Clarecastle is a village in County Clare, Ireland, located just south of Ennis. Over the eight years through 2008 to now 2016 the village saw a big population increase due to its close proximity to Ennis, Shannon and Limerick.NameThe town is named after the Clare Castle, which stands on an island in the narrowest navigable part of the River Fergus. The Irish Clár, meaning a wooden board, is often used for a bridge. The name probably originated as Clár adar da choradh, which means "the bridge between two weirs". Another explanation of the name is that the de Clare family gave the castle its name, since they had acquired land in Kilkenny and Thomond that included the castle. In 1590 County Clare was named after the castle, which is in a strategic location.Clarecastle (Clare Abbey) is a parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Killaloe. It is also known as Ballyea/Clarecastle. Clare Abbey and Killone Abbey are linked by a footpath, the Pilgrim's road.SportsThe main sport played in Clarecastle is hurling with the team's of all age groups named Clarecastle GAA. The team colours are black and white and are known as the 'magpies'.Notable peopleThe composer Gerald Barry was born in Clarehill in 1952.