Experience the Shannon Estuary Way

Shannon Estuary Way

The Shannon Estuary is a spectacular and unspoiled Estuary located just off the Wild Atlantic Way. This area of remarkable natural beauty is where Ireland’s longest river, The Mighty Shannon flows into the wild waters of the Mighty Atlantic Ocean.

This drive offers a delightful loop drive off the Wild Atlantic Way, for those inclined to take the serene way round! It’s also a fantastic day trip if you’re based in any of the nearby gateway towns such as Limerick, Ennis, Shannon Bunratty, Listowel, Kilrush or Kilkee.

Along the drive, you will find yourself passing through a string of delightful towns and pretty villages – stop off in any one for a chance to meet the locals whose lives and places are shaped by the great river.

Lots to See and do at Shannon Aviation Museum

Public Museum Opening Times:
Each Week: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm

Museum Admission
Adults €14.50
Students / Seniors /Over 12’s €11.50
Under 12’s €8.50
Under 12 months free

Flight Simulation is not included in Museum Admission. Check out our Aviation Discovery Tour for info

The Museum operates with the help of our fantastic volunteers and therefore we can only guarantee guided museum tours at specified booking times as part of Aviation Discovery Tours which we recommend for anyone over 8 years.

Discover More

This is a place full of stories and storytellers and perhaps ones you won’t have heard of before – such as life living on and farming the Estuary Islands, how the reeds of the river are harvested to make thatch for houses, the tragic tale of Colleen Bawn, the punt guns along the Shannon and how St. Senan of Scattery Island defeated the serpent. And that’s just to name a few.

The driving route winds its way through stunning and changing landscapes and river vistas, offering everything from medieval heritage to outdoor adventure along the way. The Estuary is home to dolphins that live there all year round, even giving birth to their calves there. You can even take a beautiful ferry ride between Killimer in County Clare and Tarbert in County Kerry – a great chance to spot a dolphin!