dough castle tower ruins
several earth forts in area indicate area inhabited in ancient times, prominent of on northern side of hill above village along road ennistymon. fort believed have been built danish vikings , lies on hill later became known doctor s hill after doctor murdered there.
in middle ages, o brien clan dominated coastline; liscannor castle , dough castle ruins. tower of dough castle stands on golf course, , o brien s bridge across inagh river in vicinity. late 18th century, lahinch still small hamlet few fisherman s huts. grew in 19th century on 1000 people 1835, not until later in century infrastructure of town developed , became seaside resort following opening of west clare railway in 1887. in 1883, town struck severe storm destroyed sea wall , promenade , damaged many buildings. local governor william edward ellis overlooked repair work followed , construction of new sea wall , promenade inaugurated wife of viceroy, lady aberdeen, in july 1893.
a book holiday haunts of west coast of clare (1891) stated lahinch s strand length, width , evenness not excelled in ireland , noting accommodation excellent, neat , respectable . following year, establishment of lahinch golf club further contributed growth of town. in 1900, gertrude crowe of times weekly wrote: lahinch, restful picturesque spot on west coast of clare, retains of primitive old world charm. in times, celebrated assemblage of rank , beauty , fashion resorted thither bathing. 1822 guide mentions neighbouring gentry in habit of having warmly contested races on strand. historically people of town celebrated garland sunday on last sunday of july, attracting people across county. stalls lined main street numerous other attractions visitors.
on 22 , 23 september 1920, british ric troops avenged rineen ambush, in lost 6 men, scorching 26 buildings, including lahinch town hall , local dance club on promenade. aideen carrol describes ric running amok in lahinch , miltown malbay in orgy of burning , beating . dan lehane s house @ cragg near lahinch raided , interrogated @ gunpoint, no avail.
the west clare railway closed in 1961, town has retained popularity , in recent times has become renowned surfing location. today town contains several small cafes , restaurants, church, pub, lahinch , shamrock hotels, bookstore , surfing school. outside town moy house, country house set in 15 acres of woodland on river moy, voted country house of year georgina campbell s ireland in 2003. in summer of 1996, lahinch seaworld , leisure centre aquarium, 25metre indoor swimming pool, children s pool, sauna, jacuzzi, , other facilities opened. in 2002 g. a. finn published lazy days @ lahinch, light-hearted collection of short stories local golfers.
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