Shannon Estuary heritage and activities

This battery fort near the village of Labasheeda overlooking the Shannon Estuary was built between 1811 and 1814 as a defence against the planned invasion by Napoleon

The small islands of the Shannon Estuary provide a fascinating account of our local history The once inhabited islands were typically sites of retreat, pilgrimage and early Christian monasteries founded during the 6^th or 7^th centuries.

They were attacked and plundered for their riches by invaders like the Vikings between the 8^th and 11^th centuries.

These islands are uninhabited today but the larger ones are farmed by the landowners now living on the mainland.

There are beautiful ruins to explore especially Inishgad Abbey on Cannon Island

Located off the main road between Kilrush and Ennis the cascades along the river are surrounded by beautiful woodland walks and forests in a peaceful and tranquil setting

The Lissycasey Ecology Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the pine marten – Ireland’s rarest mammal – as well as endangered species of plants.

This abbey was built between 1402 and 1433 by Sioda Cam MacNamara,

 Although mostly roofless, the structure of the abbey is relatively well preserved.

There is an intact cloister, and many other surviving architectural features make the friary of significant historical value

This is a ruined Augustinian monastery located near Ennis, along the banks of the Fergus River

Despite a turbulent history, the abbey remained in use until the 17th century.
A number of later additions to the body of the abbey survive as well as later buildings.

This is a Franciscan friary in the town of Ennis

 It was established in the middle of the 13th century by the ruling O’Brien dynasty who supported it for most of its existence.

 In the early 17th century, the buildings were handed over to the Church of Ireland as a place of worship

After the construction of a new Church of Ireland building, the friary fell into ruin

 It is a National Monument of Ireland

This is an island in the Shannon Estuary off the coast of Kilrush

 The island is home to a lighthouse, a ruined monastery, an Irish round tower and the remains of an artillery battery

There are boat trips to the island daily from Kilrush marina

Vandeleur Walled Garden is a sheltered walled garden situated in the outskirts of Kilrush town and is set among 420 acres of native woodland

It was restored around the old paths with a horizontal maze, unusual water features and a Victorian-style working glasshouse.

The former fruit and vegetable garden now specialises in many unusual and tender plants that thrive in the areas unique western micro-climate

• Activities
• West Coast Aqua Park Kilrush Marina
• Kilkee Beach swimming and surfing
• Estuary boat trips and dolphin watching from Kilrush Marina
• Horse Riding Quin Ennis and Cooraclare
• Kayaking and canoeing Ballyalla Lake Ennis
• Estuary bird watching
• Fishing
• Walking and cycling routes