The Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society is one of the oldest organisations within the modern town of Shannon. It was founded in 1976 by a group of people interested in exploring the history, archaeology and folklore of the area around Shannon Town and County Clare.

At its foundation, its aim was to introduce the heritage of the region to the residents of Shannon, the newest town in Ireland. The society produces an annual journal called The Other Clare which has become one of the most widely respected historical and archaeological journals in Ireland. Apart from a few exceptions the covers of the forty-three journals to date feature drawings of County Clare monuments by renowned artist Hilary Gilmore.

Founding member John O’Brien attended the first series of history lectures in St Patrick’s Comprehensive School in 1976 and went on to edit some of the earliest volumes of The Other Clare  first published in 1977. Dr Rosemary Power, author and historian is the current editor of The Other Clare since 2022.

The Other Clare now contains over two thousand five hundred pages of material on the heritage of Clare, much of which otherwise might never have been published. The society hosts a series of lectures throughout the winter months and conducts guided outings to places of interest throughout the summer.

Approaching its fiftieth year, the society continues a long tradition of public engagement with the heritage of Shannon and County Clare. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the society welcomed the RTE Nationwide team to Shannon as members took part in a special historical outing across a number of significant local sites connected to the story of Shannon and Clare.

During the filmed outing, members visited Tullyglass Hill where archaeologist Olive Carey spoke about the early development of Shannon town. The society emerged at a moment when Shannon itself was still defining its identity as a modern Irish town shaped by migration, industry and rapid social change.

The tour later moved to Dromoland Castle where historian Dr Jane O’Brien explored the history of the Lemeneagh Gate in the castle's walled garden. The gate was originally dismantled and brought from the ruined North Clare fortress at Lemeneagh, the original home of the O’Brien family.

The outing continued to Bunratty where archaeologist Jake Justice discussed excavation work carried out at a nearby site and displayed artefacts that were uncovered during archaeological works.  Michael Mac Gearailt reflected on the history of Bunratty graveyard and the local Church of Ireland building, while also acknowledging the role the society played in nurturing his interest in local history.

The Nationwide feature will air on RTÉ One on May 29th, 7PM.

To Find out more about The Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society visit their Facebook page below:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064329181167