02. An Abhainn

An Abhainn

Ritheann Abhainn an Chláirín trí Bhaile Átha an Rí agus sin é ainm na habhann i nGaeilge go sroicheann sí Cuan na Gaillimhe cé go n-athraíonn an t-ainm ar an réimse íochtarach go dtí Clarinbridge River i mBéarla. Is í an áit a mbíodh áth trasna na habhann is bun leis an ainm Baile Átha an Rí.

The River

The river Clarin flows through Athenry, which becomes the Clarinbridge river further downstream on its way to Galway Bay. It is the fording place of that river which gives Athenry its name Baile Átha an Rí, which means Fort of the Kings.