Croagh

Croagh is a small village and civil parish in County Limerick, Ireland. It is located in mid-Limerick between Rathkeale and Adare just off the N21 national primary road, approximately southwest of Limerick City. The village was originally part of this route before construction of the Croagh by-pass in 1986. The village is in the agricultural area known as the Golden Vale.

Name

According to the Placenames Database of Ireland, the meaning and derivation of Croagh is unclear. Over the centuries, Croagh has been known by a number of names, including Moycro, Croch, Croth, Croghe, Croaghstowne and Cruach.

History

Evidence of ancient settlement in the area includes a number of ringfort and fulacht fiadh sites in the townlands of Croagh, Adamswood and Ballycannon. The ruins of a medieval church and enclosure lie in the village. The current Catholic church, which is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and was built, is one of several protected structures within the village.

Amenities and sport

Croagh, which had a population of 216 as of the 2016 census, has a national [school (Ireland)|national (primary) school] with an enrollment of approximately 70 children. Other amenities include a Catholic church, garden centre, childcare facility, medical centre, music school, pubs, nursing home, community centre, a village park and sports ground.
The local Gaelic Athletic Association club, Croagh-Kilfinny, won the 2020 Limerick Junior Hurling Championship, as well as the Limerick Intermediate Hurling Championship in 2024.
Shountrade AFC, an association football club, was founded in 1987 in Croagh.