Kilnaboy or Killinaboy (Irish: Cill Iníne Baoith, meaning "church of Baoth's daughter")[1] is the name of a small village, townland and parish in County Clare, Ireland. It is situated in The Burren, an area rich in heritage and natural beauty and Mullaghmore mountain is close by. There are over 300 national monuments in the area with Lemenagh Castle and Cahercommaun stone fort, two of the most prominent.
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The first mention in print of Kilnaboy can be traced back to the Papal taxation of 1302-06. Kilnaboy has a medieval church of 11th century origin, repaired in 1715. The Church includes a Sheela na Gig (possible medieval fertility symbol) over the door and a cross on the church gable. There is a round tower nearby.[2]
Glanquin house, Kilnaboy was used as an exterior of "Craggy Island Parochial House" in the hit comedy series Father Ted.
Kilnaboy is home to the former Minister for defence, Tony Killeen. Declan Kelleher is the former President of the I.N.T.O. In sport, Michael Sonny Murphy was an Olympic athlete who represented Ireland at the 1932 Los Angeles Summer games. He was also the holder of many National records and titles. The Sonny Murphy Road Race is held in Kilnaboy every year and has just recently had its 25th anniversary. Seamus Clancy is the first Clare footballer to win an All-Star award which was achieved in 1992. His brother Colm also played a starring role in that Munster championship winning side and their father Donal was one of the selectors. PJ Curtis is a well known Author, radio presenter and was manager of the well known group, The Bothy Band.
The man who stole the crown jewels of England from the Tower of London in 1671 was a man with strong Kilnaboy links. Thomas Blood had a grandfather who lived at Kilnaboy Castle and it is possible that Blood may have been born here.
Francis G. (Frank) Neylon, renowned traditional Irish musician (concert flute, piccolo), was born in Kilnaboy in 1921 in the cottage now known as Tigh Éamoin. [1]