Kilrush Tourism
Kilrush has existed since the 16th century but it was not until the 18th century that it underwent major development. This development coincided with the succession of John Ormsby Vandeleur as the wealthiest landlord in the district. Of Dutch origin, the Vandeleur Family was the most prominent landlord family in West Clare. They designed the layout of the town and many of the present day street names derive from Vandeleur family names.An impressive walled garden on the grounds of the old Vandeleur estate can still be visited today, though their home was gutted by fire in the late 19th century.
Heritage Town
The designation of Kilrush as a Heritage Town recognises its legacy as a landlord estate town with a rich maritime and market tradition. There is a long maritime tradition in the town and the presence of a 1500 year old monastic settlement at Scattery Island (just offshore) shows that clearly. The old port of Kilrush is now home to a 120 berth marina with lock gate access to the Shannon Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. Offshore resides a large pod of Bottlenose dolphins who are resident year round in the estuary. Ferries to the island and dolphin tours are available year round, weather permitting. 10 kilometres (7 miles) from Kilrush is the seaside resort of Kilkee, a sandy horseshoe bay on the Atlantic coast.Sailing is also very popular. Classes and instructions on boating are available at the town marina. The Western Yacht Club has in the last decade been rejuvenated, being one of the oldest yacht clubs in the world.
Kilrush has two primary schools and one secondary school. St. Senans NS is an English speaking school, the other is an Irish speaking Gaelscoil, which is called Gaelscoil Ui Choimin. The secondary school is called Kilrush Community School
