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The name of Liscannor is synonymous in Ireland with stone: numerous small quarries, usually worked by the farmer who owns the land, abound in the area. The stone has interesting 'worms' on the surface and is much used locally for floors, patios, paths, walls and even occasionally as a roofing material. It splits into thick slate-like slabs. However the 'worms' wear off in time from being walked upon.
Liscannor has two other claims to fame: it is the closest town to the famous Cliffs of Moher - some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe - and it was the birth-place of John P. Holland (1841-1914), who devised the idea of the submarine as a means of warfare; it was his hope that it might be used as a means of destroying British naval power and he called it the 'fenian ram'.
Like most towns in this part of County Clare, Liscannor has its own share of field monuments in the vicinity to interest the archaeologist, in particular a fine example of a Holy well (St. Brigid's Well) which as a place of significance probably dates back to pre-Christian times. The ruined castle outside the town was one of the O'Brien castles and was once occupied by Turlough O'Brien who helped organise the massacre of the Spanish survivors at Spanish Point after the wreck of several Armada ships. The monument outside the town is to another of the O'Briens, Cornelius. Liscannor has several fine examples of the West of Ireland public house.
Other towns of County Clare
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