Kilnaboy is a parish in the historic Barony of Inchiquin. Its chief town, Corofin, is located on the southern extremity of the parish. It is mentioned with regard to the Papal taxation of 1302-06.
Geography
It is located on the southeastern border of the limestone hills of the Burren and extends both into the lowlands to the south and into the hills to the north. Mullaghmore mountain is close by. There are extensive tracts of bog in the eastern portion of the parish. According to the 1837 survey of Lewis:
"The surface is boldly diversified and embellished with the picturesque lakes of Inchiquin and Tadune, the latter of which is but partly in the parish. The lake of Inchiquin is about 2½ miles in circumference, and is situated at the base of a richly wooded range of hills, forming a fine contrast to the bare limestone rocks in the vicinity."
There are over 300 national monuments in the area including Leamaneh Castle and Cahercommaun stone fort. On Roughan Hill there are a number of prehistoric structures including several wedge tombs such as Parknabinnia wedge tomb. Other wedge tombs are located in Tullycommon and Slievenaglasha townlands. Kilnaboy has a medieval church of 11th-century origin, repaired in 1715. The church includes a Sheela na Gig over the door and a cross on the church gable. There is a round tower nearby. Much of the territory making up the "Burren National Park" is located in Kilnaboy parish, but it extends into other neighbouring parishes. It is sometimes visited by botanists and archeologists. Glanquin house, Kilnaboy was used as an exterior of "Craggy Island Parochial House" in the comedy seriesFather Ted. Leamaneh, Inchiquin and Ballyportry castles are located in the parish. Ballyportry is completely restored, while the other two are ruins. Other sites include Cross Inneenboy, and Cashlaungar.
Kilnaboy is home to the former Minister for defence, Tony Killeen.
Seamus Clancy is the first Clare footballer to win an All-Star award which was achieved in 1992. His brother Colm Clancy also had a role in that Munster championship winning side and their father Donal was one of the selectors.
Francis G. Neylon, a traditional Irish musician, was born in Kilnaboy in 1921 in the cottage now known as Tigh Éamoin.
