Clare

Clare, county, 1,231 sq mi (3,188 sq km), W Republic of Ireland, between Galway Bay and the Shannon River. The county and Roman Catholic seat is Ennis. The terrain is broken and hilly, with many bogs and lakes; the coastline is especially rugged. Fishing is important, and sheep, cattle, and poultry are raised. Chief crops are oats and potatoes. Major industrial development occurred in the 1960s and 70s, including the creation of a large hydroelectric power station on the Shannon River. Ireland's main airport, the Shannon International Airport, is located near Ennis. Clare is an area laden with prehistoric ruins and ancient Christian sites.

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