Tulla (Irish: An Tulach, meaning 'the hillock')[2] is a market town in County Clare, Ireland. It is situated in the east of the county, on the R462 and near its junction with the R352, 18 km from Ennis. The town is in a townland and civil parish of the same name.[2]
Tulla
An Tulach (Irish) | |
|---|---|
Town | |
 Street scene in Tulla | |
  Tulla Location in Ireland | |
| Coordinates: 52°52′03″N 8°45′37″W / 52.86750°N 8.76028°W | |
| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Munster |
| County | County Clare |
| Elevation | 53 m (174 ft) |
| Population | 661 |
| Irish Grid Reference | R484798 |
Etymology
editTulla is generally translated as An Tulach, meaning "round hill". However, the full name is either Tulach na nAspal, meaning "hill of the apostles", or Tulach na nEaspag, meaning "hill of the bishops".[2]
History
editThe village of Tulla grew up around a monastery founded about 620 by Mochulla, who later became its patron saint.[citation needed]
The town received its town charter in the 13th century, and its market patent in 1619, resulting in market days being held throughout the year.
The town was described by Samuel Lewis in 1837 as appearing "to have some claims to antiquity; there are numerous remains of ancient castles, formerly the residences of its landed proprietors. The town is pleasantly situated on a hill, and is surrounded with highly interesting scenery, enlivened with numerous elegant seats and pleasing villas. The principal trade is derived from its situation on a public thoroughfare, and is chiefly confined to the supply of the surrounding neighbourhood."[3]
While the advent of modern transportation and the opening of larger marts in Ennis and Scarriff meant the last fair took place in 1972, diminishing Tulla's role as a trading centre, it is still a busy town and the commercial centre of the surrounding area. The town continues to hold a market licence, where traders sell their goods in front of the courthouse every Thursday morning.[4]
Demographics
editIn 1845, the population of the Tulla parish was estimated at 9,000. However, the Great Famine forced mass emigration, and by 1851 the population had decreased to roughly 6,700.[citation needed] As of 2016[update], the population of Tulla was 661.[1]
Facilities
editTulla is the commercial centre for the eponymous parish and its catchment area, with a butcher shop, a community centre, a hardware store, a library, a pharmacy, a post office, a SuperValu supermarket, a number of public houses and restaurants, and a cultural centre.
It was announced on 1 March 2021 that the town's Bank of Ireland branch would be closing in September, creating significant concern about the sustainability of the town.[5]
Religion
editA new Catholic church, dedicated to Saints Peter & Paul, was opened in 1829. There are also churches dedicated to St James in Knockjames and the Immaculate Conception in Drumcharley.[6]
Sport
editFounded in 1885, Tulla GAA is the oldest GAA club in County Clare. Their grounds, Páirc an Dálaigh, is named after the famous goalkeeper, Tommy Daly.
There is also an association football club in the town, Tulla United, which was founded in 1970 and plays its home games at The Cragg.[7]
Music
editTulla is also notable for its eponymous céilí band,[8] as well as the famous St Patrick's Pipe Band, known locally as Tulla Pipe Band, which was formed on 7 January 1936.[9]
Education
editThere is one primary school in the town, St Mochulla's National School, and one secondary school, St Joseph's Secondary School, which was founded in 1950.
Notable persons and institutions
edit- Jack Coughlan – hurler
- David McInerney – hurler
- Ger Nash – Bishop of Ferns, born in Glandree
- Theophilus O'Flanagan – Gaelic scholar; co-founder and first secretary of the Gaelic Society of Dublin[10]
- Tulla Céilí Band – céilí band active since 1946
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Sapmap Area: Settlements Tulla". Census 2016. Central Statistics Office. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
- ^ a b c "An Tulach/Tulla". Placenames Database of Ireland (logainm.ie). Retrieved 25 October 2021.
- ^ "Clare Places - Tulla: Historical Background". www.clarelibrary.ie. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ "Tulla Fair Day 1960s". irelandxo.com. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ McGarry, Fiona (1 March 2021). "'Body blow' to Clare as three Bank of Ireland branches to close". The Clare Champion. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ "Parish of Tulla". Killaloe Diocese. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ "Tulla United AFC - About". tullaunited.com. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ "Clare Places - Tulla: Historical Background". Clarelibrary.ie. Retrieved 3 March 2014.
- ^ "The Afternoon Show - Wednesday January 15th 2014". Clare FM. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ "Theophilus O'Flanagan". Ricorso: Digital materials for the study and appreciation of Anglo-Irish Literature.