Estuary Experiences
Have an authentic experience during your visit along the Shannon estuary Way. Choose from experiences like baking bread in a traditional Irish farmhouse to spotting dolphins on the Estuary, or from taking a guide around a 13th Century Castle to practicing yoga by the lake.
Adare Heritage Centre & Castle Experience, A Living History
Located at the heart of the Village, Adare Heritage is an excellent base for the visitor to experience its unique history and enjoy an exciting range of facilities at the Centre. Daily Guided Tours to the Village and 12th Century Castle are facilitated through the Centre during the high season. A self-guided in-house historical experience is available daily in-house. Its 60-seater restaurant is an ideal lunch stop and can facilitate groups with seasonal menus and offers Irish Coffee pre-booked receptions. Gift shops will delight with a selection of crafts quality items at competitive prices. Complimentary restrooms and coach friendly parking are available.
Escape every day Village sounds and step back in time inside a 13th Century Desmond Castle. Our knowledgeable trained guides will transport you to a former world where Normans lived, conquered, and formed kingdoms. This exciting journey will evoke the senses and transport you to ancient heritage amongst one of the few remaining authentic Norman Castles in Europe.
www.adareheritagecentre.ie T: 353 61 396666 E: [email protected]
Clarecastle by the Fergus
Walk the 3.0 km mapped 14-point Heritage Trail through the Village of Clarecastle and find out how Clarecastle gave its name to County Clare.
Walk, drive or cycle the Pilgrim Path, visiting Clare Abbey 2.5 km, Killoo Church 2.8 km, Killone Abbey and St. John’s Well 5.5 km.
Walk to the Port of Clare 0.5 km and learn of the timber, coal and other imports from Canada, the Baltic Countries and the UK from the 18th C and earlier up to 1969.
Walk, drive or cycle to Ballybeg Woods 2.8 km and then explore on foot ancient woods on looped trails – 1.5 km to 2.5 km
Clonshire Equestrian Centre, Adare
Feel the wind in your face as you ride across hills and forests on horseback. Upskill your existing riding qualities with Internationally qualified coaches. Learn new horse management techniques from our Vet and Farrier. Try our Showjumping and Cross Country course for a real sense of Ireland
Try Yoga with horses and a gourmet picnic in the woods. Visit the hound kennels to see puppies playing together.
Lessons and Riding out on experienced school masters, practice dressage, showjumping or cross country riding, improve your riding skills. Excellent facilities in Clonshire Centre of Excellence. Chose from over 60 Irish Sport Horses and Connemara ponies. Individual itineraries to cater for your dream horse riding experience. Clonshire has had horses on the property for over 250 years so the history and ancient buildings really make for a wonderful trip back in time.
Riders of all ages and levels are looked after by our team of fully qualified Coaches.
www.clonshire.com Tel: +353 61 396770 Email: [email protected]
Dolphin Discovery, Kilrush
Your cruise will depart from Kilrush marina going out through the lock gates, the only lock on the lower Shannon and out onto the majestic Shannon Estuary an area of unspoilt natural beauty and home to Europe’s largest group of bottlenose dolphins. The trip takes about 2 to 2½ hours and is one the most enjoyable and thrilling experiences to be had while discovering the Wild Atlantic Way. Each trip is different, you may experience the excitement of seeing the dolphins leap clear out of the water and swimming alongside the boat.
www.discoverdolphins.ie T: 00353 65 9051327 E: [email protected]
Release your Inner Pilot at Irelands’ Only Interactive Aviation Museum
Ideally located in the town of Shannon in County Clare, on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Shannon Aviation Museum explores the fascinating world of aviation including Shannon’s rich aeronautical heritage and its contribution to global aviation. As an interactive, fun, educational and inspirational experience, the museum touches individuals from every generation through real world theory lessons, awesome flight simulation, aircraft exhibits, and expert presentations on the world of flight and aviation.
Prepare to be amazed at an historical collection that spans from the 1938 Avro Anson (the iconic Spitfire cockpit of a 1950’s cold war jet that is partly made of timber), to a high-tech aircraft carrier jet. Step back in time as you dress up in an aeronautical costume and take some fun selfies to remember this truly special place!
shannonaviationmuseum.com +353 87 2037487 or +353 87 3580644 E: [email protected]
Retreat Yourself, Retreat to the Lake
Retreat to the Lake, on the shores of beautiful and peaceful Gortglass outside the village of Kildysert, Co Clare is a day of total relaxation, yoga, meditation, delicious vegetarian food and lakeside walks, SUP or a swim.
Relax and unwind at Gortglass Lake
This day retreat experience takes place in the meadow of an organic farm on the shores of Gortglass Lake, Kildysert, Co Clare
The vibe for this retreat is ‘Glamping'. Imagine practicing yoga in a beautiful grassy meadow overlooking the lake, a delicious vegetarian buffet lunch in the bell tent, lots of comfortable areas underneath trees and amongst wild flowers to relax and ponder. Other options for the day include a walk between the lakes on quite country roads, Stand Up Paddleboard or a swim
For upcoming Retreat to the Lake dates please check out their website.
Price: €75 per person.
www.retreatyourselfirl.com T: +353 83 0937560 E: [email protected]
Retreat Yourself, Retreat to Clonshire
The ultimate horse, yoga & food experience. Retreat to Clonshire, Adare, Co Limerick is the ultimate horseriding day retreat on the grounds of Clonshire Equestrian Centre. Enjoy a horse riding lesson by one of Irelands leading instructors, yoga, healthy & colorful vegetarian food and meditation in the meadow.
This day retreat takes place in the beautiful surrounds of Clonshire Equestrian Centre in Adare, Co Limerick.
You will be given a riding lesson by Sue Foley, one of the most qualified and experienced instructors in the country. This retreat suits both novice and intermediate riders.
Enjoy a yoga & movement practice by NYC trained teacher Caroline. After yoga, sit down and enjoy a delicious three course vegetarian lunch prepared by Ballymaloe trained chef Tanya.
Then take a wander through the meadows and grounds stopping along the way for a short guided meditation surrounded by the sounds of nature.
For upcoming Retreat to Clonshire dates, check out retreatyourselfirl.com
€145 per person
Rosie's by the Quay
Treat yourself and take a little time to visit the tranquil village of Knock, a hidden gem on
the Shannon Estuary Way. “Rosie’s” is a welcome chance to enjoy a home-baked treat in picturesque surroundings. Tea, coffee, scones, cakes and American style toasties are the order of the day. Panoramic views of the estuary at it’s apex await the weary traveller.
The charming harbour invites you to sit and ponder the day or, for the more adventurous, a wander on our rocky shore that stretches for miles. Summer invites swimming and kayaking and we encourage you to take your time and smell the roses.
T: +353 085 167 6081. E: [email protected]
Scattery Island
‘A remarkable journey... An unforgettable story '
Framed within the calm waters of the Shannon Estuary, Scattery Island is rich authentic visitor experience on the Wild Atlantic Way. Visitors will be amazed at the wealth of historic sites, including five Churches, a Cathedral, a magnificent Round Tower, Napoleonic War Artillery Battery and a working lighthouse.
Today the island is completely uninhabited, and visitors can explore its ancient historic sites and experience its unspoilt natural beauty in peace and tranquillity. Scattery leaves a lasting impression with visitors. It is as if the land and the buildings are talking to you - a silent speech, about its life and times and the great people who lived there during a history that spans from the 5th to the 20th century.
Key Highlights of the Experience include
- Cruise from Kilrush Marina through the Lock Gates onto the smooth waters of the Shannon Estuary
- Guided walk with local tour guide of the early 5th century monastic sites founded by St. Senan
- A range of walking trails featuring panoramic views across to County Clare and County Kerry
- An uninhabited island offering a calm and tranquil environment in an inspiring setting.
Shannon Estuary View Guesthouse
A traditional Irish Guesthouse in a panoramic setting
Situated on a magical site overlooking the Shannon Estuary and just outside Labasheeda Village, Shannon View B&B offers accommodation in the home and through careful outhouse conversion, additional accommodation in conjunction with and open fire and loft bar together with a communal dining table where traditional food is offered and local musicians pop in to play traditional music and encourage you, the guest to join in by providing a banjo, guitar, piano and tin whistle all in a lovely rustic setting.
The kitchen is the heart of the home and the favourite place to gather and chat about the day. For this experience, you are welcomed into the Kitchen where you will be taught how to make your very own traditional Irish Bread using an authentic Irish range. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy an afternoon of baking and chat. Once the break is baking, relax with a cuppa and listen to some traditional irish music in one of our traditional stone cottages.
shannonview.westclare.net T: +353 (0) 85 842 7137 E: [email protected]
Shannon Ferries, 'Bridging the best of Irelands West'
Shannonferry Group Ltd. operates the Killimer-Tarbert Car Ferry linking the main tourist routes of Irelands Shannon Region on the “Wild Atlantic Way” from Killimer, Co. Clare to Tarbert, Co. Kerry. With scheduled sailings every day, this pleasant twenty-minute journey across the Shannon Estuary will save 137 km from ferry terminal to ferry terminal providing a staging point for the many attractions of Clare, Kerry and adjoining counties. On disembarkation, enjoy the majestic scenery on either side of the Shannon Estuary from Killarney & The Dingle Peninsula to Loophead, the Burren & the famous Cliffs of Moher.
Shannon Estuary Way Retreat
Best Yoga Day Retreat in West Clare
Unplug from Life's Daily Demands, Escape into the tranquility of Mother Nature, Reconnect with yourself, Relax, Recharge and Reset your Mind Body Soul on one of our Signature Rejuvenating Blissful Yoga Day/Weekend Retreats with Good Food & Good Company Good Craic.
Key Highlights of the Experience include
- Exclusive Signature Day Retreat Experiences that will allow you to return home to yourself into your own oasis of peace and calm surrounded by the elements of nature, land, water, islands, trees, and the mountains
- Indulge in our Outdoor Retreat Experience in the sauna, hot tub, ice bath, and outdoor lounge area
- Reflective walks taking time with your own thoughts whilst absorbing the beauty of the lush land, the water, and the magical islands of the Shannon Estuary Way
- Organic two course Lunch using locally in season sourced produce and refreshments on arrival
Duration 8 hours. Price at €139 per person.
Vandeleur Walled Gardens, Kilrush
Here is a space to explore, walk, discover and feel inspired by all it has to offer; a reminder that while times change, nature’s story goes on.
Follow the winding road up through the beautiful avenue of trees arching over your head, a special hint at the magic to come. Take a moment to count the colours, feel the life, treat the senses. Then step inside – and follow the story of one of Clare’s most beautiful botanical tributes to Ireland’s rich, natural history. Set amongst 170 hectares of native woodland – this hidden gem is nestled in the heart of Kilrush Wood, just 2 kilometres from the centre of Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland.
Visit the Walled Garden, take a stroll down the Woodland Trail, take a bite to eat at the Bistro and don't forget to stop by the Gift Shop and Garden Centre for all your gardening needs.
West Coast RIB Adventures
Pack your sense of adventure and get ready to explore the stunning coastal scenery of the majestic Shannon Estuary onboard these adventure RIB rides. Tours include a 2.5 hour Eco Safari Tour or a 1.5 hour action packed river adventure, where we show you the sights from the comfort of our 12 passenger
RIB.
The Shannon Estuary is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with it’s island and cliff coasts, wildlife and dolphins. Feel the fresh air on your face and the freedom of the great outdoors, explore hidden coves and sea stacks and soak up the sights as we get up close and personal with this beautiful stretch of the Shannon River.
This designated Marine Area of Conservation features a rich diversity of wildlife habitats and is home to Ireland’s only resident group of bottlenose dolphins, one of just six in Europe. Enjoy panoramic views of the rivers islands and coastal features, with its Lighthouses, Artillery batteries and the imposing round tower on Scattery Island.