Off the Beaten Track: Unique Tourism – The Shannon Estuary Way
When you think of tourism, you can often get overwhelmed by the thought of busy areas, mass tourism, and overpriced destinations. Well – fear not, you have come to the right place for the exact opposite, tranquillity, and we think you’ll LOVE it!
The Shannon Estuary Way is a pocket of escapism, whether you prefer adventure tourism or a tranquil break from the hustle and bustle – The Shannon Estuary Way has got it all! The Shannon Estuary Way is a short detour from the Wild Atlantic Way that passes through Ireland’s west from North to South. Shannon Airport is just a 10-minute drive to The Shannon Estuary Way, where you can link up and wine and dine in style for the first night in Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus!
Looped Walking Route, Labasheeda
Breathtaking landscapes
The Shannon Estuary Way offers breathtaking landscapes and views throughout the entire route, whether you are driving the coastal road to Labasheeda, through the quaint village of Knock, crossing the Shannon Ferry to Tarbert or driving to Foynes, there are plenty of awe-inspiring views throughout your trip!
Curraghchase Forest Park, Limerick and the rolling hills of County Clare offer the perfect backdrop for you and your partner or family to enjoy quality time, whether that is a picnic at Kildysart Pier or a 5-star meal at some of the amazing eateries along the way! We recommend Foynes Inn for a fabulous meal!
Foynes Inn Restaurant, Foynes
Kildysart Pier
Cultural Experiences
The Shannon Estuary Way is filled with cultural experiences, from festivals to traditional music sessions, if you want to feel what it’s like to be Irish, immerse yourself in the culture along the way! Ennis, Co. Clare is bustling with traditional music sessions in every corner of the town, with live buskers taking to the streets and sessions in local pubs which you can enjoy! You might even leave wanting to take up a musical instrument yourself, so why not pop into Custy’s Music shop off O’Connell Street to browse the traditional Irish musical instruments?
Limerick Pride Parade
There are several cultural festivals which take place along the way each year, have a browse below to see if any of these tickle your fancy – there are plenty more, don’t worry!!
- Foynes Irish Coffee Festival – June Bank Holiday Weekend
- Ennis Trad Festival – November
- Fleadh Nua Ennis – May
- Dan Furey Set Dancing Weekend Labasheeda – August
- Kildysart Agricultural Show – August Bank Holiday Weekend
- Limerick Pride – July
- Riverfest Limerick – May Bank Holiday Weekend
Scenic Trails and Outdoor Adventures
There are numerous scenic trails and outdoor adventure activities. If you are trying to find an activity to tire the kids out, then we have the perfect idea! West Coast Aqua Park, located in Kilrush offers a splashing day for you and the kids, on an inflatable water park in Kilrush Marina – it’s a must-do on your visit to Kilrush.
For a more relaxed activity, we highly recommend the Labasheeda peninsula looped cycle. This brings you right out to the Shannon Estuary, where the famous Kilkerrin Battery is situated, which dates back to the 1800s, built by the British along the bank of The Shannon Estuary to defend their shores against Napoleonic forces. Bike hire can be found at Silky Saddles in Labasheeda Village.
Kilkerrin Battery, Labasheeda Peninsula
Gastronomic Delights
You certainly will not go hungry along The Shannon Estuary Way! There is a cuisine for every taste bud along the way from Chinese, Indian, Thai or Italian. If you feel like a more traditional Irish meal, why not pop into Adare Village, Limerick where there are several traditional restaurants, such as The Arches Restaurant Adare, where they serve the most gorgeous full Irish breakfast.
Well-Connected Routes
The Shannon Estuary is an easily mapped route which is guided by visible signage, coloured in brown which you can see along the way! The Shannon Estuary Way is very accessible and is close to renowned attractions such as The Cliffs of Moher and The Aran Islands, both of which can be connected along The Wild Atlantic Way which meets The Shannon Estuary Way in Kilrush, Co. Clare. Galway City is less than 1 hour from the way which is a bustling city rich in Irish culture – a must visit if you have that little bit of extra time!
Galway City, Co. Galway