Fanore (Irish: Fánóir, Fán Óir, meaning 'the golden slope') is a small village in County Clare, on the west coast of Ireland.[1] The area was officially classified as part of the West Clare Gaeltacht, an Irish-speaking community, until 1956.
Geography
The beach at Fanore at low tide with limestone exposed. Aran Islands in the background, right.
Location
Lying on the road between Ballyvaughan and Doolin, Fanore has an extensive sandy beach and sand dunes (known as the "Rabbit Warren") around the mouth of the Caher River. It is also officially recognised as the longest village in Europe.[2]: 31
History
Remains of a Mesolithic dwelling have been found on the north bank of the river.[2]: 31
Nineteenth-century historical maps highlight buildings of interest in Fanore including Fanore Lodge as well as its archaeological heritage.[3]
Economy
The village is very popular with walkers, surfers, rock climbers (being 6 km north of Ailladie - Ballyreen Point), tourists and is particularly interesting to botanists, owing to its location on the edge of the Burren – renowned for its unique flora and fauna.[4] It has a pub, a post office/shop, and a restaurant, as well as a surfing school near the beach.
Fanore has appeared many times on Irish television: in particular, the Father Ted series often featured scenes filmed in Fanore and its surrounding villages.
