Kilrush Town Council :: Comhairle Baile Chill Rois

Attractions & Activities

Vandeleur Walled Garden

Located at the centre of the rich and diverse coastal landscape of the West Clare Peninsula, Kilrush offers the visitor a treasure chest of attractions and activities. The unforgettable seascape of the islands of Scattery and Hogg surround it.

Dolphin watching - Carrigaholt

Each two hour dolphin watching boat trip from Carrigaholt, is an opportunity to see and learn about Bottlenose Dolphins as they interact with each other in their native habitat.

This Special Area of Conservation is home to about 140 dolphins and calves, the largest resident group in Europe. The rugged and beautiful coastline at the Mouth of the Shannon provides nesting ledges for a variety of seabirds such as fulmars, guillemots and cormorants as well as rare coastal species like choughs, peregrines and ravens. The storm beaches attract breeding grey seals and we are often privileged to watch the rapid development of the seal pups in the late summer and autumn.

A beautifully designed passenger boat provides superb viewing for everyone on board.  The hydrophone (underwater microphone) lets you listen to live dolphin sounds, when conditions allow. There is also a bar and toilet facilities on board. Experienced and friendly crews are qualified marine naturalists to answer any questions and look after your comfort and safety.

Open April through to October. Trips run daily, weather permitting.
For details phone (065) 9058156 or visit www.dolphinwatch.ie.

Dolphin watching – Kilrush

Kilrush, together with Carrigaholt, are the main access locations for those who wish to view the large group of bottlenose dolphins that reside in the Shannon Estuary. This school of breeding dolphins is unique to Ireland and is the most accessible group of dolphins in Europe.

Dolphins are curious, playful, unpredictable animals, whose charming antics are bound to amaze and delight you. Why not hop on board the 'Dolphin Discovery' passenger vessel today for an interesting, fun and most enjoyable trip in the company of these amazing creatures. Departing from Kilrush Creek Marina the two hour boat trips operate to a strict code of standards to protect and preserve the dolphin’s environment.

3 – 4 sailings operate daily during the peak season (April-October). Outside of these months trips are subject to demand.
*Prior Booking is advisable

Vandeleur Walled Garden and Centre

Killimer Road, Kilrush, Co. Clare.
Telephone: (065) 9051760
Fax: (065) 9051782
Email: info@vandeleurwalledgarden.ie
Web: www.vandeleurwalledgarden.ie
Tel: +353 65 9051760, Fax: +353 65 9051782

Beautiful old stonewalls enclose this sheltered Walled Garden (2.158 acres) which is set among 420 acres of native woodland. Formerly part of the Vandeleur Family Demesne, this garden has been restored around the old path system with a horizontal maze, unusual water-features and a free-standing Victorian-style working glasshouse which is accessible to visitors. The garden specializes in many unusual and tender plants that thrive in the area’s uniquely western latitude microclimate.

Facilities in the peaceful courtyard setting of the Vandeleur Centre include a gift shop, conference suite and plant sales area. Children can enjoy the living willow structure, sand area and follow the butterfly trail. A collection of old farm machinery enhances the courtyard. The “Vandeleur Picture Exhibition” and part of the heritage exhibition “Kilrush in Landlord Times” are on display in the centre. At the Vandeleur coffee shop you can relax and enjoy tea, coffee and delicious homemade food.

The Vandeleur Walled Garden and Centre was funded with the assistance of ERDF grant through Shannon Development, Great Gardens of Ireland, LEADER 11/RRD Ltd. FAS, Pobal, Clare County Council and Kilrush Town Council.

Situated: Just outside Kilrush on the N67 Killimer Road, 8km to the Shannon Ferry (Killimer – Tarbert)
Open: Open all year.
Admission: Adults €5.00, Children €2.00, OAPs/Students €3.00, Family ticket (2 adults + 3 children) €10.00, Annual Membership €25, Family Membership €40.00.
Facilities: Coffee shop, gift shop, plant sale, hand crafted garden accessories, parking for cars and coaches. Guided tours available by appointment (Monday to Friday).
Contact: Susanne Matejka


Scattery Island

Named after the mythical monster on the Island, Scattery Island was the location of the 6th century monastic settlement founded by St. Senan. Now uninhabited there are many ruins on the island including those of seven churches, a unique 10th century round tower and a holy well which is said to have healing qualities – its water was enjoyed by the inhabitants of the island for many centuries.

Boat trips to Scattery Island depart from Kilrush Marina during the summer season. There is a small visitor centre on the island and guided tours are available free of charge.

For information on boat trips contact Scattery Island Ferries on 065 9051327

Kilrush Marina

Kilrush is ‘the’ leisure town on the Shannon Estuary and is home to one of Ireland’s finest marinas. The Marina’s strategic base makes it an ideal base from which to explore the splendid waters of the 100km long Shannon estuary, with its picturesque riverside towns and villages, and also gives access to the 200km long inland waterway system of the majestic river Shannon.

Kilrush Marina offers 120 fully serviced pontoon berths accessible at all stages of the tide. Marina services include a modern boatyard with full boat repair and service facilities, including 40 ton hoist, slipway, fuel berth and boat storage. A purpose built Marina centre provides state of the art visitor facilities including changing rooms, showers, toilets, lounge areas and marina reception and offices.

Tel: 065 9052072 Fax: 065 9051692
Email: kcm@shannon-dev.ie
Website: www.kilrushcreekmarina.ie

Kilrush Creek Adventure Centre

Kilrush Creek Adventure Centre can boast one of the most perfect and safest settings on the West Coast. It is a multi-activity centre offering the following activities; Sailing (Dinghy to Yacht), Kayaking, Canoeing, Raftbuilding & Racing, Team Challenge games, Fun Orienteering & Treasure Hunts, Archery. (Certified courses in Sailing, Yachting & Powerboating are recognised by ISA & IYT)

From corporate packages to school tours, from the professional sailor to the beginner dinghy sailor Kilrush Creek Adventure Centre can cater for you - all you need is your sense of adventure!!

For further information contact:

Tel: 065 9052855
Fax: 065 9052597
Email: kcac@eircom.net

Kilrush Golf Club

In his design of Kilrush Golf Course, Dr. Arthur Spring has created a most enjoyable and yet challenging course with many excellent holes. The par three 9th, played form a plateau and guarded by water, sand and trees is a truly marvellous hole, while the closing stretch into the prevailing wind is a test for the best. Experience the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of the fabulous new clubhouse and you will understand why we have earned the title "Probably the Friendliest Golf Club in Ireland”.

  • Fabulous 18 Hole Golf Course
  • Societies/Groups/Visitors always welcome
  • Green-Fees Reasonable
  • Weekend Breaks a Speciality
  • Full Bar and Catering Service
  • Distance/Overseas Membership available

For further information please phone or Email the club.

Tel: 065 905 1138
Email: info@kilrushgolfclub.com
Website: www.kilrushgolfclub.com

West Clare Railway

Re-live the Percy French experience at Moyasta Junction Station located on the N67 between Kilrush & Kilkee. There you will find our restored station house and 1.5 miles of original tracks.

  • Tea/coffee Room & Dining car with Souvenir Shop
  • Audio Visual Display on the old railway system
  • Rides along the track
  • Ideal of touring groups, wedding groups and family photographs

Open Daily

  • May - September 10:00 a.m. – 18:00 p.m.
  • 31st September – end April 10:00 a.m.– 16:00 p.m.
  • Phone: 065 9051284
  • Website: www.westclarerailway.com

Shannon Dolphin & Wildlife Centre

For lots of dol-fun and information on whales and dolphins visit the Shannon Dolphin & Wildlife Centre (adjacent to Kilrush Creek Marina).

  • listen to amazing sounds from dolphins in the Shannon estuary
  • see real skeletons of whales and dolphins
  • learn about recent research and conservation of the Shannon dolphins
  • a great educational experience for kids with lots of dol-fun

Open from June to September
Other times by arrangement
Tel: 065 9052326 087 8545450
Email: info@shannondolphin.ie
Website: www.shannondolphins.ie

Shannon Dolphin Trial

Starting at the Shannon Dolphin Information Board in the town’s Market Square, the Kilrush Dolphin Trail guides the visitor on an enthralling tour of discovery.

First stop is the Millennium Park at the end of Frances Street and the poignant dolphin mother and calf by the renowned sculptor Danny Osbourne. From here try to spot the life-like replica cetaceans floating in the Marina - is it a dolphin, whale or porpoise?

Follow the marker into the Kilrush Marina Centre, the starting point for dolphin-watching boat trips operating from April to October. Directly opposite the Marina centre is the Shannon Dolphin & Wildlife Centre where you can listen to amazing sounds from the bottlenose dolphins in the Shannon estuary, see real skeletons of whales and dolphins, learn about recent research and conservation efforts and the children can enjoy plenty of dol-fun educational activities. At this centre you can also check if you have identified the replicas correctly!

Then take a walk out along the picturesque coast road to the dolphin-watching site at Aylevaroo Point, which as well as offering stunning views of a large area of the estuary, overlooks an area that is known to be regularly frequented by dolphins.

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