Introducing this website

Welcome to the website of the Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society and Dúchas na Sionna.

About us

The Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society

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 cover of the forty-three journals to date feature drawings of County Clare monuments by renowned artist Hilary Gilmore. Within the covers of The Other Clare are now contained 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.

Dúchas na Sionna

Founded in 2005 Dúchas na Sionna is an umbrella organisation for heritage and cultural groups within Shannon Town set up with the aim of researching and promoting the heritage of Shannon and its environs. It is a project-based organisation and to date has been responsible for conserving the ruins of Hastings Farmhouse, a 19th century traditional house located within the town. It has published the contribution of Stonehall National School to the 1930s school folklore project under the title Béaloideas: Baile na Cloiche, Contae an Chláir and has collected recordings of early residents of Shannon Town for The Shannon Social History Project. Most recently it initiated and co-ordinates a steering committee to oversee the restoration of the Shannon Town Community Wetlands.

Dúchas na Sionna in co-operation with The Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society is about to embark on the full restoration of Hastings Farmhouse as a Community Heritage and Training Centre.

Contributing to the site

We invite you to contribute to our website by submitting your stories, photographs and comments relating the built, natural and cultural heritage of Shannon Town and Environs.