth) crossed the river Clare just east of the settlement. Because three kingdoms met at that point, it was called Áth an Rí, or the Ford of the Kings (Kingdoms). On some medieval maps of English origin the town is called Kingstown. The kingdoms were Hy-Many to the north-east, east and south-east; Aidhne to the south and south-west; Maigh Seola to the west and north-west. However there is no historical evidence of any kings being associated with the town, despite its name.

Athenry lies on the Galway–Dublin main line of the Irish rail network, at the junction of that route with the currently disused Limerick–Sligo line (dubbed the Western Railway Corridor – see Irish railway history). Work is now underway (West on Track) to re-open these passenger links, with the Ennis-Athenry section due for re-opening by 2008 and the Athenry-Tuam section by 2011.

The town received its charter in 1235 and Athenry Castle was built in the same year. In 1241 the Dominican Abbey was founded, a major institution which was eventually raised to the status of a university before being sacked by Cromwellian soldiers. Both buildings are now national monuments.

It boasts one of the most successful gaelic hurling teams of all time, St. Mary's G.A.A. club who have won numerous All- Ireland Club Championships.

Athenry Castle

Athenry Priory

Athenry

See also