Bruree, viewed 975 times

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Some of Ireland’s most famous ancient and modern leaders are strongly associated with the peaceful village of Bruree, on the banks of the Maigue River.

  • bruree county limerick ballyhoura ireland
  • bruree county limerick ballyhoura ireland
  • bruree county limerick ballyhoura ireland
  • bruree county limerick ballyhoura ireland
  • bruree county limerick ballyhoura ireland

As its name suggests, during the late Iron Age and in Early Mediaeval times, Brú Rí was a place of royal importance.

Bruree was one of the most important sites in ancient Ireland when it was the residence of the King of Munster. In later times, it was the seat of the kings of Uí Fidhgeinte, who were sometimes known as the kings of Bruree. One of the Uí Fidhgeinte was said to have been responsible for the killing of Mahon, a brother of Brian Ború, King of Ireland, in 976AD.

The attractive old mill on the Maigue River was one of two corn mills in Bruree owned by the Ryan family. Its scenic location above the ‘waterfall’ makes it one of Bruree’s most photographed landmarks. Beneath the rocky ledge on which it stands, and just beyond the waterfall, is a deep dark pool known as Powlnassa – the Pool of the Waterfall.

Eamon de Valera had happy memories of growing up in Bruree and often acknowledged the influence that the locality and its people had upon him. In 1972, he officially opened the De Valera Museum, in the former national school which he attended as a boy. The museum displays a unique collection of de Valera memorabilia, much of it donated by the man himself.
The de Valera family home is also open to the public. Built in the 19th century as a labourer’s cottage, this was where the future President of Ireland first heard stories of his native land. It was here too that his political awareness was first aroused.

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