Shannon History, Ireland

Ireland has three planned towns which include Shannon located in Clare County. The town was established in the 1960s and on January 1, 1982, Shannon was granted the town status. Named after the river near the place, this town may be a relatively new town compared to other places in Ireland but has some history to tell.

Shannon History - Early Civilization until the 15th Century

In 970 AD, the first settlement in Shannon History was occupied by people who were a part of the Viking trading camp. With the threat of an uprising, the first defensive fortress names, Motte and Bailey castle was created.

In 1275, Thomas de Clare was granted lands found in Bunratty – a place found in Shannon. De Clare wanted to relocate the original inhabitants of the village and let Normans live there instead. The Normans occupied the homes of the locals while de Clare built a castle for him. The locals were angered by what had happened so the O’Brien and the Macnamara clans battled against the Normans and the de Clares. After years of holding war against the Normans, the locals finally succeeded in the mid 1400s.

Shannon History - Irish Confederate Wars

When the Irish Confederate Wars broke, the Bunratty castle, which was rebuilt by the Macnamaras, became a central target. The Confederate Ireland force took over the castle under the Viscount Muskerry, Donagh McCarthy. The Bunratty castle, along with the lands in Shannon, were later given to the Studdert family. In 1804, the Studderts left the castle.

Shannon History - 20th Century and the New Millennium

Shannon proved to be the most suitable pit stop when travelling across the Atlantic. This is one of the reasons why, in 1947, Shannon was launched as the primary Duty Free Airport by the Customs Free Airport Act. Duty Frees from all over the world shaped their facilities after that of Shannon’s. On the same year, the Shannon airport was finished and opened its services to the world.

From the 1950s up to the turn of the century, Shannon focused its development in free zoning, infrastructures, and free ports. It grew in terms of industrialization and technology. However, this advancement in technology and infrastructure brought problems to the town. At present, the local government of Shannon is working to make the lives of the locals better and for visitors to enjoy their time in town.

Shannon is slowly but surely making its way up the ladder of success. The town, its people and the government are working towards the direction where the place would make its mark for all the world to see. Just like other towns and cities in Ireland like Donegal, Shannon History is something you must look forward to. While traveling to the place take a look into sights of Galway, one of the closest cities to Shannon.