Health & wellness on the Shannon Estuary Way
The Shannon Estuary Way is a place where you can take time to slow down, unwind, retreat and relax. Take a step into nature and disconnect from your daily stresses. Catch the sunrise to the East of the Estuary or the rouge sunset from the West. Take your pick at a yoga retreat, pause at the pier and listen to the sound of silence accompanied by beautiful bird song. It's time to rest at the peaceful, off-the-beaten track, Shannon Estuary Way.
Retreat to the Shannon Estuary Way
Beds of Silk, Labasheeda
Stay at the Beds of Silk and relax in the peacefulness of Labasheeda, by the tranquil shores of the Shannon Estuary. Rent a bike with Silky Saddles or take a plunge in their Seaweed Barrels as you listen to the relaxing sounds of the running streams nearby.
Kilrush Historic Town Walks
A step onto Frances Street in Kilrush is a step back in time. This grand, 30-metre wide thoroughfare runs straight down to the harbour; but it is also, it seems, a direct line to Kilrush’s fascinating past as a port town and market hub. It effortlessly evokes the 19th Century.
Kilrush owes its historic appearance to the Vandelours, a family of prominent West Clare landlords who resided in the current-day Vandelour Demesne. Their name was disgraced in the famine, but Kilrush retains the shape they gave it as an estate town, not to mention its maritime and market flavour.
Kilrush has two heritage trails - a 1.5km red route (20 minutes) and a 6km yellow route (allow roughly an hour). The longer route reaches Cappa Pier, taking in views over Scattery Island before returning via Kilrush Woods to the Vandeleur Demesne, where a walled garden has been beautifully redesigned with mazes, water-feature and a Victorian-style working glasshouse.
Although the Vandelour residence itself was destroyed by fire in the late 1800s, the garden is a wonderful evocation of its heyday. A host of unusual and tender plants thrive in the area’s unique microclimate, and children can enjoy a living willow structure, sand area and butterfly trail.
The red route begins at Market House, where the town’s Maid of Éireann monument stands, and proceeds past the old Bank of Ireland to Saint Senan’s Church on Toler Street, recently the recipient of a €3.5m renovation. Step inside - its stained glass Rose window is like a flower in bloom.
From there, pass the Old Convent of Mercy on Henry Street, heading towards Glynn’s Mills and the monastery – originally built as a hotel, but which later came to house the Christian brothers. Kilrush is a great base for touring the Loop Head Peninsula, but a visit in its own right is just as rewarding.
Knight's Walk, Glin
Glin Heritage Walks offer a wide variety of spectacular coastal and woodland scenery. Glin, a picturesque village on the Shannon Estuary, boasts a very rich and varied culture dating back to the early Celtic settlements of the Corbry Clan. Formerly known as Glencorbry, Glin has been the ancestral home to the Knights of Glin since the 13th Century. Descendents of the Fitzgeralds of Desmond, the Knights ‘old’ and ‘new’ castles bear witness to an historic past which is evident when exploring the surrounding walks.
This trail has some climbs and an uneven surface where the going is rough underfoot with some obstacles along the way. The routes are appropriate for people with a moderate level of fitness and some walking experience. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing is recommended.
Distance: 4km
Time: 2hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Open countryside and woodland trails with an elevation to 150 metres.
Retreat Yourself
Based out of Kildysart, experience yoga and healthy nourishing food in beautiful and unique locations around the Shannon Estuary, Clare, Limerick, The Aran Islands and more. Retreats include experiences and activities such as horse riding, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking and much more.
Shannon Estuary Way Retreat Centre
A family-run health and wellness business on the east west coast of county clare. Situated overlooking the Shannon Estuary waters, islands, mountains and beyond. The purpose-built wellness centre has a large window facing towards the sunrise capturing the light glistening on the waters of the estuary and the tranquil offerings of nature's surroundings. They offer bespoke signature full day and half day wellness retreats; workshops, teacher training, alternative and holistic health services and a unique outdoor area with sauna, hot tub and cold water plunge bath facilities.
A Walking route 5 km to a waterfall area that evokes a great sense of peace and harmony. A 2km -walk to the local cafe, Dangan Castle owned by the McMahons, Paradise House, The Holy Well and Ballynacally Pier with a view towards the islands.
