Kilrush Blue Flag Marina offers a unique blend of facilities and activities that helps guarantee great days out. The tranquil waters of the sheltered harbour make it a secure haven for maritime and leisure enthusiasts. The marinas strategic location also makes it an ideal base from which to explore the 100 km long Shannon Estuary, and gives access to the 200km long inland waterway system of the majestic river Shannon and its lakes and canals.

Vandeleur Walled Garden is just east of Kilrush town and a nice walk from it. Here, beautiful old stonewalls enclose a sheltered 2.158 acre walled garden (2.158 acres) set among 420 acres of native woodland. The garden specializes in many unusual and tender plants that thrive in the area’s uniquely western latitude microclimate. You can enjoy a coffee, snack or lunch at its Woodland Bistro or purchase plants and shrubs at its garden centre. Adjacent to the garden is the vast woodlands, with walking trails.

A boat trip to Scattery Island is a fabulous experience. Scattery Island is just off Kilrush and is the site of an early Christian settlement founded by an extraordinary man. St Senan, who was born in the area, built his monastery here in the early sixth century. There are also six ruined churches on the site, a round tower, a lighthouse and a Napoleonic war artillery battery. Scattery was invaded many times over the centuries. The Vikings believed that the monastery held many riches and returned several times to ravage it. A short 30-minute boat trip from Kilrush with Scattery Island Tours will take you to the island.

Kilrush Marina is perfectly located for exploring the exciting west coast. Whether you choose to stay in Kilrush or close by, you’ll find many exciting activities in and around the area for all ages. The West Coast Aqua Park is located at the Marina – it’s an epic adventure for all the family to enjoy. You can jump, slide, climb or bounce your way around the inflatable obstacle course on the water. Beat the obstacles, race your friends and family – or just watch and smile as they get totally ‘wiped out’! Children as young as six can take part under the watchful eye of Aqua Park’s experienced lifeguards.

Clare has a resident population of bottlenose dolphins living in the Shannon Estuary – probably the largest in Europe. Over 140 of these magnificent mammals can be observed, on most days, feeding, travelling, or playing in the Estuary. You can take a boat trip from the Marina to see the dolphins with Dolphin Discovery Kilrush. It is a unique experience. The trip takes approximately 2.5 hours.

If you don’t fancy a boat trip, you can follow the Kilrush Shannon Dolphin Trail around the attractions and facilities in Kilrush that are related to the bottlenose dolphins. Dolphin trail marker posts with directional arrows are located at strategic points along the route. The Dolphin Trail begins in the town’s Market Square. One thing not to miss is the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Centre, located adjacent to Kilrush Marina and visible by its striking Dolphin mural. At the centre, you can listen to amazing sounds from dolphins in the Shannon Estuary, see real skeletons of whales and dolphins, and learn about recent research and conservation of the Shannon dolphins.

Pack your sense of adventure and explore the stunning coastal scenery of the majestic Shannon Estuary onboard the ‘Adventure RIB Rides’. Their tours include a ‘Sea Safari Adventure’ (2 hours 15 mins); an action-packed River RIB Adventure (1 hour); and fun filled Family RIB Adventure (1 hour). You can book online.

Cappa beach is a blue flag beach just by Cappa pier and harbour – about one km from Kilrush. The small rocky beach, the Shannon Estuary’s only blue flag beach, is patrolled by lifeguards during the main bathing season. Cappa beach is also great for bird watching.

Kilrush Golf Club is just 2 km from Kilrush Town centre. The Golf Club warmly welcomes visitors. The 18-hole parkland course uses natural undulations, trees, water, and sand to make the course a pleasurable round for the average player and a good test for the lower handicap players off the back tees.

The Killimer-Tarbert Car ferry is less than a 10-minute drive from Kilrush. This provides a great link to Clare from Kerry and Limerick, saving driving time. The crossing takes about 20 minutes. If you go on deck you might be lucky and glimpse the Shannon Estuary Dolphins.