Activities
West Clare - One of Ireland's Best Kept Secrets
Activities: Kilrush Golf Club, Discover The Shannon Dolphins, Vandeleur Walled Garden, Kilrush Creek Marina, Shannon Ferry, Eigse Mrs. Crotty Festival, Nell Galvin of Moyasta Traditional Music Weekend, Loop Head Adventures
See details of 18-hole golf course.
Discover The Shannon DolphinsScattery Island Ferries Ltd, Kilrush Creek Marina, Kilrush, Co. Clare.
Approved
The Shannon estuary is Ireland's first marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and home to the country's only known resident group of bottlenose dolphins. Join us on board our sight-seeing ferry M.V. “Dolphin Discovery” as we sail from Kilrush Marina to observe these exuberant creatures in their natural habitat. Dolphins are curious, playful, unpredictable animals, whose charming antics are bound to amaze and delight you. Over 100 individual dolphins have been identified using the estuary at different times and calves are born each year between May and August. The dolphin watching trip takes 1 1/2 - 2 hours, with a number of sailings daily.
Prices are Adults @ €22 and Children Under-16 @ €10.
Prior booking advisable.
Scattery Island : Licensed ferry to the 6th century monastic island, 2km. from Kilrush.
Tel: +353 (0) 65 9051327 Fax: +353 (0) 65 9051327
E-mail: Discover Dolphins
Website: www.discoverdolphins.ie
Member of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce 2007
Vandeleur Walled GardenKilrush Amenity Trust Ltd, Vandeleur Demesne, The Woods, Kilrush, Co. Clare.
Vandeleur Walled Garden's beautifully constructed walls contain this sheltered garden, once the Walled Garden for Kilrush House. As a forgotten garden, the Vandeleur Walled Garden has been redesigned for the 21st Century around the old path system and specialises in many unusual and tender plants that thrive in the area's uniquely western latitude micro climate. 
Replanting the borders that line the walls began in the spring of 2000. Restoration work is now nearing completion. The centre of the garden contains the nucleus of a plant collection and there are a variety of areas for the visitors' pleasure, including unusual water features, tree collection and horizontal maze.Enjoy the special events which take place in many different settings in the Walled Garden such as Floral Recitals, Arts, Craft and Culture exhibitions. See Houses, Castles and Gardens of Ireland.
Location: 2km from Kilrush Town Centre on the Killimer Road; 8km from the Shannon Ferry (Killimer - Tarbert)Open Summer: 10.00am- 6.00pm daily, last entry 5.30pm
Open Winter: 10.00am-5.00pm daily, last entry 4.30pm
Admission: Adult €5.00; Child €2.00;OAP €3.00; Student €3.00; Family €10.00; Annual Ticket: €25.00. Group Rates available.
Group Guided Tours Only with Head Gardener, Mr. Karoly Torok.
Facilities:Coffee Shop
Conference Suite
Gift and Plant Shop
Woodland Trails
Contact: Susanne Matejka, Centre Manager.
The Vandeleur Walled Garden and Centre were funded by Kilrush Town Council and Clare County Council and with the assistance of ERDF grant through Shannon Development / Great Gardens of Ireland Programme also, LEADER II / RRD Ltd., FAS and POBAL.
Tel:+353 (0)65 905 1760 Fax: +353 (0)65 905 1782
E-mail: Vandeleur Walled Garden
Kilrush Chamber of Commerce Web Advertisement 2007
Kilrush Creek MarinaKilrush, Co. Clare.
Continuing a great maritime tradition.
Kilrush Creek Marina, Ireland's first fully integrated Marina Development is located on the West Coast in the beautiful and picturesque Shannon Estuary and is ideally placed for cruising north to the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and Connemara, or south to Tralee Bay, Dingle and the established cruising areas of West Cork and Kerry. It is also the gateway to Ireland's inland waterways and to over 240 Km of inland cruising on Lough Derg, the majestic River Shannon and the Irish canal system. The marina is located in the attractive heritage town of Kilrush, which itself has a long maritime tradition. Kilrush Creek Marina is just an hour's drive from Shannon International Airport, offering easy access from the U.K., Europe and North America.
In addition to offering cruising in uncrowded waters with spectacular scenery and a sheltered haven with all the old world charm of the West of Ireland, Kilrush Marina has the following services and facilities:
120 fully serviced pontoon berths with access at all stages of the tide.Marina Centre with shower and toilet facilities, self service laundry, car park and fully trained staff on duty 24 hours a day. Modern boatyard with full boat repair and service facilities, including a 45 ton boat hoist, slip way, fueling berth and open or covered standing.Deep sea angling, yacht chartering, sail training and boat trips to the famous monastic Scattery Island.The Marina is located in the market town of Kilrush, which contains a wide variety of shops, pubs, restaurants and guest accommodation.Recommended: Frommer's Ireland
Contact: John Hehir, Marina Manager.
Tel:+353 (0)65 9052072 Fax: + 353 (0)65 9051692
Mobile:+353 86 231 3870
E-mail: Kilrush Creek Marina
Member of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce 2007
Shannon FerryShannonFerry Group, Killimer, Co. Clare-Tarbert, Co. Kerry
While touring the Shannon Region, remember that a 20 minute journey by ferry will take you from West Clare across the Shannon Estuary to Kerry or vice versa, saving you 137 km. Sailings every day except Christmas Day. No reservations required and fares paid onboard. The ferry leaves Killimer in Clare every hour on the hour and Tarbert in Kerry every hour on the half hour. Additional sailings during June to September with second ferry. Shannon Ferry Timetable
Service every day of the year except Christmas Day
(weather permitting).
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A stop at the Killimer Gift and Coffee Shop is a must where you can enjoy a snack and browse through our extensive gift shop.
Recommended: Frommer's Ireland
Tel.+353 (0)65 9053124 Fax: +353 (0)65 9053125
E-mail: Shannon Ferries
Member of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce 2007
Kilrush Creek Adventure CentreKilrush Creek Marina, Cappagh Road, Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland.
Kilrush Creek Adventure Centre will not be operating as a sail traing centre in the 2008 season.
Eigse Mrs. Crotty 2007
Concertina Summer School & Traditional Music Festival, August 15-19, 2007, Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland. A Unique Festival of Concertina Music celebrating the legacy of a remarkable West Clare musician, Elizabeth CrottyKilrush, Co. Clare.
"We hope everyone will enjoy this year's celebration of the music of Elizabeth Crotty. The festival's broad musical programme of events will appeal to both veterans of the concertina and newcomers to the craft alike. We look forward to your return for the coming year.
Eigse Mrs. Crotty, a weekend celebration of the life and music of one of the outstanding figures of traditional Irish music will be held in Kilrush, Co. Clare, over five days from August 15-19, 2007."
John Kennedy
Chairperson, Eigse Mrs. Crotty
Éigse Mrs Crotty 2007 Programme of Events
Wednesday, August 15th
7pm Céilí in the Square with P.J. Murrihy and Seamus Shannon Céilí Band.
Thursday, August 16th
10am Concertina, Fiddle & Flute Classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced students
Concertina Teachers: Tim Collins, Micheál Ó Radhallaigh, Jack Talty, Una Grogan,Jacqueline McCarthy Ernestine Healy, Dympna O'Sullivan, Sharon O'Leary, Rory McMahon, Mairéad Considine, Edel Fox, Katie O'Sullivan, Caroline Tubridy and Bláthnaid Nic Cába.
Fiddle Teachers: Tomás McUilleagóid, Anne Rynne, Carmel O'Dea, John McEvoy.
10am Traditional Singing Workshop with Tim Dennehy
2pm Concertina maintenance and repair workshop with Jurgen Suttner.
7pm Céilí in the Square with The Five Counties Céilí Band.
8pm Concertina Recital at Teach Ceól.
10pm Concertina Club
Friday, August 17th
10am Concertina, Fiddle & Flute Classes and Traditional Singing Workshop
1pm Set Dancing Classes with Mary Clancy
4pm Traditional Singing Session with Tim Dennehy
7pm Céilí in the Square with The Four Courts Céilí Band
8pm Official Opening by Kieran Hanrahan followed by Mrs Crotty Memorial Lecture:
"Concertina Recordings made in West Clare in the 70's" by Neil Wayne.
10pm Concertina Club
Saturday, August 18th
10am Concertina, Fiddle & Flute Classes and Traditional Singing Workshop
1pm Set Dancing Classes with Mike Mahoney.
2pm Concertina Masterclass
4pm Céilí in the Square with The Abbey Céilí Band
8pm Mrs Crotty Memorial Concert with "PATRICK STREET"
Also featuring: John McEvoy and John Wayne with
Edel Fox, Ronan O'Flaherty and Tim Dennehy.
10pm Concertina Club
Sunday, August 19th
12 noon Mrs Crotty Memorial Mass followed by a visit to graveside
2pm Set Dancing Classes with Mary Murrihy
3pm Music in the Vandeleur Walled Garden by Inis Cathaigh Kilrush Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.
7pm Céilí in the Square with The Kilfenora Céilí Band
10pm Concertina Club
Contact: John Kennedy, President/PRO, Ferry Road, Carnacalla, Kilrush, Co. Clare.Tel: +353 (0) 87 222 9518
Website: www.eigsemrscrotty.com
Kilrush Chamber of Commerce Web Advertisement 2007
Ellen (Nell) Galvin of Moyasta Traditional Music Weekend
Held at Clancy's Bar, Moyasta, Kilrush, Co. Clare on Friday 5th September, Saturday 6th September and Sunday 7th September, 2008. There will be a number of workshops for Set Dancing, Fiddle, Flute, Concertina, Tin Whistle and Sean Nos.Friday 5th September:
The Official Opening at 9p.m. by well known fiddler, Vincent Griffin, Feakle. This will be followed by a Ceili. Music by the Four Courts Ceili Band. There will be music sessions in the Bar.
Saturday 7th September (Provisional):
12 noon to 2pm: Set Dancing Workshop
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Fiddle Workshop with Vincent Griffin.
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Flute Workshop with Paddy O'Donoghue.
This will be followed by Music sessions in Clancy's Bar until late.
Photo: Mrs Ellen Galvin of Moyasta c. 1937
Sunday 2nd September (Provisional):
Mass in Lisdeen Church at 9.30 a.m. followed by a
visit to Ellen Galvin's Grave in Lisdeen. From 12 noon there will be sessions
of traditional music in Clancy's Bar until late. Musicians from all over
Clare and from Cork, Galway, Dublin and Limerick will be in attendance.
ALL MUSICIANS WELCOME. Accommodation and food will be provided for
visiting musicians.
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Background: Ellen Galvin of Moyasta
Ellen (Nell) Galvin (1887-1961) as she was locally known was born Ellen McCarthy, and lived at Ballydineen, Knockalough Co. Clare. She was born in 1887. Around the 1920's and 1930's there was a famous blind Piper named Garret Barry living in Inagh, Co. Clare and he was a regular visitor to the McCarthy home. Nell was one of his pupils and she played both the Concertina and Fiddle at a very young age.At the age of 14 the Blind Piper insisted that she would be entered for her first "Feis" Competition in Ennis and she won the competition playing the fiddle. At the age of 18 she was again entered for the Munster Championships in Ennis on both the Fiddle and Concertina (as she was undecided as to which instrument she would devote her time to.) Here she brought off a remarkable double, winning on both instruments. Her title was later confirmed in Kilkee where the adjudicator was Mr. Seamus Clandillon, later to be nominated as the first Director of Radio Éireann.
The late Dr. Vincent O'Brien later gave her an audition in Dublin for Radio. This was in 1937 and she successfully broadcast on a number of occasions at that time when Radio Éireann was simply known as 2RN.
During those years Nell had married Patrick Galvin of Moyasta and was the mother of five children - three boys and two girls. Stephen R.I.P her youngest son played both timber flute and piano and played with his mother Nell with the Kilfenora Céilí Band as guests and a reel played by them that had no name was named "Mrs Galvin's Reel" by the Band and that name still holds today.
She played with some of the greats in Traditional Irish Music such as Willie Clancy, John Kelly, Dr. Bill Loughnane, Mrs. Crotty, Sean Reid, Garret Barry,
She held the distinction of being the first Clare Woman to broadcast Traditional Irish Music from 2RN in 1937.
She died on 5th September 1961 aged 74 years.
A Committee has been set up in Moyasta to commemorate her musical life and the first weekend of September (31st August, 1st September and 2nd September, 2007) has been set aside for this purpose.
Committee: Chairperson - Peadar Crotty; Secretary: Mary Haugh, Treasurer: Christina Clancy; Rose James, Peter James, Margaret Whelan; Tim Thompson, Carmel Thompson, Rob Hopkins, Pat Moroney, Ann Moroney, Marian O'Rourke, Jacinta Maloney, Ann Purtill.
Contact: Mary Haugh, Secretary. Tel: +353 (0) 65 905 1597
This advertisement sponsored by The Moyasta Coffee Company and the festival was funded by the Arts Council. 
Kilrush Chamber of Commerce Web Advertisement 2008
Loop Head AdventuresMike Barnes, Fodra, Kilbaha, Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland.
Explore the unexplored of County Clare, the very tip, the last sod, where few have gone before you. Bring hiking boots and rain gear and a wet or dry suit for swimming. Cycle around for the day. Spend the weekends here, camping out in tents or staying at local Bed and Breakfasts.On Site Holiday Cottage for Rent. Sleeps at least (6). All amenities free. All 'mod cons'. Price: €900 per week.
Explore the cliffs of Loop Head.Go beach combing via the beaches on both sides of the Loop Head Peninsula.Hike the Bridges of Ross area and other areas known only to locals.Visit the Church of the Little Ark of Kilbaha and Craft Trail Gilft Shop.
See the Battlements at the entrance to the Shannon Estuary.Go swimming where few have ever ventured.See caves and coves cut into the rocks by the wild Atlantic Ocean.Go fishing off the rocks of Loop Head and on the beahes of Kilbaha. See fishing at Bridges of Ross.Cycle for exercise and see all these areas while stopping for lunch and pint at The Lighthouse Inn, Kilbaha or at Keating's New Quay Pub.Hill and road walking on both sides of the Loop Head Peninsula.Day trips organised.
Rental Hire Rates: Bicycles @ €15 per day. Fishing Rods @ €15 per day; Snorkelling including equipment @ €30 per day.Coffee Shop, Fishing Tackle and Gift Shop on site.
Open: St. Patrick's Day to October. Weekends: 8.00am-8.00pm. Weekdays by appointment or scheduled guided trips
Contact: Mike Barnes, Proprietor.
Tel.+353 (0) 65 - 905 9233
Mobile: 087-664 0605
E-mail: loopheadsports@eircom.net
Kilrush Chamber of Commerce Web Advertisement 2008
Enquiry Form
West Clare - One of Ireland's Best Kept Secrets
www.westclare.com
Kilrush Chamber of Commerce
Frances Street, Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland.
Telephone: +353 65 905 1061 Fax: +353 65 905 1002
E-mail: Kilrush Chamber of Commerce
Web: www.westclare.com and www.westclare.eu
ã Copyright 2008. Kilrush Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
Web development by Kilrush Internet Bureau.