BLUE FLAG BEACHES

There are plenty of uncrowded sandy beaches to choose from, and many of them have been awarded Blue Flag status, demonstrating good environmental standards, sanitary and safety features.  They include Cappa Pier, White Strand, Lahinch, Ballyvaughan, Kilkee, Ballycuggeran and Mountshannon.  Nearby Kilrush has been awarded Blue Flag Marina status.

DOLPHIN WATCHING

Discover the Shannon's school of  wild bottle nose dolphins, and watch in awe as they leap and skim the waves.  Departing from Kilrush Marina, the two hour boat trips operate to a strict code of standards to protect and preserve the dolphin's enviroment. Peak season is April - October.

Tel: (065) 905 1327, email info@discoverdolphins.ie or www.discoverdolphins.ie

VANDELEUR WALLED GARDEN

Once the forgotten garden of Kilrush House, this walled garden has now been redesigned and specialises in many unusual plants that thrive in the area's uniquely western latitude climate.  Facilities include a coffee shop, gift shop and plant sales area.

Tel: (065) 905 1760, email vandeleurwalledgarden@eircom.net

SCATTERY ISLAND

At the mouth of the Shannon, Scattery Island was a 6th century monastic settlement.  On the island are the ruins of 7 chuches, a 30 metre Round Tower, a holy well, a deserted village and a formidable gun battery fort and lighthouse.  A 15 minute ferry service operates daily from Kilrush Marina from April to October.

Tel: (065) 905 1327

THE BURREN

The Burren (from the Gaelic 'Boireann' meaning stony place) is an extraordinary lunar-like rocky area composed of karstic limestone.  Its formation has lain unspoilt from the Ice Age, and is over 300 sq kilometres in size.  It is home to the most beautiful rare and unusual wildflowers, and is a real haven for botanists, archaeologists and walkers alike.  There are majestic rivers, tranquil lakes, towering cliffs, lush green valleys, barren rock mountains and relics of ancient civilizations.  Visit www.burrenbeo.com for more information.

GOLF

There are a wide range of courses in the area to suit every golfer.  These include the new championship course at Woodstock Golf Club (www.woodstockgolfclub.com), Dromoland Castle Golf & Country Club (www.dromoland.ie). Shannon Golf Club (www.shannongolf.com), East Clare Golf Club (www.eastclare.com), Kilrush Golf Club (www.kilrushgolfclub.com), Lahinch Golf Club  (www.lahinchgolf.com), Doonbeg Golf Club (www.doonbeggolfclub.com)  and Kilkee Golf Club (www.kilkeegolfclub.ie).

CYCLING

Co Clare has a large number of designated cycle routes and trails.  The nearest ones include The West Clare Cycleway, a 70km coastal route, relatively flat with occasional short climbs.  The Loop Head Cycleway is a 65km circular route with dramatic Atlantic coastline.  The Dolphin Cycleway is a shortened version of 27km with no major climbs.  The Burren Cycleway is a hilly route of 69km which traverses the beautiful Burren region of north Co Clare taking in the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and south coastline of Galway Bay.  The Dolmen Cycleway is a shortened version of 45km and taking in only the remoter parts.  Lough Derg Cycleway is 132km route taking in the perimeter of Lough Derg, mostly flat but with some steep climbs.  Click on the link below to download a brochure for more information on walking and cycling routes:

http://www.holidaycottageinireland.com/USERIMAGES/walking&cyclingbrochure.pdf

WALKING

Walking is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Shannon Region. A network of quiet country roads and lanes, forest paths and mountain trails will take you to the heart of the beautiful, rural countryside.  For serious walkers, there are many well organised routes in the loveliest areas, which are clearly signposted at all junctions with standard way-markers. Eleven national, long-distance walking trails traverse the Region's most interesting scenery.  For more information see the above download under 'Cycling'.

HORSE RIDING

The Shannon region is in the heart of Irish riding country, with mountain trails, country lanes, forest paths and deserted beaches.  There are numerous centres throughout Co Clare catering from complete novices to experienced riders.  Local facilities to Creegh include:

Kilkee Pony Trekking Centre (065) 906 0071  

Danganelly Equestrian Centre, Kilrush (065) 905 9213

SURFING

The surf on the Atlantic coast is great for all levels of surfers, with Doughmore Strand and Spanish Point particulary well known for quality surfing.  Lessons, summer kids camp, board hire and advice are available from The Ocean Scene Surf Schools in Lahinch and Ennis (www.oceanscene.ie) and Lahinch Surf School (www.lahinchsurfschool.com).

SCUBA DIVING

Take your first dive in sheltered waters with superb visibility and sea life, or improve your skills with various advanced PADI courses with the Burren Adventure Dive School (www.burrenadventures.com).   Also available at Kilkee Diving and Watersports Centre (065 905 6707).

WATERSPORTS

Sailing, windsurfing, powerboating, kayaking and canoeing - whatever floats your boat!  All tuition and hire for children and adults available from Nevsail Watersport in Kilkee (www.nevsailwatersports.com).

CLIFFS OF MOHER

One of Irelands most important bird breeding sites, the area is home to a major colony of cliff nesting for over 20 species. The designated site covers over 200 hectares, and is home to around 30,000 pairs of breeding seabirds annually from May to August.  For more information see www.birdwatchireland.ie.

WEST CLARE RAILWAY

Relive the steam locomotive experience on this narrow gauge railway through beautiful rural Ireland.  Ride along the original tracks, and visit the restored station house, tea room, dining car and souvenir shop.  Situated on the N67 between Kilrush and Kilkee, open all year round (www.westclarerailway.com).