Shannon and the Midlands:Layout 1 02/05/2007 16:26 Page 150
KILFENORA of water-based activities. Magnificent Killaloe Cathedral is definitely
Situated 8km south east of Lisdoonvarna, Kilfenora is home to one of worth seeing with its exquisite Romanesque doorway and the early
the smallest cathedrals you are ever likely to see. Kilfenora Cathedral Christian “Thorgrim’s Stone”, unusual as it bears both old
was once an important place of pilgrimage and is now known for the Scandinavian runic and Irish Ogham scripts. Killaloe flourished as an
number of interesting high crosses in the churchyard. In the town, you important religious and political centre in medieval times and the
will also find the Burren Display Centre, which explains the intricacies Killaloe Heritage Centre provides an excellent starting point for
of the Burren area in a multi-dimensional exhibition. learning about the area. For a change of scenery, take the fine old 13-
Tel: (065) 708 8030. arch bridge that spans the River Shannon over to Ballina in Co.
Tipperary.
pointofinterest activities & pastimes
The Burren Centre, Kilfenora, Co. Clare. Tel: (065) 708 8030; Fax: publicbuilding places of interest
(065) 708 8102; Email:
info@theburrencentre.ie; Web: The Brian Ború Heritage Centre (located at the Killaloe Tourist
www.theburrencentre.ie. See natural history unfold and experience the Information Centre), Killaloe, Co. Clare. Tel: (061) 360788; Email:
atmosphere of an ancient landscape and people. Beautifully
reservations@shannondev.ie; Web:
www.shannonheritage.com. The
presented, the story of The Burren unfolds before your eyes, revealing heritage centre, which is located within the Tourist Information Centre,
the history of a unique environment with its amazing flora, fauna, reveals the story of Brian Ború through a series of colourful exhibits,
archaeology and geology. A homely tea room awaits at the end of this graphic illustrations and an audiovisual presentation. Open May to
walk through time with fresh, home-cooked food or browse through the September.
craft shop where exquisite, locally produced crafts are available. Free
parking is available beside the Kilfenora high crosses. pointofinterest activities & pastimes
Spirit of Killaloe River Cruises, Killaloe, Co. Clare. Tel: (086) 814
KILKEE 0559; Fax: (061) 376691; Email:
whelans@killaloe.ie; Web:
This popular tourist centre first gained a reputation in early Victorian
www.killaloe.ie/thespiritofkillaloe.ie. The Spirit of Killaloe is a luxury
times when rich families from Limerick built their summerhouses in 50-seater passenger boat. The upper deck is ideally suited to taking
the town. Kilkee has a reputation as the safest bathing place in the sun and enjoying the spectacular scenery. The lower deck which
Ireland as it is protected from the full force of the Atlantic by a reef has central heating and a stereo system, can seat up to 50 people
known as the “Duggerna Rock”. The area also boasts some with full bar facilities, tea, coffee and snack refreshments on board.
magnificent cliff walks and beautiful scenery. Within an idyllic setting on the shores of Lough Derg, Ireland's
"pleasure lake", with breathtaking views of counties Clare and
KILLALOE Tipperary, The Spirit of Killaloe offers a haven of tranquility.
Killaloe is picturesque Clare at its very best, sited at the south west
tip of Lough Derg and with the stunning backdrop of the Bernagh KILRUSH
Mountains to the west and the Arra Mountains to the east. This town Kilrush is the capital of West Clare and its origins as an important
manages to find a balance between fascinating history and the market town are reflected in the 30m-wide main street and 120-berth
Kilrush Creek Marina, today an excellent destination for water sports
enthusiasts. The town was planned and owned by the Vandeleur family
in the 18th century; their demesne is now Kilrush Wood and stretches
Kilrush, Co. Clare
to an impressive 170 hectares with exotic plants and a picnic area.
Just off the coast is Scattery Island. The island, which has seen much
bloodshed over the years, is now home to the ruins of a 6th century
monastery, churches and one of the tallest and best preserved round
modern towers in Ireland. The Scattery Island ferry takes you there from
pleasures Kilrush in 20 minutes, on a voyage across waters that are home to the
most accessible group of dolphins in Western Europe. The wonderful
Designated Heritage Town Walled Garden Dolphin
Merchant’s Quay Visitor Centre will help explain the history of the
Watching Dolphin & Wildlife Centre Scattery Island 120
buildings and the wildlife on the island.
Berth Marina Golf Course Adventure Centre Sailing
West Clare Railway Horse Fairs Kilrush Woods
pointofinterest activities & pastimes
Killimer-Tarbert Car Ferry, Shannon Ferry Group, Killimer, Kilrush, Co.
Festivals Cycling Farmers Market (every Thursday)
Clare. Tel: (065) 905 3124; Fax: (065) 905 3125; Email:
Approved Quality Accommodation Ferry to Kerry
enquiries@shannonferries.com; Web:
www.shannonferries.com. The
main tourist routes of the West of Ireland’s Shannon Region are linked
via the Killimer-Tarbert car ferry. This pleasant, 20-minute journey
across the Shannon Estuary will save 85 miles (137km) from ferry
terminal to ferry terminal providing a staging point for the many
attractions of Clare, Kerry and adjoining counties. Whatever your
reason for visiting the West of Ireland, be it business or pleasure, plan
on taking the Killimer-Tarbert Ferry. You will be assured of a welcome!
publicbuilding places of interest
Kilrush Tourist Office (Seasonal Office), Kilrush, Co. Clare. Tel: (065)
905 1577; Web:
www.kilrush.ie. Kilrush, the capital of West Clare, is
designated a heritage town in recognition of its legacy as a landlord
estate town with a rich maritime and market tradition. Today, the
forgotten garden of the Vandeleur landlord estate has been revived to
its former glory as the Vandeleur Walled Garden visitor attraction.
Kilrush Tourist Office
Other attractions and activities include the 120-berth Marina, a multi-
(seasonal office)
activity Adventure Centre, dolphin-watching trips, golfing, the West
Tel: 065 905 15 77
www.kilrush.ie
Clare Railway and the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Centre. Scattery
150 shannon and the midlands
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