Kilrush

Until the development of Shannon town, Kilrush was the second largest town in County Clare . Positioned at the estuary of the Shannon River, Kilrush lies 30 miles southwest of Ennis .

Kilrush has state of the art Marina facilties and a newly restored walled garden. Once the forgotten garden of Kilrush House, home to the Vandeleur Landlords, the Vandeleur Walled Garden has now been redesigned for the 21st century and is open to visitors all year around. Part of the heritage exhibition Kilrush in Landlord Times is also on display in the Vandeleur centre. Kilrush developed significantly in the 18th century. Various factories started business in the town, producing soap, nails and also refining rock salt. The first banks were established and then the town policehouse and jail.

Today, from Kilrush Creek Marina, you can join one of the Eco-cruises which sails out of the marina into the Shannon Estuary. The 2.5 hour cruise will enable you to watch the only known resident population of bottle-nosed dolphins. You can also take a ferry to Scattery Island which is just 2km from Kilrush. This 6th century Monastic island offers many treasures for you to discover.