Hi Steve,
Just read your message and was wondering if you'd had any replies. I don't know if this can give you any direction, but I've been searching for McNamaras in Co. Clare (yes, I have found one or two of them ;=D).
I have a John McNamara from Cloonagro (also known as Clongurrah, Clonlara, or Clonglarrah), Parish of Feakle, Union Tulla, Co. Clare. In 1945 he married Margaret Walsh/Welsh who was born about 1824 in the same place.
I'm wondering if she may be a cousin of the one you are looking for as her parents were Michael Walsh/Welsh and Mary O'Loughlin. Your 1829 birth could have been a niece or nephew of Mary's since the birth date is close to Margaret's.
Also, don't know if this would help in your travels:
O'Loughlin is derived from the native Gaelic Sept O'Lochlainn that was based in Counties Clare and Limerick. Loughnane is a variant.
So you may find some under the latter name.
BTW 'ours' emigrated to Aust in 1850. I wonder if one of Margaret's siblings also came out?
Happy hunting,
Robbie