On the 24th of June every year, St. John’s Bonfire is held at McNamara’s Bridge in Crusheen. The bonfire is a long-standing tradition which dates back to the 1700’s. \In years past, it was held on St. John’s Eve, June 23rd, but because of the volume of traffic coming from Spancilhill fair, it was changed to June 24th.
A free standing commemorative stone has been erected at McNamara’s bridge together with the development of the surrounding area to acknowledge, increase the awareness and promote the importance of local tradition in our community.
Over the past few hundred years, the bonfire has been held at this bridge bringing all generations young and old together to partake in music, song and dance with a couple of barbecues creating a homely welcome for all.
This is a pagan custom which was widespread in Ireland and other European countries, now dying out. The bonfire is a significant social event having featured in television documentaries.
This stone commemorative plaque was erected by the local community with support from Clare Co. Council, as they felt it was owed to past generations to mark this site.
There are thumbnail pictures of the plaque and a picture of the bonfire below. Click on the images for a larger picture.
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Click here to see an article from an edition of the RTE Guide in 1979 which includes an article on the Bonfire. As the image is large, it may be slow to load in your browser. The picture of the Bonfire (with names) can also be seen in the picture gallery.
