"The Clare we know today once formed part of the mighty kingdom of Thomond, whose renowned leader, Brian Boru, went on to become the only uncontested high king of Ireland. Caught between the Norman strongholds of Galway and Limerick, Clare remained disputed territory for many centuries, ensuring a rich and eventful history." "In the nineteenth century, Clare was the focus of the nationalist revival when the famous by-election of 1828 returned Daniel O'Connell to the House of Commons. As a Catholic he was forbidden to take his seat but his election did enough to eventually secure Catholic emancipation - a critical event in the development of modern nationalism." "Decimated by the effects of the Irish Famine, Clare did not recover for generations. However, the twentieth century and the advent of international air travel, hydro-electricity and high technology, saw Clare emerge as one of the cultural powerhouses behind Ireland's recent social and economic revival. Its vigorous modernity is symbolised by Ennis, which in 1997 became Ireland's first 'information age town'."--BOOK JACKET.