A new study has found that Clare's biggest towns have been hardest-hit in the county during the recession.
This report examines 302 rural towns and rates their economic strength by measuring changes in employment and migration between 2006 and 2011.
Doora come out in top in Clare, at 24th position nationally, with Sixmilebridge in 52nd.
Killaloe, Clonlara, Newmarket on Fergus and Miltown Malbay are all rated between 125th and 163rd
However, four Clare towns – Ennistymon, Shannon, Ennis and Kilrush – all rank in the bottom quarter, with West Clare's main town in 275th.
Using an average of the towns' various performances, researchers rank Clare in 16th position of all counties in Ireland.
Positions of Clare Towns
Doora – 25
Sixmilebridge – 52
Killaloe – 125
Clonlara – 140
Newmarket-on-Fergus – 150
Miltown Malbay – 163
Ennistymon – 236
Shannon – 251
Ennis – 260
Kilrush – 275
