Clare in 1641

The aim of my essay is to give a detailed description of county Clare in the years preceding the great insurrection of 1641 and the aftermath, and to give a general comparison of the parallel events in the main Munster region at the time.

Focusing on research, I have come across a number of secondary sources relating to the events in Clare as well as some more general sources clarifying the situation in Munster at the time.

The History and topography Of County Clare by James Frost probably gives the best account of Clare in the period in question.

Ciaran o Muircheada’s Thesis on Clare in the 17th Century also holds some valuable information.

Amongst other sources I have looked at are An Ennis Miscellany by Joseph Power, the Pentworth Archives, The catalogue, Letters and Papers relating To the Rebellion by McNeill and the Volume Series the Other Clare.

Among more general books I have looked at relating to the years in question are making Ireland British by Nicholas Canny, Ireland in the 17th Century by Mary Hickson, The Inshiquin Manuscripts and originals And Examinations during the rebellion 1641-1660.

The enterprising skills of for the most part English and Dutch settlers, who were dispersed far and wide throughout the province seems to brought about a good economic life in the area.

In fact a figure of 800 settlers in the county does not seem unreasonable, which is quiet a large figure considering there was no actual plantation scheme set for Clare.

Clare meanwhile, got news of the insurrection also in November at the great fair of Quin. But in Clare, the insurrection took a different shape to that of Tipperary.

So in what form did the insurrection take place in Clare?

One doesn’t know if it was down to extreme naivety, blatant carelessness, or perhaps he knew what he was doing, the fact remains that it was Thomand who in fact organised the Catholic gentry into an armed militia.

Some topics in this essay:
Munster Catholic, Thomand Probably, Pheilm Neil, Ulster Leinster, According Ciaran, Clare Insurrection, Clare Ciaran, Munster Clare, Irish English, Cork Limerick, clare insurrection, rest munster, catholic gentry, insurrection clare, clare munster, earl thomand, 17th century, clare rest munster, munster clare, rest country, clare gentry, relationship settlers natives, county tipperary gentry,