History
The name Rindoon means a fortified headland and there is evidence of a Viking settlement located here. A fleet of one thousand war galleys belonging to the legendary Ard Ri or high King who broke the powers of the Vikings was based here to control the Vikings. Later the Normans built a fortified town, defended by a ditch which was cut through the width of the peninsula. There are substantial remains of the castle and the town wall, as well as a church. The area around St Johns House is thought to have been the site of the town’s infirmary and the remains of a church and graveyard adjoin the house. The sister of the poet and playwright Oliver Goldsmith is buried in the graveyard.
The name St Johns is thought to have derived from the foundation of a house for Knights Hospitallers in the reign of King John.
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