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Athenry
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Athenry Baile Átha an Rí |
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| Location | ||
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| Irish Grid Reference M505275 |
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|---|---|---|
| Statistics | ||
| Province: | Connacht | |
| County: | County Galway | |
| Elevation: | 47 m | |
| Population (2002) - Town: - Rural: |
2,154 2,910 |
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Athenry (Irish: Baile Átha an Rí - 'Ford of the Kings') is an agricultural town in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It lies 25 km to the east of Galway city, and is also famous for the song The Fields of Athenry. One of the attractions of the town is its medieval castle. Grid reference: M 501 284.
The town derives its name from the fact that a ford ('Áth') crossed the river Clare just east of the settlement. Because three kingdoms met at that point, it was called 'Áth an Rí', or 'the Ford of the Kings (Kingdoms)'. On some medieval maps of English origin the town is called Kingstown. The kingdoms were Hy-Many to the north-east, east and south-east; Aidhne to the south and south-west; Maigh Seola to the west and north-west. However, there is no historical evidence of any kings being associated with the town, despite its name.
Athenry lies on the Galway–Dublin main line of the Irish rail network, at the junction of that route with the currently disused Limerick–Sligo line (dubbed the Western Railway Corridor – see Irish railway history). Work is now underway ('West on Track') to re-open these passenger links, with the Ennis-Athenry section due for re-opening by 2008 and the Athenry-Tuam section by 2011. The town received its charter in 1235, and Athenry Castle was built in the same year. In 1241, the Dominican Abbey was founded, a major institution which was eventually raised to the status of a university before being sacked by Cromwellian soldiers. Both buildings are now national monuments.
Have a look at its own impressive website, one of the best local websites in Ireland [1]
Athenry is very proud of its sporting tradition and is home to many successful sporting clubs. It boasts one of the most successful gaelic hurling teams of all time, St. Mary's G.A.A. club who have won numerous All- Ireland Club Championships.
Athenry also has a proud athletics history. Athenry AC has had a large juvenile section for many years and was complemented in 2002 by a growing senior section.
Athenry is home to one of the most progressive soccer clubs in Galway, Athenry Soccer Club and in 2006 reached the final of the FAI Junior Cup, the most prestegious junior soccer competition in the country.