Kilrush Heritage Town
| County: | Co. Clare |
| Tel: | 065-905 1577 / 065-905 1047 |
| Fax: | 065-905 2821 |
| Email: | kilrush@clarecoco.ie |
Kilrush (Cill Ruis) is the primary business town for the West Clare peninsula. Its designation as a Heritage Town is in recognition of its legacy as a landlord estate town with a rich maritime and market tradition.
Kilrush is situated on the mouth of the River Shannon, at the heart of one of Ireland’s special interest marine tourism areas and surrounded by an unforgettable seascape featuring the islands of Scattery and Hogg.
Kilrush offers a range of activities for visitors. Follow the Heritage Trail, starting at the Market Square and learn about hitsorical sites in Kilrush and its environs. Visit Vandeleur Walled Gardens and its gorgeous tender and tropical plants. Dine in the coffee shop and take a tour of the Heritage Museum. Other activities include dolphin watching on the Shannon estuary, dol-fun and information on whales and dolphins at the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Centre, trips to the ecclesiastical island of Scattery and golfing at Kilrush golf course.
General Information
| Address: | Kilrush Tourist Office (Seasonal Office), Kilrush, Co. Clare |
|---|---|
| Telephone; | 065-905 1577 / 065-905 1047 |
| Fax: | 065-905 2821 |
| Email: | kilrush@clarecoco.ie |
| Website: | http://www.kilrush.ie |
| Location: | Kilrush Town Centre |
| Season: | All Year |
| Open Times: | Mon-Fri: 10.00-18.00 Sat-Sun: 10.00-14.00 |
| Booking Contact: | kilrush@clarecoco.ie |
| Town Amenities: | Angling: Deep sea and river angling on the Shannon Estuary & Atlantic waters from Kilrush Marina Beach: The seaside resort of Kilkee is 13km away, swimming from Cappa Pier Bird Watching: On the nearby Loop Peninsula the specialist visitor can watch the migratory seabirds Cycling: Yes Gardens: The Vandeleur Walled Garden has been redesigned for the 21st Century and is now an oasis of tender and tropical plants. Part of the heritage display ‘Kilrush in Landlord Times’ is also on display. Open all year Golf: Kilrush Golf Course (18 hole), described as the ‘friendliest golf course in Ireland’ Championship links courses of Lahinch and Doonbeg are a short drive away Guided Tours: Available at the Vandeleur Walled Garden and on Scattery Island Horse Riding: Several riding centres in the West-Clare area Other Attractions: The island of Scattery can be reached by boat trips from Kilrush Marina during the summer season (small visitor centre on the island). A variety of water activities available at Kilrush Creek Adventure Centre. Re-live the Percy French experience at the West Clare Railway, 5 minutes drive from Kilrush Dolphin Watching: Two hour boat trips depart from Kilrush Marina (Apr-Oct) Walking: Kilrush Woods, Killimer Road, Kilrush Swimming: Kilkee Seaworld, just a ten minute drive away |
| Picnic Area: | No |
| Coach Parking: | Yes |
| Group Booking Necessary: | Yes |
| Car Parking: | Yes |
| Disabled Access/Parking: | Yes |
Vandeleur Walled Garden
Beautiful old stone walls enclose this sheltered Walled Garden (2.158 acres) which is set among 420 acres of native woodland. Formerly part of the Vandeleur Family Demesne, this garden has been restored around the old path system with a horizontal maze, unusual water features and a free standin Victorian-style working glasshouse which is accessible to visitors. The garden specialises in many unusual and tender plants that thrive in the area’s uniquely westeren latitude microclimate.
Facilities in the peaceful courtyard setting of the Vandeleur Centre include a gift shop, conference suite and plant sales area. Children can enjoy the living willow structure and follow the butterfly trail. A collection of old farm machinery enhances the courtyard. The Vandeleur Picture Exhibition and part of the heritage exhibition “Kilrush in Landlord Times” are on display in the centre. At the Vandeleur coffee shop you can relax and enjoy tea/coffee and delicious homemade food. Ample parking for cars and coaches on site.
Opening Hours:
April – Oct: 10:00 - 18:00 (Daily)
Oct – April: 10:00 - 17:00 (Mon-Fri)
Enquiries:
Ph: 065-9051760
Fax: 065-9051782
Email: info@vandeleurwalledgarden.ie
Website: www.vandeleurwalledgarden.ie
GPS Co-ordinates: Latitude 52.636435 Longitude 9473644
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