Islands of Ireland: Let the Battle commence

The Island is in Co Clare but is just metres from Co Limerick on an invisible borderline that bisects the length of the river

Battle Island, River Shannon Co Clare. Picture: Dan MacCarthy

With Bunratty Castle visible over the water, Battle Island lies in a strategic place on the River Shannon. The exact reason it is so-called is confounding, but a decent stab may be made at it.

The castle was of huge strategic importance in the Confederate Wars in the 1640s and was defended by the father of the founder of Pennsylvania (William Penn), Rear Admiral Penn, on behalf of the Parliamentarians. The admiral landed 700 men on the nearby Quay Island to repulse any attacks. Several bloody skirmishes took place in the vicinity of the castle, including the islands.