Architectural Conservation Area - Sixmilebridge
This town was known in the mid-17th century as Druchid (A shortened version of its Gaelic name) and was well established by 1681 when the diarist, Thomas Dinely, visited it. It was later renamed, being six Irish miles from Limerick on the mail-coach road. The town began to grow during the early 17th century, based on the importance of its flax and flour mills on the O'Garney river. Many of its buildings date from the early 18th century and some may contain earlier fabric.
The present town centre layout has remained unchanged sice the Grand Jury Map of 1787 was published and in spite of some inappropriate developments in the past, Sixmilebridge retains much of its 18th century character. The village contains nine protected structures, seven of which are rated as being of Regional importance.
The designation of the centre of the town of Sixmilebridge as an ACA, together with its recent designation under the Town Renewal Scheme, should help to enhance its appearance and amenity and retain its character as an 18th - 19th century mill town and make it more attractive to residents and visitors alike.
The town for the most part has retained its unique 18th and 19th century appearance and has not suffered greatly from inappropriate development. It is important that this special character is maintained by repairing existing buildings using sympathetic, natural materials and reflecting existing heights, scale and materials in new build infill sites.
The town, due to its pre-1700 origins, is designated a Recorded Archaeological Zone No CL052-016, which means that developemnts requiring ground disturbance must be approved by Clare Co Council and the National Monuments Service of the DEHLG.
This town was known in the mid-17th century as Druchid (A shortened version of its Gaelic name) and was well established by 1681 when the diarist, Thomas Dinely, visited it. It was later renamed, being six Irish miles from Limerick on the mail-coach road. The town began to grow during the early 17th century, based on the importance of its flax and flour mills on the O'Garney river. Many of its buildings date from the early 18th century and some may contain earlier fabric.
The present town centre layout has remained unchanged sice the Grand Jury Map of 1787 was published and in spite of some inappropriate developments in the past, Sixmilebridge retains much of its 18th century character. The village contains nine protected structures, seven of which are rated as being of Regional importance.
The designation of the centre of the town of Sixmilebridge as an ACA, together with its recent designation under the Town Renewal Scheme, should help to enhance its appearance and amenity and retain its character as an 18th - 19th century mill town and make it more attractive to residents and visitors alike.
The town for the most part has retained its unique 18th and 19th century appearance and has not suffered greatly from inappropriate development. It is important that this special character is maintained by repairing existing buildings using sympathetic, natural materials and reflecting existing heights, scale and materials in new build infill sites.
The town, due to its pre-1700 origins, is designated a Recorded Archaeological Zone No CL052-016, which means that developemnts requiring ground disturbance must be approved by Clare Co Council and the National Monuments Service of the DEHLG.
