History

Clare County was fondly named by an early Irish settler after his beloved County Clare in Ireland. Many reminders of this Irish heritage are evident throughout Clare. Visit the historic Doherty Hotel, Clare turns green every March as we celebrate our heritage in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.

Clare’s Irish connection and turn of the century architecture invites our visitors to dig deeper into our story. Railroads, logging, and even a gangster or two are part of our colorful past.

Let us invite you to stroll to any of our three galleries, or take a self guided tour of historic art found throughout the City of Clare. Some of this art dates back to the depression era through a public works program initiated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.