KILRUSH
Kilrush is Ireland’s finest planned 19th century town. Beautifully laid out streets, wide and spacious, with The Market Square at it centre. All the streets are named after members of the Vandeleur family who ‘created’ the town at the beginning of the 1800’s. Frances Street is the country’s second widest street after O’Connell Street, Dublin. The street opens out to frame the vista of Kilrush port and the Shannon Estuary beyond. Kilrush is truly a hidden gem on The Wild Atlantic Way with its historic streetscape, and its many fine buildings, churches and houses.
VANDELEUR DEMESNE
A short walk beyond the town is The Vandeleur Demesne with it walled garden and café. Unfortunately their Georgian mansion, that was once at the heart of the Demesne is no longer standing. However, you can enjoy endless hours either strolling or cycling throughout their demesne or even get lost in the Walled Gardens Maze! Refresh afterwards in the café with its delicious food and drinks.
CAPPA & SCATTERY ISLAND
The nearby seaside harbour village of Cappa is a wonderful afternoon walk; here generations of town’s people and visitors have enjoyed swimming at the harbour and beach. Continue along the Shannon estuary and the mighty Shannon provides a stunning vista with the islands of Scattery and Hog at its centre. Scattery Island can be accessed during summer months via a ferry service from Kilrush Marina. The island contains the remains of six medieval churches, a round tower, a Napoleonic Fort and a 19th century village. Scattery is a special place where one visit is never enough and you will want to go back for more. It’s easy to visit as we are delighted to say we have partnered with Scattery Island Ferries to offer great rates on crossing, please click here to bring you to their website.
While you stay with us
Discover
KILRUSH
AND EXPLORE
WEST CLARE
WEST CLARE
If you decide to venture beyond Kilrush, there is so much to do and see. The following are some of the wonderful places to visit. Kilkee – a Victorian seaside resort with a safe horseshoe shaped bay surrounded by beautiful Victorian villas. Cliff top walks and swimming are some of the many thinks to do.
THE WEST CLARE RAILWAY
The West Clare Railway was a narrow gauge railway. The first section of the West Clare Railway was opened in 1885. In May 1892 the line reached Kilrush. The West Clare Railway was made famous by Percy French in the song ‘Are Ye Right There Michael’. The railways became part of the Great Southern Railway in 1925. The last train left Kilrush on the 31st January 1961 and the railway tracks were lifted straight away. In the 1990’s part of the West Clare Railway was reopened at Moyasta with the restored Slieve Callan steam engine proving the star attraction.
LOOP HEAD
From Kilkee the Loop Head Peninsula opens up. Here you can travel to the toe of Clare and visit Loop Head Lighthouse from where legend says Diarmuid and Grainne departed. Along the way you can visit the seaside villages of Carrigaholt and Kilbaha. Dolphin watching can be arranged from Carrigaholt harbour. You can witness one of the largest Dolphin pods in the natural environment at the month of the Shannon Estuary.
