Why a Clare village created a mural of Maire Rua, the firebrand reputed to have had affairs with 25 Cromwellian officers

Striking artwork in Kilfenora has been attracting locals and tourists. In September 2025, the Kilfenora TidyTowns group secured planning permission to erect a large portrait on the side of a building. The group applied to Clare County Council's planning department intending to recreate a meaningful portrait that previously hung on the side of a craft shop. The recreated image will depict the infamous Máire Rua, chosen for its local historical significance. The large-scale mural will become a visible landmark on the village streetscape and is expected to contribute to cultural identity and visitor interest.

"In September 2025, a small Clare village's TidyTowns group were granted planning permission for the erection of a large portrait on the side of a building. The Kilfenora TidyTowns group had applied to Clare County Council's planning department with the intention of recreating a meaningful portrait that had once hung on the side of a craft shop - a portrait of the infamous Máire Rua."

"The striking artwork in Kilfenora has been catching the attention of locals and tourists In September 2025, a small Clare village's TidyTowns group were granted planning permission for the erection of a large portrait on the side of a building. The Kilfenora TidyTowns group had applied to Clare County Council's planning department with the intention of recreating a meaningful portrait that had once hung on the side of a craft shop - a portrait of the infamous Máire Rua."

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