Newmarket-on-Fergus - Quin - Clooney
(Stage 1 = 15km)

The Mid Clare Way Starts and Finishes in Newmarket-on-Fergus

   Starting at Newmarket on Fergus the Mid Clare Way passes through the village which may have been named in honour of Edward O'Brien, the builder of Dromoland Castle, who was passionate about racing and hoped to create a racing centre to rival Newmarket in England; or it may have taken its name from the Irish Cora Caitlin, the weir of Cathleen, a local holy woman. Alternatively it may have been named when the new village was built, incorporating a market which took trade away from the older markets in the area.
    From Newmarket on Fergus continue straight on instead of turning towards Dublin, and follow the Way signposts until the walker sees a sign which leads into Mooghaun Woods . The woods which flank the walk are predominantly young beech and Scots pine with stands of Norway spruce. As you pass the car park you will see a sign for Mooghaun Fort and it is well worth a short detour to see this, the biggest archaeological site in Ireland. Mooghaun Woods. Mooghaun Castle also lies within the woods, although it is not on the direct route.
    The Walk then crosses the main Ennis - Limerick railway line (near site of Mooghaun Gold Hoard)on its way into the village of Quin. The name, Quin, probably derives from the Irish 'Cuinche', or arbutus, commonly known as the Strawberry Tree, a rare shrub which is relatively common in several places in the west of Ireland. The village has some interesting historical sites, it is well worth taking a detour to visit the historical Quin Abbey
    On leaving Quin, take the first turn left down a low grade road which will pass Ballyhickey lead and silver mine. . From Ballyhickey the Way passes through a short stretch of forestry, turn left on exiting this and follow the forestry road to the junction, leaving the road and entering farmland. Cross a small footbridge, walk through the fields and veer right uphill across a hilly area of typical Clare farmland to a farm road which leads down to Clooney church.