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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