History
One of the first settlers in the area was John Horrocks, in 1839. The town itself was established in 1842 by Edward Burton Gleeson, and named after his ancestral home of County Clare in Ireland.
The town was first named Inchiquin, which this was later changed. Lake Inchiquin is now the name of a reservoir located to the north of the town, near the golf club.
A railway line was built from Riverton to Clare in 1919 and on to Spalding in 1922. It closed in 1974 and the tracks were removed in the 1980s after damage caused by the Ash Wednesday fires of 1983. The alignment now carries the Riesling Trail walking and cycling trail.
The layout of the town's road system was apparently designed by a draughtsman in Adelaide, without any knowledge of the local geography. There are several roads in Clare that end abruptly at a cliff face, only to continue again at the top of the cliff.
Clare today is a vibrant rural town and regional centre. A diverse local economy of grape-growing, wine production, broadacre farming (including wheat, barley, beans and canola), livestock rearing (merino sheep, cattle, pigs, chickens), light manufacturing and tourism drive a booming, resilient local economy. The Clare Valley is a premium wine growing Region, recognised world-wide as one of the best areas for producing Riesling. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are also produced. The annual Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend, held each May for over 20 years, is a major event that attracts foodies and wine-lovers from afar. The town boasts major chain stores, three hotels, several restaurants, and regular services such as Post Office, newsagent, a library and petrol stations. A myriad of accommodation options are available from back-packing to caravan and motor-home parks, hotel, motel, bed & breakfast and holiday cottages. The local tourist office can provide details. Clare has become recognised for its 'experiences', including the famed Riesling Trail walking and cycling route between Clare and Auburn (25 km), on the former railway line.
Read more about this topic: Clare, South Australia
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