The
Estuary
see the sights, feel the breeze
Hidden away, in a secluded inlet just off the wild waters of the Atlantic Ocean, sits the Shannon Estuary.
A haven for adventure, exploration, and discovery, the Shannon Estuary is a spectacular and unspoiled stretch of water, located just off the Wild Atlantic Way. This area of remarkable beauty is where Ireland's longest river - the mighty Shannon flows into the azure water of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the Shannon Estuary Drive, The Shannon Estuary is bordered by the counties of Clare, Limerick and Kerry and the Shannon Estuary Way Drive offers a wonderful scenic route to take when travelling to Kilrush.
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Scattery Island
This iconic little island, now uninhabited, offers a calm and tranquil environment in which visitors can explore a wonderful range of interesting sites all within walking distance. Our trips take us along the shone line where you can view the island's famous sights.
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Scattery Island contains the remains of an ancient monastic site featuring a round tower, the cathedral and several medieval churches. As well as these historic sites the island also has a lighthouse, an artillery battery, the deserted village where the islanders once lived and beautiful semi-natural grass land which is home to an array of wild bird, animal and plant life which is of great interest to ecologists who visit.
Hog Island
Hog Island is a small island in the Shannon Estuary off the entrance to Kilrush and facing the picturesque village of Cappagh. Hog island's only inhabitants are a small herd of goats.
It lies about midway between Scattery Island and the mainland to the northeast. During the month of May and early June the island is emblazoned with a sea of bluebells!
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Coastal Villages & Castles
The picturesque Cappagh Village is located just 1km from Kilrush town. This was once an important trading port for Kilrush town and the oldest section, near the shore was built in 1764. It has changed little since Samuel Lewis in 1837 described it as 'a pier of very solid construction protected by a sea-wall of great strength'! Today it is a peaceful hideaway for its residents and a popular swimming spot!
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The old Castle of Carrigaholt stands on the wide mouth of the Shannon about one and a half miles north of Kilcreadaun Point. The castle was in use until the early 1900s when it was in the hands of the Burton family.
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Carrigaholt Castle is one of Ireland’s best preserved “Tower Houses”, built around 1480 by the McMahons, the last Gaelic Chieftains to rule this peninsula.
Bromore Cliffs,
Ballybunion, Co. Kerry
Bromore’s sheer 180 foot cliffs have been sculpted by nature for thousands of year. These cliffs feature a range of headlands and bays and deep caves at sea level, some of which later progressed to become arches and sea stacks.
Minerals seeping through the layers of flagstone that form Bromore Cliffs give them their ever changing colours.
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The crevices and narrow ledges are welcome homes for a diversity of wildlife, falcons, ravens, fulmars, guillemots, cormorants and rock doves are some of the birdlife.
In the Ocean below are Atlantic Grey Seals, Bottlenose Dolphins and an occasional Sea Otter.
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The nuns beach is a must see on your explorations of North Kerry. This stunning, secluded beach is located in the popular seaside resort of Ballybunnion. Carved out by the Atlantic Ocean the beach gets its name from the convent located on the cliff top just above the cove.
Nuns Beach, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry
The Devil's Sea Stack
The Devil’s Castle, a lonesome sea stack where sea eagles nest is just some of the awe inspiring coastal views that you'll enjoy as we explore the Kerry Coastline with its cave, and stunning cliffs.
Dolphins & Wildlife
The West Clare Peninsula is an area of unspoiled natural beauty. At its most westerly point Loop Head, the River Shannon enters the Atlantic Ocean and this area is home to one of Ireland’s largest group bottlenose dolphins.
This Special Area of Conservation is both a feeding and breeding ground for the dolphins with calves (baby dolphins) born each year and during your trip you may be lucky enough to encounter some of the new born calves which are a delight to observe.
