Tomfinlough 1.47

Tomfinlough is a civil parish in County Clare, Ireland. A Christian establishment was first made here around 540 AD. The parish lands were often raided by Irish, Viking, Norman and English forces in the years that followed. The church was allowed to fall into ruins during the period when the Catholic Church was penalized in Ireland.LocationThe ruined parish church stands at the northern end of the lake named Finn Lough or Fenloe. The name "Tomfinlough" means Tomb or Tumulus of the Fair Lake. It is in the barony of Bunratty Lower in County Clare, about northwest of the village of Six-Mile-Bridge. The parish contains the village of Ardsallis.The parish contains the following townlands: Ayleacotty, Ballycar, Boheraroan, Caherkine, Caherscooby, Carrowmeer, Carrownakilly, Finlough, Granaghan, Granaghan Beg, Granaghan More, Kilnacrandy, Langough, Mausnarylaan, Mooghaun North, Mooghaun South, Muckanagh (Butler), Muckanagh (Studdert), Muckanagh (Vandeleur), Newmarket, Rathlaheen North, Rathlaheen South and Snugborough.HistoryTuamfinlough is the oldest known settlement in the region of Newmarket-on-Fergus. Tomfinlough is said to have been founded by Saint Luchtighern mac-ui-Trato, a contemporary of Saint Mac Creiche who lived around 540, and probably belonged to the Trataidhe tribe. When the forces of Connaught were plundering the district of Corcomroe, the people sent a deputation to Emly. They asked Saint Ailbhe to persuade Saint MacCreiche, their relative, to return and plead for them with the king of Connaught. Mac Chreiche agreed, and came with his disciple Manchín. On the way they stopped at Tomfinlough where Luightighern agreed to accompany them.