Kilrush Decentralisation Information

See Decentralisation Central Application Facility

http://www.revenue.ie/doc/kilrush.doc

Kilrush `Cill Ruis'

Heritage & Maritime Town

Information provided courtesy of Kilrush Town Council and www.kilrush.ie.

Material updated 10 March 2004.

General Introduction

Kilrush is at the centre of the rich and diverse coastal landscape of the West Clare Peninsula. It offers an excellent quality of life with the Atlantic seaboard offering the cleanest air in Europe. Beautiful beaches and an unspoilt natural environment surround the area.

Kilrush is a designated Heritage town recognising its legacy as a landlord estate town with a rich maritime and market tradition.

Kilrush is a welcoming friendly community - a community that has time for one another. Kilrush is the primary business town for the West Clare Peninsula and hence the primary location of commercial activity in the region and rural hinterland. The town embraces a wide variety of leisure activities, services, shopping, education facilities and attractions for the visitors and residents alike.

According to the latest census figures the population of Kilrush urban area is 2,699 with the population of Kilrush rural area at 10,344 representing 10% of County Clare's population of 103,277. Kilrush rural area embraces the nearby towns and villages of Cahermurphy, Cloonadrum, Clooncoorha, Cooraclare, Creegh, Doonbeg, Drumellihy, Einagh, Glenmore, Kilballyowen, Kilfearagh, Kilkee, Killimer, Kilmihil, Kilmurry, Knock, Knocknaboley, Knockmagore, Moveen, Moyarta, Mullagh, Querrin, Rahona, St. Martin's Tullig and Tullycreen.

Kilrush is situated in south-west Clare on the Shannon Estuary at the junction of the N67, N68, R473 and R483.

Journey length by road to major cities, Killimer Ferry and Shannon International Airport are as follows;

	Kilkee	Ennis	Limerick	Galway	Dublin	Cork	Shannon Airport	Killimer Ferry
Minutes	10	40	70	100	240	155	55	5
km	13	42	76	107	256	90 (Via Ferry)	59	8

Kilrush Town Council & Area Offices are located in Kilrush Town Hall in the Town Centre. It has been the centre of administration since 1885 with eight programme groups; Housing, Roads, Water & Sewerage, Planning & Development, Recreation & Amenity, Environmental Protection, Agriculture/Education/Health/Welfare & Miscellaneous. At present plans are being progressed to deliver a one-stop shop providing services for Kilrush and the West Clare Electoral Area.

Transport

Road

There is a good road network connecting Kilrush to the N18 to Ennis, Limerick, Shannon and Galway and the N7 to Dublin and to all the major population centres.

Public Transport

There is a daily bus service operating from Kilrush to all destinations. There are five buses a day to Ennis and onward to Limerick, Dublin or Cork.

Regular passenger and freight trains operate from Ennis to Limerick, Dublin or Cork.

Ferry

Kilrush is adjacent to the Killimer/Tarbert Car Ferry. The Ferry brings Listowel, Tralee and the entire North Kerry area within 30 minutes of Kilrush. It operates 7 days a week throughout the year.

Summer Sailings

Depart from Killimer every half-hour from 7.00am-9.00pm

Depart from Tarbert every half hour 7.30am-9.30pm.

Winter Sailings

Depart from Killimer every hour on the hour from 7.00am-7.00pm

Depart from Tarbert every hour on the half hour from 7.30am-7.30pm

Airport

Shannon International Airport is 59 kilometres (55 minutes drive) from Kilrush. The airport is well serviced by Aer Lingus, Ryanair, Delta, Continental Airlines, US Air, Royal Jordanian & Skynet. The airport offers full 24-hour services including a domestic service to Dublin and a network of passenger and freight services to 26 international & European destinations.

Local Transport

There are 7 Local Hackney operators in the Kilrush area. All Hackney operators operate on a call out basis. Fares for a local trip very from €3.50- €5.00.

Parking Facilities

A pay and display system operates in Kilrush Town Centre. Maximum stay is two hours. Parking charges are 50c for a two-hour period.

To facilitate local residents/workers, Kilrush Town council provides a free car park in the Town Centre that can accommodate approximately 100 cars. There is no restriction on the length of stay.

Accommodation

There is a wide range of housing & accommodation available both within the urban and rural area. There are a number of reputable auctioneers based in the town who can provide further professional advice.

Current & Planned Housing Developments

Location	Size of Development	House Type	Price Range	Status
Killimer Road	Planning permission for 52 houses. 15 currently under construction	3/4/5 Bed Houses	4/5 bed Semi Detached - 170k-180k 3 bed detached with garage - 178 k	Under construction
Cappa Rd (Sea front) & Ballynote West (Kilkee Rd)	30 Houses	3 bed semi-detached	160k	Under Construction-6 remaining
Sea Views	20 Houses	3 & 4 Beds	180k - 190k	*Pending planning permission
Over Looking Estuary	20 Apartments	2 & 3 bed apartments	2 bed - 170k 3 bed - 220k	*Pending planning permission
John Street (Town Centre)	6 Town houses 1 Apartment	2 bed 2 bed	150k 120k-130k	*Pending planning permission
O'Dea's Rd (off Ennis Road)	3 Town Houses	3 bed	Circa 190k	*Pending planning permission
Wilsons Rd (Off Ennis Road)	3 Houses	4 / 5 Bed Semi-Detached	170k-180k	*Pending planning permission
Doonbeg Rd (Adjacant Town)	4 Houses	4 bed Detached Houses	235k	*Pending planning permission

Second-Hand Housing Stock

There is an ever changing second-hand housing stock available in Kilrush. An overview of some of the current second hand housing stock is as follows;

Location	Description	Price	Status
Cappa (Sea View)	20 year old 5 Bed semi-detached House	200k	Currently for Sale
Cappa (Sea View)	10 year old 6 bed Detached house	220k	Currently for Sale
Moore Street	3 bed terraced own House	130k	Currently for Sale

Rentals

Accommodation for rent in Kilrush tends to be rented and advertised privately. At present there is a number of existing properties in the rental market and also a town centre development nearing completion.

Location	Description	Rental	Status
The Square (Town Centre)	6 x 1 bed Flats	70-80 per week	Currently occupied but ever changing
John Street (Town Centre)	14 newly built 2 bed apartments	450-550 per month	Construction just finishing. 13 already let but likely to be ever changing

Sites

The average cost for a 1/2 acre site outside of the town with full planning permission would be approximately €40k

Water Supply

Water is supplied to Kilrush from the West Clare Regional Water Scheme at Doolagh. This scheme has a daily capacity of 3m gallons. At present the scheme is not operating at full capacity therefore any further developments can be serviced. The water quality in the area is regularly tested and is of a high quality.

Waste Management

Presently, the towns waste management needs are serviced by a number of private licenced waste management operators. As well as recycling facilities available in the town Car Park there is also a civic amenity site located at Lisdeen (approx 8 km from Kilrush). Recycling facilities available at Lisdeen include cans (food & drink), glass, plastic bottles, textiles, cardboard, paper and white goods.

Business Facilities

Hotels & Guest-Houses

At present there is no Hotel operating in Kilrush however it continues to be a key priority action of the West Clare Industry & Enterprise Task Force.

The Town is well serviced by private accommodation providers with 14 Fáilte Ireland Approved Guest Houses and 1 Tourist Hostel. Over night accommodation charges vary from €30.00-€35.00 per person sharing for a double room en-suite.

Conference Facilities

The following local centres can provide small to medium size conference/meeting facilities plus catering options.

Kilrush Golf Club 70-80 pax Theatre style

Kilrush Creek Lodge 2 meeting rooms - 50 pax & 20 pax

Vandeleur Walled Garden 100 pax Theatre Style

Hotels in Kilkee can accommodate medium to large conferences

Kilkee Bay Hotel 200 pax Theatre Style

Break out room 20-30 pax

Stella Maris Hotel, Kilkee 100 pax Theatre Style

Marina Hotel, Kilkee 70 pax Theatre Style

Breakout room 25 pax

Professional Services

There are a wide range or professional services available in the town including architects, accountants, auctioneers, solicitors and pharmacists.

Financial Institutions

Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Bank, Permanent TSB and the ACC bank all have branches operating from Kilrush. Kilrush also has its own Credit Union.

Telecommunications Network

Kilrush is currently connected to the National Network via a 140 Bm/s capacity radio system in Ennis. Investigation is currently taking place regarding the rollout of a community broadband infrastructure.

Education

Kilrush is well serviced by a network of schools catering for all educational needs, all with a track record in high educational attainment and excellence.

Primary School

St. Senan's Convent Primary School is a co-educational establishment offering a wide range of facilities. The current school attendance is 306 pupils with average class size of between 15-20 pupils. The school has the capacity for a greater intake.

There are also a number of quality rural national schools in Moyasta, Kilkee, Doonbeg, Cooraclare, Knockerra and Kilmihil.

GaelScoil

There is 1 Gaelscoil operating in Kilrush 'Gaelscoil Ui Choimin'. The

Gaelscoil caters for children between the ages of 4-12. Current attendance is 90 with the capacity for 100 intake. The school is currently seeking a new premises to facilitate expansion.

Secondary School

Kilrush Community School was newly built in 1998. The school offers a comprehensive programme of academic and practical subjects to Leaving Certificate Level. Current attendance is at 356 with capacity for 550 students.

Adult Education

The Kilrush Adult Education Centre, located in the Town Centre, together with VEC organised courses in Kilkee & Kilmihil provide a number of adult education courses.

Special Needs

The Brothers of Charity Centre in Kilrush provides a facility for adults with learning disabilities with transport and supported accommodation available.

Westside Business College

Kilrush Business College offer a range of evening courses from the Adult Education Centre. Courses available are as follows;

Professional qualification in Accounting Technician.

Diplomas Human Resource Management

Business Administration

Facilitation in Skills Management

Certificates Employment Skills

Reception Duties

Miscellaneous

Basic/Intermediate/Advanced courses are offered in Computing

Also offer 10-week classes in Creative Writing, Journalism & Aromatherapy.

Third Level Education

Kilrush is located in close proximity to several third level colleges. Students from West Clare have convenient access to educational facilities at universities and other third level institutions in Limerick, Tralee (via Ferry), Galway and Shannon. Private and public coaches provide regular services to and from these colleges.

Childcare & Children's Facilities

Creché & Montessori Facilities

Acorn Creche, Frances Street

Proprietor: Fiona Glynn (065-9052800)

Facilities include Creche, Playgroup, Montessori

Qualified Staff - Health Board Approved

Capacity for 45

Availability: Good

Fees: €120 per child per week including meals.

½ day - €25

Per day - €30

Hours: 8.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.

Montessori School, Within St. Senan's Primary School

Proprietor: Fiona Honan (086-2712992)

Age group - Pre-school

Qualified staff - Health Board Approved.

Capacity: 20 with 3 teachers

Vacancies: None until 2006

Fees: €35 per week

Hours: 9.15 am - 12.30 p.m.

Kilrush Community Centre & Glebe House

Currently providing an after school service & creche facility. Fees depend on circumstances. Glebe House currently has planning permission pending for a new premises and to increase the present capacity of Glebe House. Glebe House plans to amalgamate services with the Community Centre to provide for up to 40 children between creche, playschool and an after school service.

Children's Clubs & Activities

Kilrush has a very active Beavers, Cubs & Scouts & Girl Guides, Brownies & Ladybirds Clubs.

Kilrush Youth Centre have a continuous programme of activities for children throughout the year including a Summer Tennis Camp.

Kilrush Rangers Soccer Club host the FAI Summer Soccer School in July every year. The school is held in Gallery Park, Cooraclare Rd.

Kilrush Family Fun Day takes place in the Carpark of Kilrush Woods every year in August.

The Shannon Dolphin & Wildlife Foundation organise a Dol-Fun weekend aimed at Children of all ages in May. This weekend aims to raise awareness and interest in the shannon dolphins and marine heritage through a range of fun & interactive activities.

The Vandeleur Walled Garden organises the following events for children;

Junior Disco's throughout the year to coincide with school term breaks

Chidlren's Halloween Party & Disco

Easter Egg Hunt

Family Fun Day in July

Santa's Grotto & Wonderland for the two weekends running up to Christmas.

Kilrush Chamber of Commerce also organise the Spirit of Christmas Poster Competition and Santa's Den on the last Saturday in November every year.

Health Care

There are 6 medical practitioners in Kilrush Town and several more in the surrounding areas of Kilkee, Doonbeg, Kilmihil & Killadysart. A full 24-hour service is also provided by Shannon doc.

There are 4 dental surgeons in private practice in the town.

There are two nursing homes in the town offering professional medical and nursing care for the elderly. Ennis General Hospital offers general medical services & psychiatric services.

A range of alternative medical specialists and holistic treatment centres are also based in the area.

Shopping

Kilrush, as a busy market town has a wide range of quality shops including several fashion houses, newsagents, shoe stores, craft shop, book shop, sports shop, wine shop, toy store, butchers, take-away, dry cleaners, hardware & electrical shores.

Queally's Super Valu on Frances Street is the main supermarket in the town. There are also 2 Mace stores and 1 Londis store operating in the town centre.

Kilrush Farmers market also operates every Saturday morning from 10.00am-2.00pm supplying Kilrush with a selection of fresh home-grown farm produce.

Entertainment

Pubs

There are 14 pubs located in and around the town centre. At weekends there is a good mix of musical entertainment & pub quizes. Many of the Pubs also serve a `pub grub' menu throughout the day.

Restaurants

The town offers a number of quality dining experiences with the Quaterdeck Restaurant, Kelly's Bar & Restaurant, The Haven Arms & Restaurant, The Quayside Restaurant & Chans Chinese Restaurant operating throughout the year. Two take-away establishments also operate in the Town Centre.

Nightclubs

There are two nightclubs operating in Kilkee.

Cinema/Theatre

The nearest Cinema is the 6 screen Omniplex in Ennis.

Glór Irish Music Centre, in Ennis offers a wide variety of musical & dramatic performances including many well know national & international artists. They also run an extensive programme of foreign & classic films and plenty of musicals and pantos for the kids.

Natural Environment

The quality of the natural environment is independently verified by the Blue Flag status awarded to Kilrush, Cappa and other areas in West Clare. Interspread along the West Clare coastline are fine sandy beaches and harbours. They are ideal for a wide range of activities from angling to swimming to bird watching on the nearby Loop head Peninsula.

Dolphin Watching

The Shannon Estuary is home to Ireland's only group of resident bottlenose dolphins, one of only six groups in Europe.

Organised boat excursions depart daily from Kilrush & Carrigaholt during the season. All boats operate to a strict code of standards designed to protect and preserve the dolphins environment.

Dolphin watching from the shore is also possible from a scenic high point close to Kilrush town called Aylevarroo Point.

Kilrush Woods

Kilrush woods is situated on the outskirts of Kilrush on the Killimer Road. It is a perfect place for a safe and leisurely walk or picnic with the family.

Community Facilities

Library Facilities

Modern Library facilities are available in Kilrush & Kilkee.

Community Centre

Kilrush Community Centre provides a central location for a wide variety of activities which include Easi-Slim & Weightwatchers, Grow - Mental Health Group, Civil Defence & Army Reserve (FCA), Red Cross, Crafts, Aromatherapy, Ballet & a Womens Group.

Swimming Pool

Kilkee Waterworld in only 10 minutes drive from Kilrush. It includes an aqua play area boasting a range of fun features, a bubble pool, the lazy river ride and 61m tower slide. It also offers a range of aqua-fit and swimming classes.

Beauty Treatments

There are two beauty Salons operating in Kilrush Town centre offering a range of beauty treatments and sunbeds.

Kilkee Thalassotherapy centre offers a range of specialised treatments for both men and women to relax and rejuvenate the body including traditional seaweed baths, body wraps, messages, facials, suana, steamroom and beauty treatments.

Community Organisations/Sports Clubs

Community Organisations

There is a vibrant community spirit in Kilrush with over 100 voluntary & community organisations active in the town.

Local organisations range from sporting clubs to dramatic & musical societies to charitable organisations to community development organisations. Kilrush has a very active Tidy Towns Committee and Chamber of Commerce. Please find attached a full index of all of the active organisations in Kilrush.

Sporting Clubs

Kilrush has a wide range of very active sporting clubs including GAA, soccer, rugby, boxing, judo, handball, angling, yachting and cycling.

Golf

Kilrush Golf Club, Ennis Road, Kilrush is an 18-hole golf course, is located just outside Kilrush on the Ennis road. Membership is open to the public and membership details are as follows

Initial Fee to Join: €400

Annual Membership: €457

Green Fees: Weekdays €30

Weekends €35

Kilkee Golf Course and the newly developed Greg Norman designed links course at Doonbeg are both only a short drive from Kilrush.

Kilrush Activity Centre

Situated within Kilrush Marina, Kilrush Adventure Centre is an integrated multi-activity centre. It combines a range of water and land based activities all of which are available with tuition.

Kilrush Marina

Kilrush is home to one of the finest marinas in the country. It has 120 fully serviced berths, a new marina centre and boatyard.

From the Marina you can enjoy yacht charter, sail training, dolphin watching boat trips and boat trips to nearby Scattery Island.

Diving Centre

Kilkee Diving & Watersports Centre is PADI approved and full equipment and training supplied.

Festivals

Each year Kilrush & West Clare play host to a number of events & festivals which capture the unique West Clare festival atmosphere including the following;

Eigse Mrs Crotty Traditional Music Festival in Kilrush

Dol-Fun Weekend in Kilrush

Willie Clancy Music Festival in Miltown Malbay

Willie Keane Memorial Weekend in Doonbeg

Drama Festival in Doonbeg

Family Festival in Doonbeg

Rose of Clare Festival in Cooraclare

The tradition of Horse Fairs & Markets is still alive in Kilrush with four fairs taking place on the streets of Kilrush every year in March, June, October and November.

Cultural Landmarks and Visitor Centres

Scattery Island

`Inis Cathaigh' is named after a mythical monster on the island. On the island are the remains of a 6th century monastic settlement founded by St. Senan, a unique 10th Century round tower and the ruins of seven churches and a village. The island is accessible via a short boat ride from Kilrush Marina.

Vandeleur Walled Garden

Once the forgotten garden of Kilrush House and the Vandeleurs, the 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. Facilities in the Vandeleur centre include a coffee shop, gift shop, plant sales area, & conference suite. The centre is also the venue for a large variety of community events throughout the year from art exhibitions, music recitals, Children's Halloween Party & Santa's Grotto to book launches

Churches & Places of Worship

Roman Catholic: St. Senan's Church, Toler Street,

Kilrush - 065-9051093

(50 member church choir)

Church of Ireland: Kilkee 065-6820109

Methodist: Limerick 061-325325

Presbyterian: Limerick 061-325325

Jehovah's Witnesses: Ennis 065-6821674

Jesus Christ of

Latter Day Saints: Limerick 061-309442

Evangelical: Ennis 065-6820880

Baptist: Limerick 061-328199

Further information can be obtained on Kilrush and its environs on the website.

http://www.kilrush.ie/

Map of Kilrush

Kilrush Clubs/Organisations/Groups

Alzheimer Society of Ireland

Asthma Society of Ireland

Cappa Residents' Association

Caring for Carers - Clare Branch

Carers Association

Noel Charity Shop

Christmas Day Charity Swim

Citizens Information Centre

Clare Association of Artists & Craftworkers

Clare Community Forum (CCF)

Clare Tourist Council

Clare Haven Services Ltd

Clare Women's Network

Comhaltas Ceoltúirí Eireann

Comoradh Senan Naofa (St. Senan)

Concerned People of Kilrush

Cooraclare Ladies Football

County Clare Reading & Writing Scheme

Éigse Mrs. Crotty Festival

Equality for Womens Project

Feile na Currachaí

Freestyle Dance Academy

Friend's of St. Senan's Members Draw

Gaelscoil Ui Choimin Board of Management

Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA)

Irish Farmers Association

Irish Cancer Society

Irish Country Womens Association (ICA)

Kilrush Branch - Irish Red Cross

Irish Water Safety - Cappa

J Team

John Paul Estate Community Centre Ltd

K.T.C & Kilrush Chamber of Commerce Liaison Committee

Killimer GAA Hurling Club

Kilrush Active Retirement Association

Kilrush Al-Anon

Kilrush Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Kilrush All Saints Cemetry

Kilrush Angling Club

Kilrush Apostolic Work Group

Kilrush Art Group

Kilrush Beavers, Cubs & Scouts

Kilrush Bereavement Support Group

Kilrush Book Club

Kilrush Boxing Club

Kilrush Bridge Club

Kilrush CBS Past Pupils Association

Kilrush Chamber of Commerce

Kilrush Church Choir

Kilrush Church of Ireland Restoration Committee

Kilrush Community Centre

Kilrush Community Development Ltd (KCDL)

St. Senans Convent of Mercy Parents Council

St. Senans Convent of Mercy Board of Managementl

Kilrush Congress Information

Kilrush Convent of Mercy Past Pupils

Kilrush Convent of Mercy

Kilrush Coursing Club

Kilrush Crinna na Mban

Kilrush Dolphin Gateway Project

Kilrush Family Resource Centre

Kilrush Farmers Market

Kilrush Parish Folk Group

Kilrush Fire Brigade

Kilrush GAA Hurling Club

Kilrush Gentle Exercise

Kilrush Girl Guides/Brownies/Ladybirds

Kilrush Golf & Sports Club Club

Kilrush Graveyard Maintenance Group

Kilrush Graveyard Masses

Kilrush Green Schools Project

Kilrush Grief Support

Kilrush GROW

Kilrush Gun Club

Kilrush Handball Club

Kilrush Horse Fairs

Kilrush Judo Club

Kilrush Legion of Mary

Kilrush Marina Berth Holders

Kilrush Matt Talbot Novena

Kilrush Millennium Park Committee

Kilrush Mixed Media

Kilrush Money , Advise & Budgeting

Kilrush Neighbourhood Watch

Kilrush P.R./Media Group

Kilrush Parish Family Fun Day

Kilrush Parish Renewal

Kilrush Super Lotto Draw

Kilrush Players

Kilrush Pride of Place Committee

Kilrush Rainbows (Child bereavement)

Kilrush RNLI Branch

Kilrush RNLI Lifeboat Station

Kilrush Rugby Club

Kilrush Shamrocks GAA Football Club

Kilrush Rangers A.F.C

Kilrush Social Inclusion Multi Agency Group

Kilrush Sporting Alliance

Kilrush St. Patricks Day Parade

Kilrush Summer Tennis Camp

Kilrush Tidy Towns Committee

Kilrush Tourism Forum

Kilrush Whist Club

Kilrush Widows Association

Kilrush Wild Geese Committee

Kilrush Youth Start

Kilrush Plouzane Twinning Association

Lions Club of Kilrush and District

Macra Na Feirme

Mentally Handicapped Children of West Clare

Moneypoint A.F.C.

Moneypoint Fishing Club

Moneypoint Photographic Club

Moneypoint Sports

Music Lessons

Radio Corca Baiscinn

Rural Action Project (RAP)

Rural Resettlement Ireland

Scattery Island Trust

Senior Citizens' Club

Shannon Dolphin & Wildlife Foundation

Shipwrecked Mariners' Society

Special Olympics Host Town Committee 2003

St. Senans Church Parish Newsletter

St. Senan's Church Pastoral Council

St. Senan's Church Play & Pray Group

St. Senan's Church Readers

St. Vincent De Paul Society

The Rock Swimmers

The Samaritans

Trimline

Unislim

Weight Watchers

West Clare Branch Pony Club

West Clare Cancer Support Group

West Clare Christian Fellowship

West Clare Cycling Club

West Clare Horse Breeders Association

West Clare Industry & Enterprise Task Force

West Clare Mental Health Association

West Clare Vintners Association

West Clare Mini Marathon

Western Yacht Club

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

Web development by Kilrush Internet Bureau.