Until the development of Shannon town, Kilrush was the second largest town
in County Clare. Positioned at the estuary of the Shannon River, Kilrush lies
30 miles southwest of Ennis. It has a new Marina and Heritage Centre, where an
exhibition covers the Great Famine and the landlord evictions of 1888.
Kilrush developed significantly in the 18th century. Various factories started
business in the town, producing soap, nails and also refining rock salt. The first
banks were established and then the town policehouse and jail.
Today, from Kilrush Creek Marina, you can join one of the Eco-cruises which
sails out of the marina into the Shannon Estuary. The 2.5 hour cruise will enable
you to watch the only known resident population of bottle-nosed dolphins. You
can also take a ferry to Scattery Island which is just 2km from Kilrush. This
6th century Monastic island offers many treasures for you to discover.
