Country Ireland Irish Grid Reference R029783 Local time Wednesday 1:10 AM | County County Clare Elevation 20 m Province Munster | |
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Weather 11°C, Wind SE at 18 km/h, 92% Humidity | ||
Spanish Point (Irish: Rinn na Spáinneach) is a village in the parish of Milltown Malbay in County Clare on the west coast of Ireland. It has many holiday homes, and in winter a significantly smaller population. It is also one of the better surf breaks in County Clare. The name refers to the wrecking of some ships of the Spanish Armada off the coast.
Contents
Map of Spanish Point, Co. Clare, Ireland
History
On the coast, 2.5 km from Milltown Malbay, Spanish Point was named after the Spanish who died here in 1588, when many ships of the Spanish Armada were wrecked during stormy weather. Those who escaped from their sinking ships and made it safely to land were later executed by Sir Turlough O'Brien of Liscannor and Boethius Clancy, High Sheriff of Clare.
People
The village is also the birthplace of the sixth President of Ireland, Patrick Hillery.
Sport
The village has a fine beach which is popular for swimmers and water enthusiasts.
There is also a nine-hole golf course. Spanish Point is home to Spanish Point golf course which at over 110 years old is one of the oldest courses in Ireland.
Nearby is also the privately owned Spanish Point Airfield.