History of Ballyvaughan

allyvaughan was the official capital of this region of Clare, sporting its own workhouse, coastguard station and a large police barracks. Over time, as the roads improved and the piers fell into disrepair, the town lost its importance as a fishing harbour.

More construction took place in the 1850s: in 1854 the old National School opened and the present Catholic church was built around 1860. There was also a Church of Ireland, but when this later closed it was dismantled and re-erected at Noughaval. In 1943 it was rededicated and it is now in use as a Catholic place of worship there.

In 1872 a reservoir was constructed by Lord Annaly, southeast of the town, to supply water to the farms in the valley. This water supply was extended to the centre of town under the Public Health Act of 1874 by the Board of Guardians, using cast-iron pipes. In 1875 a fountain was erected by two brothers from Connemara, the Coyne brothers, stuck in town after their ship had sunk at Gleninagh pier.

In May 1921, an Irish Republican Army (IRA) unit of approximately 25 men successfully ambushed a party of 10 Royal Marines