Athenry

The town

Baile Átha an Rí. That’s the Irish name, translating to “town of the ford of the king.” Located 25 kilometres east of Galway city in County Galway, the town still wears its medieval shape. The street plan dates back to the 13th century. You can see it in the layout. A walk through the centre passes the town wall, Athenry Castle, and the priory before reaching the River Clare. The song “The Fields of Athenry” put the surrounding fields on the map, making the place known well beyond the county.

The name and the ford

The name comes from the ford, or Áth, on the River Clare. It sits just east of the settlement. Originally called Áth na Ríogh, or “Ford of the Kings,” the site was the home area of the Cenél nDéigill kings of Soghan. Their leading lineage were the Ó Mainnín. Some medieval maps of English origin list the town as Kingstown. The ford, the kings, and the river all tie into the name. The town shares its name with the townland, civil parish, and barony. The land stretches from the river out to the fields.

The medieval country

The wall, castle, and priory stand as the main landmarks. They represent the defences, the lord’s house, and the church of the medieval town. The 13th-century street plan holds the shape of all these structures. Walking from the castle to the wall and down to the river is the standard route. You pass the stones, follow the plan, and end at the water. The fields from the song surround this area. The town serves as a base for exploring the Corrib’s lower country, covering the river and the fields.

Practical

Athenry sits 25 km east of Galway city on the River Clare. The wall, castle, and priory are all within the town. The 13th-century street plan is effectively the walking route. It’s a quiet spot between the city and the Shannon country. Morning suits the stones. Afternoons suit the river.