Kilrush —County Clare

The capital of west Clare, is a busy market and heritage town with access to the Shannon at Cappagh Pier. The town was planned and owned by the Vandeleur family in the late 18th century.
Their demesne, now Kilrush Wood, occupies 170 hectares east of the town with a car park and picnic area on the site of Vandeleur House. Kilrush is a popular west coast base for sailing enthusiasts.
The 120-berth Kilrush Creek Marina is part of the water-based activities including dolphin watching in the Shannon estuary, sailing and pleasure trips. Offshore, Scattery Island was a monastic settlement from the 6th century was occupied by looting Vikings for a century up to 970, has remains stretching from the 9th to the 15th century. A 19th century island was a colony for pilots who raced as far as the Blasket Island in flimsy canoes to claim pilotage fees from sailing ships. From Kilrush you can enjoy a Dolphin Watching boat tour or a boat visit to Scattery Island (a 20 minute trip).
Kilrush Golf Course is an 18-hole parkland golf course overlooking the Shannon Estuary.