Adventure Guide in the Shannon Region

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Activities & Adventure Guide for Ireland’s Shannon Region

CLARE LIMERICK NORTH TIPPERARY SOUTH OFFALY

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Contents: Introduction

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Activities: adventure water based angling cycling equestrian golf walking special interest

Shannon Region Map

04 12 20 28 32 40 48 54 18-19

For great activity and adventure breaks visit www.ShortBreaksIreland.ie Shannon Region Tourist Information Offices: • Limerick City Centre Arthur’s Quay t: +353 61 317522 e: limericktio@shannondevelopment.ie • Ennis, Co. Clare Arthur’s Row (off O’Connell Street) – in the Clare Museum t: +353 65 6828366 e: ennistio@shannondevelopment.ie • Shannon Airport, Co. Clare Arrivals Hall, t: +353 61 471664 e: shannontio@shannondevelopment.ie • Adare, Co. Limerick Heritage Centre, Main Street, t: +353 61 396255 e: adaretio@shannondevelopment.ie

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Adventure and Activity Holidays in Ireland’s Shannon Region The Shannon Region lies at the heart of the beautiful West of Ireland. This region of many contrasts offers a particularly diverse and exceptional tourism experience, ranging from wild scenic landscapes, unspoilt countryside, a wealth of historic/cultural attractions, to seaside resorts with beautiful sandy beaches, a rugged Atlantic coastline, a floral kingdom, the majestic River Shannon – one of Europe’s great waterways, bustling rural towns and villages, and a variety of culinary experiences.

The Shannon Region is the ideal destination to get away from it all and enjoy a great outdoor holiday experience.

The geography of the area and its amazing diversity of landscapes, its Atlantic seacoast, numerous rivers and great lakes, are ideally suited for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a holiday which is active and varied.

The Shannon Region is dominated by water and is particularly suited to watersports enthusiasts. The River Shannon and its largest lake ‘Lough Derg’ are among Europe’s most popular watersports venues, and the Atlantic seacoast is a divers underwater wonderland.

A vast network of quiet country lanes, forest paths and mountain trails, along the Slieve Bloom Mountains or through the Burren’s great expanses of glaciated limestone, and fresh air are perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy nature at its best, on foot or by bike.

This booklet features information on walking, cycling, angling, equestrian, golf, watersports, and adventure centres which offer a wide range of outdoor activity holiday options in Ireland’s Shannon Region. It gives you a flavour of what the region has to offer to the outdoor enthusiast and adventure seeker. Contact details for specialist operators are featured in this booklet to help you plan your outdoor holiday!

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adventure Ireland is very much a sporting activity country, where one can sail, canoe, climb, hill-walk, bike, windsurf and scuba dive in wonderful surroundings. There are a number of approved outdoor adventure centres in the Shannon Region, catering for a wide variety of land and water based adventure/watersport activity options for all levels of experience. Accommodation varies from residential centres with bunk-style dormitory hostels to using local hotels and guesthouses.

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Lough Derg, Ireland’s pleasure lake, is the largest lake on the River Shannon (32,000 acres). The lake is a watersports paradise and it is a well established venue for all kinds of boating, cruising, yachting, sailing, windsurfing, skiing and angling.

For further information on adventure breaks visit:

www.ShannonRegionTrails.ie www.DiscoverIreland.ie/ShannonRegion www.ShortbreaksIreland.ie

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Useful Contacts: Adventure

Clare Born 2 Ride Lahinch, Co. Clare.

Discover the excitement of Kitesurfing in a safe environment t: +353 87 6826854

w: www.born2ride.net

Burren Outdoor Education Centre Turlough, Bellharbour, Co. Clare.

Offering caving, canoeing, sailing, orienteering, rock climbing, hill walking and much more. t: +353 65 7078066 f: +353 65 7078195 e: burrenoec@tinet.ie w: www.oec.ie/burren

Burren Adventures Ltd at Ballyvaughan & Doolin “Sunfish�, Aughinish, C/O Kinvara PO, Co. Galway.

Discover the excitement of Scuba Diving.

East End, Kilkee, Co. Clare.

Fully equipped centre with the most modern equipment. t: +353 65 9056707 e: divekilkee@iol.ie

f: +353 65 9056020 w: www.diveireland.com

Lakeside Watersports Centre Mountshannon, Co. Clare.

Offers a range of activities including, rowing boats, kayaks & canoes. All these are for hire at daily or weekly rates. t: +353 61 927225 f: +353 61 927336 e: lakesidecamping@eircom.net w: www.lakesideireland.com

Lough Derg School of Adventure

t: +353 65 7078914 f: +353 65 7078914 e: info@burrenadventures.com w: www.burrenadventures.com

Lough Derg Holiday Village, Killaloe, Co. Clare.

Kayaking, canadian canoeing, raft building, team challenges, water safety and orienteering.

Clare Leisure World

t: +353 85 1343569 e: info@loughdergschoolofadventure.com w: www.loughdergschoolofadventure.com

Showgrounds Road, Ennis, Co Clare.

Bowling, Quasar, tumble towers, video pursuits and much more. t: +353 65 6866777

w: www.leisureworld.ie

Dromoland Clay Pigeon Shooting Clay Pigeon shooting year-round, using international sporting traps for groups or individuals. t: +353 61 368212 m: +353 87 2534955

f: +353 61 368212

Irish Golf & Activity Holidays Carhue, Stonehall, Newmarket on Fergus, Co Clare.

Offering customised packages for individuals and groups to include a variety of activities. t: +353 61 366999 f: +353 61 366991 e: info@irishactivityholidays.com w: www.irishactivityholidays.com

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Kilkee Diving and Watersports Centre

Nevsail Watersports The Promenade, Kilkee, Co. Clare.

Training courses in sailing, windsurfing, powerboating, kayaking and canoeing. t: +353 86 3308236 e: info@nevsailwatersports.com w: www.nevsailwatersports.com

Nigel Callender Rock Climbing Adventures Provides an exhilarating way to explore the Burren.

Rock climbing for Beginners, team building and adventure race training. t: +353 86 8412928 w: www.nigelcallender.com

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Useful Contacts: Adventure

Clare

Limerick City and County

Orbital Winds

Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre

Lahinch, Co. Clare.

Offering a range of Kitesurfing courses.

Kilfinane, Co. Limerick.

Canoeing, kayaking, surfing trips, hill-walking, rock climbing, mountain biking, abseiling, indoor climbing wall, orienteering, team challenges and much more.

t: +353 87 0659338 e: info@orbitalwinds.com

f: +353 61 375137 w: www.orbitalwinds.com

University of Limerick Activity Centre Two Mile Gate, Killaloe, Co. Clare.

The perfect location for all your outdoor adventure needs. t: +353 61 376622 e: ul.activity@iol.ie

f: +353 61 375137 w: www.ulac.ie

Limerick City and County Limerick Wake & Ski Castleconnell, Co Limerick.

Wakeboarding for extreme watersports enthusiasts. t: +353 87 7868689 e: cathal@limerickwakeandski.com w: www.limerickwakeandski.com

Abbeyfeale Karting Centre Mountmahon, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick.

The largest karting track in Munster. t: +353 68 51829 e: abbeyspeedways@gmail.com w: www.abbeyfealekarting.com

Ballyhoura Orienteering Ballyhoura Failte Ltd, Main Street, Kilfinane, Co Limerick.

Go quad biking, absailing, windsurfing, rock climbing, walking or bird-watching. t: +353 63 91300 f: +353 63 91330 e: info@ballyhoura.org w: www.ballyhouracountry.com

t: +353 63 91161 f: +353 63 91201 e: info@kilfinaneoec.com w: www.kilfinaneoec.com

Kilkornan Karting Kilcornan, Co. Limerick The ultimate karting experience. t: +353 61 393728 e: info@limerickkarting.com w: www.LimerickKarting.com

Fun World Ennis Road, Limerick.

Family entertainment centre offering, bowling, arcade amusements & kids play area. t: +353 61 325088 e: funworld@eircom.net w: www.funworld.ie

University Arena University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick.

For the basic beginner to the Olympic champion.

Exceptional outdoor and indoor facilities. t: +353 61 213555 e: Suzanne.fitzpatrick@ul.ie w: www.universityarena.com

South Offaly Birr Outdoor Education Centre Roscrea Road, Birr, Co Offaly.

Offering a range of watersports and dry land education courses.

Combat Zone Combat Zone, Shanagolden, Co. Limerick.

Paintballing in over twenty acres of natural woodland.

t: +353 57 9120029 e: birr@oec.ie

f: +353 57 9121090 w: www.oec.ie/birr/locat.html

t: +353 61 302031 e: : sales@combatzone.ie w: www.combatzone.ie

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Useful Contacts: Adventure

South Offaly Birr Battlefield Sport Birr Equestrian Centre, Kingsborough House, Fortel, Birr.

Laser Gun Game - You have played Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo games, and now it is time to LIVE them! t: :+353 57 91 21961 m: 087 2445545 e: noelcosgrave.bec@hotmail.com

Just Having Fun Shinrone, Birr, Co Offaly.

Just having fun- must be the wackiest and funniest activity provider. Wheelie bin racing, 4x4 robots, duck racing, will give you some idea of the whacky twist; they put on – Fun Adventure. And it’s suitable for all weather. t: 086 2395100 e: tony@justhavingfun.ie w: www.justhavingfun.ie

Sports Rec Ireland Birr, Co. Offaly.

Offers the ultimate training for team building weekends.

A number of venues and activities are available.

DISCOVER the

WONDERS of Ireland’s Shannon Region CLARE LIMERICK NORTH TIPPERARY SOUTH OFFALY

7wonders ad shortbreaks.ie logo tourist offices

t: +353 9122331 m: 1850 940 222 e: info@sportsrecireland.com w: www.sportsrecireland.com

North Tipperary Skydive Ireland The Airfield, Nenagh, Co Tipperary.

Experience the ultimate adventure of free-falling through the sky at 200 km/h. t: +353 1 4430550 or 1850 940 222 e: info@skydiveireland.ie w: www.skydiveireland.ie

Xtreme Carting Dunkerrin, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.

Ireland’s newest and most exciting outdoor go karting track.

Voted Ireland's best outdoor track in 2008. Ideal for a fun family day out or to race head to head against your friends.

Corporate events and team building days catered for. t: +353 505 45903 e: colm@coreav.ie w: www.xtremekarting.ie

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Shannon Region Tourist Information Offices: Limerick City Centre t: +353 61 317522 Ennis, Co. Clare t: +353 65 6828366 Shannon Airport, Co. Clare t: +353 61 471664 Adare, Co. Limerick t: +353 61 396255

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water based activities The scope for water sports is unlimited. Canoeing, wind-surfing and sailing enthusiasts find bases at Limerick, Killaloe, Portumna and Banagher with access to the broad River Shannon and the immense, island-studded Lough Derg.

Between Limerick and Killaloe, the Shannon offers a choice of calm water or exciting rapids. Dromineer and Mountshannon are famous for their yacht clubs. Lahinch, with its bay opening to the untamed Atlantic is a great centre for surfing, home to the massive wave Aill na Serracht, considered by surfers worldwide to be one of the most perfect! For the beginner there are plenty of surf schools in Lahinch to help you find your feet and all ages are welcome.

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You can hire and captain your own fully equipped and beautifully furnished luxury cruiser on the Shannon and Lough Derg or the call of the ocean may bring you to Kilrush Marina situated in a busy yachting harbour and a great base to explore the Atlantic coast.

There are many sub-aqua clubs in the region and the Doolin Activity Centre on the Atlantic coast caters for both diving and caving. (also see adventure section) For further information visit:

www.ShannonRegionTrails.ie www.DiscoverIreland.ie/ShannonRegion www.ShortBreaksIreland.ie

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Useful Contacts: Water Based Activities

Cruising: Clare

Cruising: South Offaly

O’Callaghan Angling & Cruising

Carrick Craft Cruising

Liscannor, Co. Clare.

Caters for anglers, cruisers, divers, surf riders, photographers, ornithologists, dolphin and whale -watchers, just to mention a few.

The Marina, Banagher, Co. Offaly.

Ireland's largest privately owned cruiser companies with two Marinas on the Shannon and one on the Erne, offering weekly hires or short-breaks on their extensive fleet of 2 to 8 berth cruisers.

t: +353 65 6821374 f: +353 65 6848870 e: mocallaghan.ennis@eircom.net w: www.ocallaghanangling.com

t: +353 57 91 51000 f: +353 57 91 51672 e: sales@carrickcraft.com w: www.cruise-ireland.com

Cliffs of Moher & Aran Cruises

Shannon Adventure Canoeing Holidays

Doolin Pier and Liscannor Pier, Co. Clare.

Offer daily sailings (April to October) to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin pier in Co. Clare. t: +353 65 7075949 or +353 87 2453239 e: mohercruises@eircom.net w: www.mohercruises.com

Shannon Castle Line Williamstown Harbour, Whitegate, Clare.

A family run fleet of modern, self-drive 2-8 berth motor cruisers fitted out to the highest standards. No previous boating experience necessary. t: +353 61 927042 f: +353 61 927426 e: sales@shannoncruisers.com w: www.shannoncruisers.com

The Marina, Banagher, Co. Offaly.

Enjoy a relaxing canoeing holiday on the magnificent River Shannon. Cooking, camping and safety equipment provided. Sleeping bags are not supplied. Courses are available on request. t: +353 57 9151411 f: +353 57 9151411 e: advcanoe@iol.ie w: www.iol.ie/~advcanoe/index.html

Silverline Cruisers The Marina, Banagher, Co. Offaly.

This company operates a fleet of 2-12 berth charter cruisers on the River Shannon. Short breaks available. They also cater for school tours, groups with their 54-seater passenger boat. t: +353 57 91 51112 f: +353 57 91 51632 e: info@silverlinecruisers.com w: www.silverlinecruisers.com

The Spirit of Killaloe Abbey St, Killaloe, Co. Clare.

A luxury 50-seater passenger boat, providing a detailed commentary on all the historical sites as you cruise past shores of Lough Derg. Catering facilities available on board. t: +353 86 8140559 f: +353 61 376691 e: whelans@killaloe.ie w: www.killaloe.ie/thespiritofkillaloe

Cruising: North Tipperary Shannon Sailing Nenagh, Dromineer, Co. Tipperary.

Sail in their new fleet of Tirion 6 meter keelboats. No experience needed. Skipper available. Yacht cruises for families and small groups. Junior and adult sail training courses throughout the summer. t: +353 67 24499 f: +353 67 33488 e: shannonsailing@eircom.net w: www.shannonsailing.com

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Useful Contacts: Water Based Activities

Cruising: North Tipperary

Surfing: Clare

The KU-EE-TU

Lahinch Surf School

Calista, Dromineer, Co Tipperary.

A fifty-three seat water bus which departs from the New Harbour in Dromineer to explore Lough Derg. Group outings welcome. Live music, parties and food can be arranged. Yachts and small cruisers for hire.

Ballyfaudeen, Lahinch, Co. Clare.

Learn to surf with Irish Surfing Champion John McCarthy's Lahinch Surf School. Tuition available for adults and children.

All equipment provided.

t: +353 67 24295 or +353 87 2142363 f: +353 67 23488

Dolphin Watching: Clare

t: +353 87 9609667 e: lahinchsurfschool@eircom.net w: www.lahinchsurfschool.com

Ben’s Surf Clinic

Dolphinwatch Carrigaholt

Lahinch, Co. Clare.

Mobile coaching unit which can set up and run clinics anywhere there are decent waves. Surfers must provide their own surfing equipment; some available for hire.

Carrigaholt, Loop Head Peninsula, Co. Clare.

Dolphin & Nature Boat Trips at the Mouth of the Shannon.

Resident group of bottlenose dolphins; also, sea birds, seals, feral goats, dramatic cliffs, caves, historic ruins.

t: +353 86 8668622 e: ben@benssurfclinic.com w: www.benssurfclinic.com

t: +353 65 9058156 e: info@dolphinwatch.ie w: www.dolphinwatch.ie

Aloha Surf School

Dolphin Watching on the Shannon

4 RHO, Fanore, Co. Clare.

Offer surfing lessons to all age groups. No experience necessary and all equipment is provided. Aloha Surf School is approved by the Irish Surfing Association.

Dolphin Watching on the Shannon, Kilrush, Co. Clare.

Discover the magic of the Shannon Dolphins from Ireland's newest and largest dolphin watching cruise vessel "Dolphin Discovery" from Kilrush Marina.

t: +353 87 2133996 e: enquiries@surfschool.tv w: www.surfschool.tv

t: +353 65 9051327 f: +353 65 9051327 e: info@discoverdolphins.ie w: www.discoverdolphins.ie

Ocean Scene Surf School

Power Boating: Limerick

t: +353 65 7081108 or +353 86 8120400 e: surf@oceanscene.ie w: www.oceanscene.ie

Church Street, Lahinch, Co. Clare.

Ocean Scene offer one off lessons or three or five day courses.

All instructors are fully qualified.

RIB Tours Killard, Ardagh, Co. Limerick Provide a variety of tours including Foynes Island, Shannon Estuary, Historical and Wildlife Tours. Tailored private and commercial trips are also available. t: +353 86 8140833 e: info@ribtours.ie w: www.ribtours.ie

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Orbital Winds Lahinch, Co. Clare.

Offer a range of kite-surfing courses. All instructors are all IKO certified. Courses range from private lessons to full packages designed to teach a complete beginner. t: +353 87 0659338 e: info@orbitalwinds.com w: www.orbitalwinds.com

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Useful Contacts: Water Based Activities

The Shannon Region

Waterparks: Clare

Map & Road Guide

Kilkee Waterworld

The Shannon Region:

Kilkee, Co. Clare.

Offering a range of facilities including Tommy Turtles Pool for children, the Lazy River, Bubbles and Currents and much more. t: +353 65 9056855 f: +353 65 9056475

Lahinch Seaworld & Leisure Centre The Promenade, Lahinch, Co Clare.

The “ultimate” leisure and activity location.

Visit Atlantic Aquarium, Sammy Shark’s Playzone and Neptune’s retail store.

• • • •

Clare Limerick North Tipperary South Offaly

See below for a more detailed map of the Shannon Region.

t: +353 65 7081900 f: +353 65 7081901 w: www.lahinchseaworld.com

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angling If the thought of fishing for hard-fighting, wild salmon, trout, pike, bream, tench, roach, rudd, perch and dace in beautifully scenic surroundings, appeals to you, then a great adventure awaits. Throughout the Shannon Region all the ingredients for a great fishing holiday are available in abundance.

Wild Atlantic salmon are seasonal visitors to the mid and lower reaches of the River Shannon and in its tributaries the Brosna, Fergus, Mulcair and Maigue rivers. These rivers and their tributaries also hold stocks of brown trout. The River Shannon’s largest lake, Lough Derg, is a vast mixed fishery with a modest stock of brownies. Doonbeg River in West Clare has a good run of Salmon and sea trout while the River Suir in County Tipperary is good brown trout water, renowned as a dry-fly fishery. The

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stretch of the River Shannon at the village of Castleconnell, Co. Limerick continues to bewitch anglers with its prestigious game angling waters.

For further information on angling in the Shannon Region visit:

www.Shannon-Fishery-Board.ie www.ShannonRegionTrails.ie www.DiscoverIreland.ie/ShannonRegion www.ShortBreaksIreland.ie

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Useful Contacts: Angling

Clare Hillview House Patrica Halpin, Maghera Tulla, Co. Clare.

Bed & Breakfast and specialising in angling, failities include rods, drying rooms, drop and collection facility. t: +353 65 6831927 or +353 87 1250317 e: hillviewhousebandb@eircom.net w: www.hillviewbandb.com

Ballygreen House Jean-Louis Bigot, Ballygreen House, Garraunboy, Killaloe, Co. Clare.

Specialising in accommodating anglers for all kinds of fishing. t: +353 61 376798 or +353 87 641 2658 e: info@pecheirlande.com w: www.pecheirlande.com

Bridge View & Riverbank Cottages Geraldine Moloney, Bridge View, Drewsboro, Scarriff, Co. Clare.

Self-catering accommodation; bait storage available and coarse angling catered for. t: +353 61 921354

e: gmolclare@eircom.net

Carrigaholt Sea Angling Centre Luke or Mary Aston, Carrigaholt, Co. Clare, Ireland.

Great sea fishing on board a first class charter boat.

Equipment for hire. Tackle shop on site. Accommodation can be arranged. t: +353 65 905 8209 or +353 87 636 7544 e: lukeaston@eircom.net w: www.fishandstay.com

Clondanagh Cottage Angling Centre

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Derg Lodge Liam Waterstone, Derg Lodge, Mountshannon, Co. Clare.

Bed & Breakfast and all types of fishing catered for. t: +353 61 927180

e: derglodge@yahoo.ie

Doon Lake View House Niall O’Donnell, Doon Lake View House, Broadford, Co. Clare.

Bed & Breakfast, boat hire and all types of angling catered for. t: +353 61 473125

FisHerman Herman Molenaar, Main Street, Killaloe, Co. Clare Complete packages, pike fishing, guiding, accommodation and meals, and airport transfers t: +353 61 374399 m: +353 87 9857491 e: herman@fisherman.nl w: www.FisHerman.nl

Inishlosky House Pat & Nell Aherne, Inishlosky House, O’Briensbridge, Co. Clare.

Bed & Breakfast, boats for hire and all types of angling catered for. t: +353 61 377240 e: inishlosky@hotmail.com w: www.inishlosky.com

Lakeside Holiday Park Thomas Bottcher, Lakeside Holiday Park, Mountshannon, Co. Clare, Ireland.

Mooring facilities here provide great fishing on Lough Derg. t: +353 61 927225 e: +353 61 927336 e: lakesidecamping@eircom.net w: www.lakesideireland.com

Lakefield Lodge

Dorothy Landers, Tulla, Co. Clare.

Bed & Breakfast specialising in angling packages.

Equipment provided.

Michael or Mary Cleary, Lakefield Lodge, Ennis Road, Corofin, Co. Clare.

Bed & Breakfast, boats and engines for hire, and caters for all types of angling.

t: +353 656835429 m: +353 86 8268862 e: clondanaghcottage@eircom.net w: www.ClondanaghCottage.com

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Useful Contacts: Angling

Clare

Limerick City and County

Lough Derg Holiday Centre

Castle Oaks House Hotel

Jeremy Mannion, Lough Derg Holiday Centre, Scariff Road, Killaloe, Co. Clare.

Beautiful self-catering development. Boats, engines and guides for hire. Private harbour.

Castleconnell, Co. Limerick.

Angling specialist available to offer advice and make all the necessary arrangements.

t: +353 61 376777 f: +353 61 620700 e: info@loughderg.net w: www.loughderg.net

O’Callaghan Sea Angling Willie O’Callaghan, Roslevan, Tulla Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Offering excellent deep sea fishing off Ireland’s western coastline operating out of Liscannor. t: +353 65 6821374 or +353 86 267 3704/+353 86 152 7755 f: +353 65 6848870 e: mocallaghan.ennis@eircom.net w: www.ocallaghanangling.com

Scappaflow House Antionette Fitzgerald, Scappaflow House, O’Briensbridge, Co Clare.

Bed & Breakfast; bait storage available and all kinds of angling catered for. t: +353 61 377144 w: www.scappaflow@eircom.net

Go Fishing Adventure Centre Michael Fennell, Kilbaha, Kilrush, Co. Clare.

Deep sea angling charter boat from a magnificent setting on the Loop Head peninsula.

t: +353 61 377666 f: +353 61 377717 e: info@castleoaks.ie w: www.castleoaks.ie

Celtic Angling Paddy Dunworth, The Commons, Ballingarry, Limerick.

Offering guided angling, heritage and hill walking tours. t: +353 69 68202 e: info@celticangling.com w: www.celticangling.com

Jim Robinson Angling Centre Jim Robinson, 140 Oakleigh Wood, Dooradoyle, Limerick City.

All kinds of angling can be arranged and expert personal guidance and tuition provided. t: +353 87 233 9999 or +353 61 453808 e: jimrob@iol.ie

Millbank House & Angling Centre Richard Keays, Millbank House, Murroe, Limerick.

Specialising in services for salmon, trout and pike anglers. t: +353 61 386115 f: +353 61 386560 e: info@millbankhouse.com w: www.millbankhouse.com

t: +353 65 905 8174 or +353 87 697 4624 e: michael@gofishing.ie w: www.gofishing.ie

Shannon Cottage Country Home Dave or Anne Hyland, Shannon Cottage Country Home, O’Briensbridge, Co Clare.

Bed & Breakfast with angling facilities. t: +353 61 377118 e: bandb@shannoncottage.com w: www.shannoncottage.com

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Useful Contacts: Angling

North Tipperary

South Offaly

Abbeyvale House

Ely House

Mary Flanagan-Hunt, Abbeyvale House, Holycross, Co. Tipperary.

The Suir is one of Ireland’s premier brown trout rivers with good Salmon runs especially in the lower reaches.

Permits arranged; advice on the local area and drying room available.

Brian & Dympna O’Carroll, Ely House, Shannonbridge Village, Co. Offaly.

Bed & Breakfast; bait fridges for anglers and all types of angling catered for.

t: +353 504 43032 e: info@abbeyvalehouse.com w: www.abbeyvalehouse.com

Oakpark Lodge Owen O’Carroll, Oakpark Lodge, Portland, Lorrah, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. t: +353 90 9747143

e: oakpark@eircom.net

w: www.shannonfishing.com

Riverrun House Tom & Lucy Sanders, Riverrun House, Terryglass, Co. Tipperary.

Terryglass boasts a magnificent harbour which is only a stroll away. This area is renowned for its coarse fishing, pike, rudd and bream. Lake boats with engines available for hire for angling. t: +353 67 22125 e: riverrun@iol.ie

w: www.riverrun.ie

Shannon Breeze Noel Bugler, Shannon Breeze, Ballina, Co. Tipperary.

Pike and trout angling packages including accommodation, boat hire, guides and fishing tackle t: +353 61 375027 m: +353 86 3919472 e: nbgler@hotmail.com w: www.shannonbreezekillaloe.com

T J’s Angling Centre T J O’Brien, T J’s Angling Centre, Main Street, Ballina / Killaloe, Co. Tipperary.

Services include bait ordering storage, Ghillie services and tackle shop. t: +353 61 376009 or +353 87 810 8225 e: info@tjsangling.com w: www.tjsangling.com

t: +353 90 9674205 e: elyhouse@eircom.net w: elyhouse.shannonbridge.net

Lough Boora Parklands Leabeg, Tullamore, Co Offaly.

In the parklands there are a number of activities that the visitor can pursue from Angling, Walking & Birdwatching.

There are four fishing lakes – freshwater fisheries for coarse and fly fishing. t: +353 939145885 e: info@loughbooraparklands.com w: www.loughbooraparklands.com

Killeens Pub and Tackle Shop Derry Killeen, Shannonbridge, Via Athlone, Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly.

Sell all fishing tackle, bait, rods, reels & accessories.

Up to date fishing news available on the local website under local news. t: +353 90 9674112 e: jimmyjkilleen@yahoo.com w: www.shannonbridge.net

Laurel Lodge Farmhouse Eamonn McManus, Garrymore, Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly.

Situated 1km from the River Shannon where large quantities of perch, bream, pike, rudd and tench can be found.

Alternatively enjoy the challenge of the nearby Suck and Brosna rivers. t: +353 909 674189 or +353 86 838 4267 f: +353 905 74993 e: laurellodgefarm@eircom.net

The Old Forge Townhouse Ray or Karen Duthie, The Old Forge Townhouse, West End, Banagher, Co. Offaly. Bed & Breakfast, tackle shop and the Old Forge cater for all types of angling. t: +353 57 9151504

e: karoldforge@gmail.com

Sleepy Hollow Paddy or Monica Kelleher, Sleepy Hollow, Taylor’s Cross, Banagher, Co. Offaly. Bed & Breakfast, tackle and bait shop and cater for all kinds of angling t: +353 57 9151273 pg:26

e: sleepy_hollow@eircom.net pg:27

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cycling An unbelievable network of roads is waiting to take you through a limitless variety of scenery. There are several country roads and byways leading to seaside coves, stopping places by lakes, rivers, and to mountain tops. The variety of scenery is almost endless; lowlands with rural villages and towns, castles, historic sites and parks to visit; rugged mountain terrain with superb vantage points, and the Atlantic coastline of county Clare.

Further information on these cycle routes can be found on

www.ShannonRegionTrails.ie www.DiscoverIreland.ie/ShannonRegion www.ShortBreaksIreland.ie

Many great cycle routes traverse the Shannon Region including the Burren cycleway, the dolmen cycle route, the dolphin cycle route, the Loop Head cycleway, the West Clare cycleway, the Land of Edmund Spenser cycleway, the Lough Derg cycle way and the Nenagh cycleway, Clare Glens Cycle, Keeper Hill Cycle and Holycross Cycle.

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Useful Contacts: Cycling

Cycling

Bike Hire: Clare

Loop Head Adventures Ltd

Burren Bike Hire

Mike Barns, Fodra, Kilbaha, Co. Clare .

Offer bicycle rentals, fishing rod and snorkeling equipment rentals. Gift shop, coffee shop & camping on site.

The Launderette, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare. t: +353 65 7077061 e: info@burrenbike.com w: www.burrenbike.com

t: +353 65 9058875 m: +353 87 6640605 e: loopheadsports@eircom.net w: www.loopheadadventures.com

Ballyhoura Mountain Biking

Doolin Activity Lodge Doolin, Co. Clare. t: +353 65 7074888 f: ++353 65 7074877 e: Info@doolinlodge.com

Catherine Lynch, Ballyhoura Failte Ltd, Main Street, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick. Ballyhoura, Co. Limerick is home to Ireland’s first and only mountain biking park.

Gleesons Cycles

t: +353 63 91300 f: +353 63 91330 e: info@ballyhoura.org w: www.ballyhouracountry.com

Tierney Cycles

Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre Kilfinane, Co. Limerick.

A wide range of activities catered for including mountain biking; courses to suit all levels. t: +353 63 91161 f: +353 63 91201 e: info@kilfinaneoec.com w: www.kilfinaneoec.com

Henry Street, Kilrush, Co. Clare. t: +353 65 9051172 f: +353 65 9051733 17 Abbey Street, Ennis, Co. Clare. t: +353 65 6829433 f: +353 65 684346 e: enniscycles@eircom.net w: www.ennisrentabike.com

Williams Rent a Bike Circular Road, Kilkee, Co. Clare t: +353 65 9056041

Rainbow Hostel Doolin Co. Clare t: +353 65 7074415 e: rainbowhostel@eircom.net w: www.rainbowhostel.net

Premier Cycling/Walking Holidays Portland, Lorrha, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

Offer holiday programmes in the Burren rockscape, with its incredible flora and caves & the great lakes such as Lough Derg, Ireland’s pleasure lake and lovely gardens.

Bike Hire: Limerick

t: +353 90 9747134 or +353 87 2478825 e: premiercycling@esatclear.ie w: www.premiercycling.com

Kilfinane, Co. Limerick t:+353 87 2717330 e: xct1@eircom.net

Ballyhoura Cross Country Trails Bike Hire

Bike Hire: North Tipperary Peter Moyan Bicycle Hire Cecil Way, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary t: +353 67 31293 e: petermoynan@hotmail.com pg:30

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equestrian This is horse-riding country and you’ll find many equestrian centres both residential and non-residential in the Shannon Region. State-of-the-art riding centres are located in the most scenic parts of the region and offer riding on varying terrain; from forest trails, mountain paths and rolling pastureland to country lanes and sandy beaches, and everyone is welcome.

Even those without any horse riding skills are encouraged to have a go, safely under the watchful eye of an experienced instructor. And there is a horse or pony for everyone.

Some of the most beautifully scenic riding areas include the Tipperary Hills, Glen of Aherlow, Galtee Mountains, the Golden Vale, the green roads of the Burren and the rugged Slieve Bloom Mountains.

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Nearly all centres are open throughout the year. Many have indoor arenas and all have outdoor exercise rings. Beyond the centres lie miles of open country where trail riding, trekking or cross-country canters can be arranged. Whatever option you choose - a few hours tuition or trail riding for days - just imagine the joy of the horse, like-minded company and access to scenery known to few.

For further information on golf visit:

www.ShannonRegionTrails.ie www.DiscoverIreland.ie/ShannonRegion www.ShortBreaksIreland.ie

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Useful Contacts: Equestrian Centres

Clare An Sibin Equestrian Centre

West Clare Equestrian Centre

Whitegate, Co. Clare.

This is an AIRE approved equestrian centre offering lessons to all age groups & trail rides. Residential accommodation available.

Tullabrack, Kilrush, Co. Clare.

This is an AIRE approved centre offering lessons to all age groups, trekking & summer camp. Indoor and outdoor arena facilities on site.

t: +353 61 927411 f: + 353 61 927340 e: info@irishhorseriding.com w: www.irishhorseriding.com

t: +353 65 9059115

f: +353 65 9059115

Woodfield Equestrian Centre Banner Equestrian Centre Toonagh, Fountain, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Offers horse and pony trekking, advanced and beginners riding and jumping lessons. Private or group lessons available.

Facilities include both an indoor and outdoor arena. t: +353 65 6823487

e: simonebarry@eircom.net

Castlefergus Riding Stables Quin, Co Clare.

Offers daily and weekly programmes for residents including half board accommodation and two hours trekking per day.

Facilities include outdoor arena, cross country course, instruction and changing rooms. t: +353 65 6825914 m: + 353 87 9731145

f: +353 65 6825914 e: castlefergus@eircom.net

Clare Equestrian Centre Doora, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Facilities include, indoor arena, outdoor sand rings, trekking and cross-country courses and a tack and clothing shop.

Tuition for all ages and levels. t: +353 65 6840136 or +353 65 6843607 e: info@clareequestrian.com w: www.clareequestrian.com

Broadford, Co. Clare.

Situated on over 11 acres of quite countryside offering outdoor arena, tuition at all levels and trekking. t: +353 87 2310428

Galway and Burren Trial Whitegate, Co. Clare.

A six-day, seven-night post to post trail introducing the rider to the world famous Burren region. The trail finishes overlooking the Cliffs of Moher and Atlantic Ocean at Doolin. t: +353 61 927411 f: +353 61 927340 e: info@irishhorseriding.com w: www.irishhorseriding.com

Limerick City and County Clarina Riding Centre Clarina, Co. Limerick.

AIRE approved, providing lesson to all ages, pony trekking & summer camps. Outdoor and Indoor arena facilities on site. t: +353 61 353087 or +353 87 2479965 e: clarinaequestrian@hotmail.com

Clonlara Equestrian Centre Oakfield, Clonlara, Co. Clare.

Offers international size indoor and outdoor arena, full grass livery area and tuition at all levels. Trekking, trail riding and cross-country course also available. t: +353 61 354172 f: +353 61 354172 e: clonlaraequest2@eircom.net w: www.clonlaraequestrian.com pg:34

Clonshire Equestrian and Polo Centre Adare, Co. Limerick.

AIRE approved providing 5 day programme; pony camp; trail riding and trekking. Tuition available and facilities include an indoor and outdoor arena. Residential facilities available. t: +353 61 396770 f: +353 61 396726 e: info@clonshire.com w: www.clonshire.com pg: 35

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Useful Contacts: Equestrian Centres

Limerick City and County

South Offaly

Crecora Equestrian Centre

Cochise Stud

Betteville, Crecora, Co. Limerick.

Groups of 15 can be catered for at any one time where you will receive expert tuition in an enclosed arena, or you can simply go for a trek.

Moystown Demesne, Shannon Harbour, Birr, Co. Offaly AIRE approved, Cochise Stud’s ambition is to introduce and establish Western inspired training and riding. t: +353 90 6457939 or + 353 86 0830267

t: +353 61 355721 e: tjmangan@yahoo.com

Fitzgerald’s Farmhouse and Equestrian Centre The Hill, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick.

AIRE approved providing lessons for beginners, a challenging cross-country course for the more advanced rider and summer camps. Residential facilities also available.

e: www.cochisestud.com

North Tipperary Crossogue Equestrian

t: +353 68 31217 f: +353 68 31558 e: fitzfarmhouse@eircom.net w: www.fitzgeraldsfarmhouse.com

Ballycahill, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

AIRE approved providing magnificent cross country facilities, lessons to all age groups and summer camps. Residential facilities available on site.

Hillcrest Equestrian Centre

t: +353 504 54123 e: crossog@iol.ie

Hillcrest House, Galbally, Co. Limerick.

AIRE approved providing lessons to all age groups, pony trekking and outdoor arena. t: +353 62 37915 f: + 353 62 37915 e: hillcrestcentre@eircom.net w: www.irishabroad.com/travel/horseriding/hillcrest

Woodview Riding Centre Dually, Newcastle West, Co Limerick.

Facilities include an outdoor arena and cross country course; tuition in dressage, show jumping and cross-country; Easter and summer camps. t: +353 69 61554 or +353 86 8440536 e: eugenewoodview7@live.ie

South Offaly Birr Equestrian Centre Kingsborough House, Fortal, Birr, Co. Offaly. .

AIRE approved providing lessons for all age groups, trekking & pony camps. Indoor and outdoor arenas on site. t: +353 57 91 21961 e: noelcosgrave.bec@hotmail.com w: www.birrequestrian.ie

f: +353 504 54166 w: www.crossogue.com

Gurteen College Apartment 3, Gurteen College, Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.

BHS and AIRE approved, Gurteen’s facilities include indoor and outdoor arenas, 45 stables and a cross-country course.

Business in Equine Study courses also provided. t: +353 86 3419129 w: www.gurteencollege.ie

Lough Derg Equestrian Centre Ballina, Killaloe, Co. Clare.

AIRE approved providing lessons to all age groups, pony camps, show jumping & cross country schooling. A large floodlit indoor arena on site. t: +353 61 375847 or +353 86 2631361 e: loughdergeq@eircom.net

Mulcahy’s Pony Stables Ballycahane, Ballinahinch, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary.

AIRE approved providing lessons to children, pony camp at weekends & outdoor arena facilities. Also available pony lead ride for the younger kids. t: +353 61 379372 or + 353 86 3576851

Nenagh Equestrian Centre The Briary, Ballintoher, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

AIRE approved providing lessons to all age groups, trekking, indoor and outdoor arena and all year round pony camps. t: +353 86 8698885 e: nenaghequestrian@hotmail.com w: www.nenaghequestrian.com

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Useful Contacts: Equestrian Centres

North Tipperary O’Dwyer Equestrian Centre Stradavoher, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

AIRE approved providing lessons to all age groups, trekking, indoor and outdoor arena and summer pony camps. t: +353 87 7995585

Tipperary Equestrian Centre Mill Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

AIRE approved providing lessons to all age groups, trekking, trail riding, indoor and outdoor area, and pony camps

DISCOVER the

WONDERS of Ireland’s Shannon Region CLARE LIMERICK NORTH TIPPERARY SOUTH OFFALY

t: +353 504 21658 f: +353 504 220 e: tipperaryequestriancentre@hotmail.net

Tipperary Mountain Trekking Centre Rusheen, Borrisoleigh, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

Specialising in family riding holidays in their friendly farmhouse, small group lessons and off-road scenic mountain treks. Beginners and non-riders welcome. t: +353 504 51055 e: rusheenhouse@eircom.net w: www.timotrec.com

7wonders ad shortbreaks.ie logo tourist offices

Shannon Region Tourist Information Offices: Limerick City Centre t: +353 61 317522 Ennis, Co. Clare t: +353 65 6828366 Shannon Airport, Co. Clare t: +353 61 471664 Adare, Co. Limerick t: +353 61 396255 pg:38

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golf Thanks to nature, the finest blend of links and parkland courses in Ireland are probably in the Shannon Region. The Region has a wonderful mix of superb links and parkland courses. Here you will find 25 top quality golf courses ranging from world-rated championship links to mature parkland courses. Golfers can test their skills on the wind-swept dunes of a championship links, challenge the water-traps and other hazards created by world famous designers or just play a relaxing eighteen holes on a parkland course with tree lined fairways.

the Lahinch Castle Course provides a slightly less challenging links option. Just further south, is the Doonbeg Golf Resort, opened in 2002. This links masterpiece by Greg Norman, has been developed out of such a natural habitat that you would be convinced that it too was built in the19th century. Massive dunes stretch along a mile and a half of crescent-shaped beach, with the Atlantic Ocean visible from almost every hole.

North of Lahinch lies Spanish Point, a tricky 9-hole links, where accuracy is essential to register a good score.

For further information on golf visit:

www.ShannonRegionTrails.ie www.DiscoverIreland.ie/ShannonRegion www.ShortBreaksIreland.ie

On the west coast of Clare lies Lahinch, a legendary links course established in 1892. The ‘Old’ Lahinch course offers a formidable challenge, in a spectacular setting. Across the road

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Useful Contacts: Golf

Clare

(All provide catering facilities)

Clare

Clonlara Golf and Leisure Club

Kilkee Golf Club

Clonlara, Co. Clare.

12 hole Par 47 parkland course, covering a distance of 3,477 metres. Facilities include club hire, driving range, motorised buggies, and motorised caddy carts.

East End, Kilkee, Co. Clare.

18-hole par 70 coastal course with a distance of 5,855 metres.

Facilities include a pro shop, caddy, club and motorised buggy hire.

t: +353 61 354141 f: +353 61 354143 e: clonlaragolf@eircom.net

t: +353 65 9056048 f: +353 65 9056977 e: kilkeegolfclub@eircom.net w: www.kilkeegolfclub.ie

Doonbeg Golf Club Doonbeg, Co. Clare.

18-hole Par 72 links course with a distance of 6,296 metres.

Facilities include caddy hire, practice green, pro shop, club hire, driving range, putting green, motorised caddy carts. t: +353 65 9055602 f: +353 65 9055247 e: reservations@doonbeggolfclub.com w: www.doonbeggolfclub.com

Kilrush Golf Club Parknamoney, Kilrush, Co. Clare.

18-hole Par 70 parkland course with a distance of 5,185 metres. Facilities include club hire, motorised buggies and a club shop. t: +353 65 9051138 f: +353 65 9052633 e: info@kilrushgolfclub.com w: www.kilrushgolfclub.com

Dromoland Castle Golf and Country Club Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare.

18-hole par 72 parkland course with a distance of 6,259 metres. Facilities include caddy hire, practice bunker, practice green, pro shop, club hire, and motorised buggies.

Lahinch Golf Club – Old Course

t: +353 61 368444 f: +353 61 368498 e: golf@dromoland.ie w: www.dromoland.ie

t: +353 65 7081003 f: +353 65 7081592 e: info@lahinchgolf.com w: www.lahinchgolf.com

East Clare Golf Club

Lahinch Golf Club -Castle Course

Bodyke, Co. Clare.

18-hole Par 71 parkland course with a distance of 5,400 metres. Facilities include club hire, driving range, putting green, caddy hire practice green, pro shop & motorised buggies.

Lahinch, Co. Clare.

18-hole Par 70 links course with a distance of 5,594 metres.

Facilities include caddy hire, practice green, pro shop, club hire, motorised buggies and a putting green.

t: +353 61 921322 e: info@eastclare.com w: www.eastclare.com

Lahinch, Co. Clare.

18-hole Par 72 Links course covering a distance of 6,292 metres.

t: +353 65 7081003 f: +353 65 7081592 e: info@lahinchgolf.com w: www.lahinchgolf.com

Shannon Golf Club Ennis Golf Club Drumbiggle Ennis, Co. Clare.

18-hole Par 71 parkland course with a distance of 5,316 metres. Facilities include caddy hire, motorised buggies and caddy carts, club hire, practice green and pro shop. t: +353 65 6824074 f: +353 65 6841848 e: info@ennisgolfclub.com w: www.ennisgolfclub.com pg:42

Shannon Airport, Co. Clare.

18-hole 72 parkland championship course with a distance of 6,285 metres. The club offers facilities such as caddy, club and motorised buggy hire. t: +353 61 471849 f: +353 61 471507 e: info@shannongolfclub.ie w: www.shannongolfclub.ie pg:43

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Useful Contacts: Golf

Clare

(All provide catering facilities)

Spanish Point Golf Club

Castletroy Golf Club

Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.

9-hole links golf course covers a distance of 1,920 metres.

Facilities include club hire.

Golf Links Road, Castletroy, Co. Limerick.

18-hole par 72 parkland course with a distance of 6,300 metres. Facilities include pro shop, practice area, caddy, club and buggy hire.

t: +353 65 7084198 e: nkmahon@eircom.net w: www.spanishpointgolf.com

t: +353 61 335753 f: +353 61 335373 e: golf@castletroygolfclub.ie w: www.castletroygolfclub.ie

Woodstock Golf Club Shanaway Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

18-hole par 71 parkland course with a distance of 5,877 metres. Facilities include caddy hire, pro shop, practice green, motorised buggies and club hire. t: +353 65 6829463 f: +35365 6820304 e: proshopwoodstock@eircom.net w: www.woodstockgolfclub.com

Limerick City and County Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort Adare, Co. Limerick.

18-hole par 72 parkland course with a distance of 6,515 metres. Facilities include caddy hire, pro shop, practice green, motorised buggies and club hire. t: +353 61 605274 f:+353 61 605271 e: golf@adaremanor.com w: www.adaremanor.com

Adare Manor Golf Club Adare, Co. Limerick.

18-hole parkland gem which weaves its way around historic ruins, with magnificent views of the Maigue River. t: +353 61 396204 f:+353 61 396800 e: info@adaremanorgolfclub.com w: www.adaremanorgolfclub.com

Abbeyfeale Golf Club Dromstrasna Collins, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick.

9-hole parkland course of 4,072 metres, with many challenging features. Golf tuition can be arranged by appointment and a superb driving range is available for practice. Snooker room also on site. t: +353 68 32033

pg:44

Limerick County and Country Club Ballyneety, Co. Limerick.

18-hole par 72 parkland championship course with a distance of 5,876 metres. Facilities include weather proof driving range & practice area. Tuition is also available from club professionals. t: +353 61 351 881 f: +353 61 351 384 e: info@limerickcounty.com w: www.limerickcounty.com

Limerick Golf Club Ballyclough, Limerick, Co. Limerick.

18 hold par 72 parkland course with a distance of 5,943 metres. Facilities include, Pro shop, practice green and tuition. t: +353 61 415146 f: +353 61 319219 e: information@limerickgolfclub.ie w: www.limerickgolfclub.ie

Newcastle West Golf Club Rathgoonan, Ardagh, Co. Limerick.

18-hole par 72 parkland course with a distance of 5,806 metres. Facilities include an extensive practice area, covered driving range, putting green and pro shop. t: +353 69 76500 f: +353 69 76511 e: info@newcastlewestgolf.com w: www.newcastlewestgolf.com

Rathbane Golf Club Crossagalla, Co. Limerick.

18-hole Par 70 parkland course with a distance of 5,671 metres. Facilities include pro shop and tuition.

Course being updated for 2010. t: +353 61 313655 f: +353 61 313655 e: info@rathbane.com w: www.rathbanegolf.com

e: abbeyfealegolf@eircom.net

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Useful Contacts: Golf

South Offaly

Golf Academies/Golf Driving Ranges

Birr Golf Club

Dromoland Castle Golf Academy

The Glenns, Birr, Co. Offaly.

18-hole Par 70 parkland course with a distance of 5,720 metres. Facilities include golf shop and driving range..

Dromoland Castle Golf and County Club, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare.

t: +353 57 9120082 e: birrgolfclub@eircom.net w: www.birrgolfclub.com

f: +353 57 9122155

t: +353 61 368444 f: +353 61 368498 e: golf@dromoland.ie w: www.dromoland.ie

Abbeyfeale Golf Driving Range Dromtrasna Collins, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick.

North Tipperary Nenagh Golf Club Beechwood, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

18-hole par 72 championship course with a distance of 6,000 metres. Facilities include a pro shop, practice area and putting green. t: +353 67 31476 f: +353 67 34808 e: nenaghgolfclub@eircom.net w: www.nenaghgolfclub.com

Roscrea Golf Club Derryvale, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.

18-hole Par 71 parkland course with a distance of 5,809 metres. Facilities include trolley hire. t: +353 505 21130 f: +353 505 23410 e: info@roscreagolfclub.ie w: www.roscreagolfclub.ie

Templemore Golf Course Templemore, Co. Tipperary.

9-hole 2,710 meter course set in pleasant parkland terrain.

t: +353 68 32033 e: abbeyfealegolf@eircom.net

Limerick City Driving Range Coonagh, Ennis Road, Limerick. t: +353 61 455584

Limerick County Driving Range and Teaching Facility Ballyneety, Co. Limerick. t: +353 61 351881 f: +353 61 351384 e: info@limerickcounty.com w: www.limerickcounty.com

Newcastle West Golf Club Driving Range Ardagh, Co. Limerick. t: +353 69 76500

Unigolf Club National Technology Park, Castletroy, Limerick.

t: +353 504 31400 f: +353 504 35450 e: tmoregc1@eircom.net

t: +353 61 633200 f: +353 61633634 e: info@unigolfclub.com w: www.unigolfclub.com

Thurles Golf Club

Birr Driving Range

Turtulla, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

18-hole par 72 parkland course with a distance of 5,911 metres. Facilities include a pro shop, trolley hire, caddy cars.

The Glens, Banagher Road, Birr, Co. Offaly. t: +353 57 9121606

t: +353 504 21983 f: +353 504 90806 e: thurlesgolf@eircom.net w: www.thurlesgolfclub.com

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walking Walking is truly the best way to fully absorb the beauty of the Shannon Region. A network of quiet country roads and lanes, forest paths and mountain trails will take you into the heart of beautiful, rural countryside.

The waymarked trails in the region provide something for everyone. Some, such as the Burren Way offer spectacular sea views while the Ballyhoura Way and the Slieve Felim Way go through mountain ranges known to few Irish people, let alone tourists. The East Clare and Mid Clare Way brings you through stunning scenery including mountains, forests and lakes. Most of the mountains have gentle slopes and are ideal for quiet relaxation. The Lough Derg Way stretches from Limerick City to Killaloe along the banks of the River Shannon. The Offaly Way brings you to many historic sites in the heart of Ireland’s

pg:48

midlands and the Slieve Bloom Way is an area of undiscovered environmental beauty, boasting a fabulous array of flora and fauna, remarkable deep glens, rock outcrops and waterfalls.

Guided walking tours can also be arranged at centres throughout the region.

Besides the waymarked ways there are also many short to medium distance loop walks throughout the region. Imagine peace and tranquility far from the pressures of modern life. It’s just a step away.

Further information on these walking routes can be found on www.ShannonRegionTrails.ie or

www.DiscoverIreland.ie/ShannonRegion www.ShortBreaksIreland.ie

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Useful Contacts: Walking

Clare Burren Guided Walks and Hikes

Fertile Rock Study Tours

Mary Howard, Old Road, Fanore, Ballyvaughan.

Ramble at a leisurely pace with Mary, who will share her knowledge and passion for the Burren.

Christy Browne, Fertile Rock Study Tours, Station Road, Lahinch, Co Clare.

Organised tours for groups interested in archaeology, history, folklore and flora.

t: +353 65 7076100 or +353 87 2446807 e: mary@burrenguidedwalks.com w: wwwburrenguidedwalks.com

t: +353 657081168

f: +353 657081168

Heart of Burren Walks Burren Hill Walks Shane Connolly, Burren Hill Walks, Corkscrew Hill, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare.

Enjoy a unique walking experience and explore the Burren with a local guide. t: +353 65 707168 f: +353 65 707168 e: burrenhillwalks@eircom.net w: http://homepage.eircom.net/~burrenhillwalks/

Caherblonik, Kilnaboy, Co. Clare.

Tony Kirby offers guided walks ranging from gentle strolls to challenging hill walks. t: +353 65 6827707 f: +353 65 6827707 e: info@heartofburrenwalks.com w: www.heartofburrenwalks.com

Irish Activity Holidays

Burren Wild Guided Walking Tours

Carhue, Stonehall, Newmarket on Fergus, Co Clare.

Offer customised walking package for individuals and groups.

Oughtmama, Bellharbour, Co. Clare.

Offering a full programme of day tours and weekend hikes.

t: +353 61 366999 or +353 61 366991 w: www.irishactivityholidays.com

t: +353 87 8779565 e: burrenwildguidedtours@eircom.net w: www.burrenwalks.com

Limerick

Clare Walking Tours with Clareville House

pg:50

Tuamgraney, Scariff, Co. Clare.

Self guided walking on the East Clare Way, maps and guide books, transport to/from daily walks, transfer to/from Shannon Airport, clothes drying facilities. Packages catered to your needs. Contact Derek

Angela’s Ashes & Historical Walking Tours

t: +353 61 922925 e: info@clarewalkingtours.ie w: clarewalkingtours.ie

t: +353 61 327108 or +353 87 6353648 w: www.freewebs.com/walkingtours

Ennis Walking Tours

Ballyhoura Failte Ltd

Tourist Office, Arthur’s Row, Ennis, Co Clare.

Guided walking tours through the winding streets of medieval Ennis, Co. Clare.

Main Street, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick.

Ballyhoura Country is a walker's paradise offering spectacular walking in ancient and unspoilt landscapes.

t: +353 87 6483714 e: info@enniswalkingtours.com w: www.enniswalkingtours.com

t: +353 63 91300 f: +353 63 91330 w: www.ballyhouracountry.com

Limerick Tourist Office, Arthurs Quay, Limerick.

Walk through Limerick City with Michael O’Donnell who will show you some of the many places that feature in Angela’s Ashes.

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Useful Contacts: Walking

South Offaly Slieve Bloom Walks Ardmore House, Kinnitty, Co. Offaly.

Short breaks featuring self -guided walks or guided walks in the heart of Ireland. t: +353 57 9137009 or +353 86 2789147 e: info@kinnitty.com w: www.kinnitty.com

Lough Boora Parklands Leabeg, Tullamore, Co Offaly.

There are 50 km of paths in the Parklands ranging in length from a short stroll to 5 km. Whether taking a closer look at the Parkland’s flora and fauna, or simply taking a quiet walk, these paths are the ideal way to see the Parklands. t: +353 939145885 or m: +353 87 9904234. e: info@loughbooraparklands.com w: www.loughbooraparklands.com

North Tipperary Fairymount Farm Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.

Offering walkers unique opportunity to spend time walking on a beautiful, award winning, and family-run working organic farm.

DISCOVER the

WONDERS of Ireland’s Shannon Region CLARE LIMERICK NORTH TIPPERARY SOUTH OFFALY

7wonders ad 7wonders adlogo shortbreaks.ie shortbreaks.ie logo tourist offices tourist offices

t: +353 67 21139 f: +353 67 21139 e: kennyfrm@iol.ie w: www.fairymountfarm.com

Guided Bus and Walking Tours Aghancon, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.

Two to seven day personalised bus and walking tours in the Midlands. t: +353 87 2763565

Shannon Region Tourist Information Offices: Limerick City Centre t: +353 61 317522 Ennis, Co. Clare t: +353 65 6828366 Shannon Airport, Co. Clare t: +353 61 471664 Adare, Co. Limerick t: +353 61 396255 pg:52

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special interest activities The Shannon Region has many other interesting activities for you to enjoy.

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Useful Contacts: Special Interest Activities

Nature And Wildlife

Cookery

Birdwatch Ireland

Berry Lodge Cookery School

For information on bird watching in the Shannon Region visit w: www.birdwatchireland.ie

Annagh, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.

A charming Victorian family home offering superb accommodation and cookery tuition. New for 2008 – Team building through cookery.

Birds of Prey at Aillwee Caves Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare.

Features the largest display of Falcons, Harris Hawks, Owls, American Kestrels and White Tailed Sea Eagles in the country. e: Barbara@aillweecave.ie w: www.aillweecave.ie

The Burren Burren National Park, Co. Clare.

Experience the wonder of the Burren which is home to the most unusual species of Flora and Fauna.

f: +353 65 7087011 w: www.berrylodge.com

Bunratty Cookery School Manderley House, Deerpark, Bunratty, Co. Clare.

Based in Co.Clare, Ireland, the Bunratty Cookery School offers a wide variety of courses designed to cater for every level. All the courses are delivered by professional chef and owner Donnagh Gregson.

e: info@burrenbeo.com w: www.burrenbeo.com

t: +353 (0)61 713500 e: info@bunrattycookeryschool.ie e: www.bunrattycookeryschool.ie

Animal Magic – Falconry and Conservation

Fiacri Country House Cookery School

Deebert, Kilmallock, Limerick.

Whether you are looking for falconry courses, natural history lectures, mini zoos, or a combination, one thing is for certain, you will have the experience of a lifetime.

Bourerea, Knock, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary Classes run over a five week period, every Tuesday. One day courses are run throughout the year particularly at Christmas and Easter. Classes are interactive.

t: +353 63 98777 e: rosie@animalmagic.ie w: www.animalmagic.ie

t: +353 505 43017 e: info@fiacrihouse.com

Midland School of Falconry

Genealogy

Kinnitty Castle, Co. Offaly.

Visitors have the opportunity to come and handle and fly birds of prey. t: +353 87 6273313 e: falconryflights@hotmail.com w: www.falconryireland.com

Shannon Callows Contact Limerick Tourist Office.

It has one of the largest concentrations of breeding waders in these islands with Lapwing, Redshank, Curlew, Sandpiper and Godwit living there. t: +353 61 317522 e: touristofficelimerick@shannondev.ie w: www.discoverireland.ie/ShannonRegion

pg:56

t: +353 65 7077022 e: info@berrylodge.com

f: +353 505 43108 w: www.fiacrihouse.com

Clare Heritage & Genealogical Centre Church Street, Corofin, Co. Clare.

Offers the largest collection of genealogical material housed in any one place to enable persons with Clare roots to trace their fore bearers. t: +353 65 6837955 e: clareheritage@eircom.net

f: +353 65 6837540 w: www.clareroots.com

Limerick Genealogy c/o Lissanalta House, Dooradoyle, Co. Limerick.

Provides a professional research service for those wishing to learn about their ancestral roots in Limerick city and county. t: +353 61 496548 f: +353 61 496542 w: www.limerickgenealogy.com

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Useful Contacts: Special Interest Activities

Genealogy

Learning English

Offaly Historical Society

University of Limerick Language Centre

Research and Exhibition Centre, Bury Quay,Tullamore, Co Offaly.

Provides a professional research service for those wishing to learn about their ancestral roots in Offaly.

Department of Languages and Cultural Studies, University of Limerick, Limerick.

Offering professionally-designed and delivered English language courses to adults, the Centre also aims to provide a friendly and supportive environment where each participant can work to fulfill individual needs.

t: +353 57 9321421

w: www.offalyhistory.com

North Tipperary Genealogy Centre The Governors House, Nenagh, Co Tipperary.

Provides a genealogical research sevice for clients who ancestors originated in North Tipperary. Research is conducted on a fee basis.

t: +353 61 202775 or +353 61 202777 f: +353 61 202753 w: www.ul.ie/languagecentre

t: +353 67 33850 e: tipperarynorthgenealogy@eircom.net w: www.tipperarynorth.ie/genealogy or www.rootsireland.ie

Southpark , Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.

Offering intensive language courses for individuals & small groups. Each course is tailor-made to suit the personal and professional requirements of the students.

Learning English

t: +353 67 21105 or +353 67 28026 f: +353 67 21105 w: www.englishintipperary.com

Clare Language Centre College Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Offer short intensive, business English or long term examination courses. You can also train as a TEFL teacher. t: +353 65 6841681 w: www.clarelc.ie

f: +353 (0)65 6841683

Holywell Language Centre Newtown, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare.

A unique language centre where English is taught at various levels and combined with cultural and leisure activities in unusual surroundings. t: +353 65 7077322 e: info@holywell.net

f: +353 65 7077323 w: www.holywell.net

Limerick Language Centre

English in Tipperary

HSI English Lanuage School 3 Quinlan Streeet, The Crescent, Limerick.

Specialies in the provision of career-focused English language programmes. t: +353 61 317822 e: kdonnelly@hsi.ie w: www.hsi.ie/englishlanguageschool

Kilfinane Education Centre Kilfinane, Co.Limerick.

This outdoor education centre provides residential English language courses and specialises in courses for junior groups, combining English language tuition with adventure sport activities. t: +353 63 91161 or +353 63 91059 e: language@kilfinanelanguage.com w: www.kilfinanelanguage.com

16 Upper Mallow Street, Limerick.

A medium sized school offering full and part time courses, including residential facilities. This college has students from 4 continents representing 36 different nationalities. t: +353 61 415292 e: langctr@iol.ie w: www.english-in-limerick.com

Language Ireland at Lesseragh Lesserage House, Coolbawn, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary Provides residential English training in a country setting.

Courses range from beginners to English for special purposes such as engineering, law, medicine and business. t: +353 67 28008 e: midegerrard@eircom.net w: www.language-ireland.com pg:58

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Useful Contacts: Special Interest Activities

Music & Dance

Painting & Art: Clare

Glór Irish Music Centre

Art at the Park

Ennis, Co. Clare. t: +353 65 6843103 w: www.glor.ie

Killanena House, Killenana, Caher, Co. Clare.

A tranquil, calm and creative environment offering weekly and weekend watercolour painting, drawing, life drawing, portraiture and botanical painting courses.

e: boxoffice@glor.ie

Belltable Arts Centre O’Connell Avenue, Limerick. t: +353 61 319866 f: +353 61 418 552 e: info@belltable.ie w: www.belltable.ie

Daghdha Dance Company St John's Square, Limerick City. t: +353 61 467872 f: +353 61 311144 e: mail@daghdha.ie w: www.daghdha.ie

LIT Millennium Theatre Moylish Park, Limerick. t: +353 61 322322 f: +353 61 331585 w: www.litmt.ie

t: +353 61 925975 or +353 87 133 0040 e: artatthepark@eircom.net w: www.artatthepark.net

Burren College of Art Newtown Castle, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare.

The Burren College of Art offers graduate, undergraduate and artist residency programmes to students and artists from around the world. t: +353 65 7077200 f: +353 65 7077201 e: admin@burrencollege.ie w: www.burrencollege.com

The Burren Painting Centre University Concert Hall University of Limerick, Limerick. t: +353 61 331549 f: +353 61 331585 w: www.uch.ie

Fiddlers Rest Loughmore Village, Templemore, Co. Tipperary. t: +353 86 8099661 e: info@fiddlersretreat.com w: www.fiddlersretreat.com

The Source Arts Theatre Central Cathedral Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. t: +353 504 90340 f: +353 504 27252 w: www.thesourceartscentre.ie

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre Oxmantown Hall, Birr, Co Offaly.

Box Office: +353 57 9122911 e: birrtheatre@eircom.net w: www.birrtheatre.com

Friars Gate Theatre & Arts Co. Ltd

Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare.

Offers residential tutored courses in watercolour, oil, acrylic or pastel. The emphasis is on painting landscapes or seascapes, outdoors on location. t: +353 65 7074208 f: +353 65 7074435 e: info@burrenpaintingcentre.com w: www.burrenpaintingcentre.com

Painting & Art: Limerick Irish Art Holidays Knocknadiha, Toornafulla, Co. Limerick.

Residential, art, craft and culture courses at our restored and extended old Irish cottage on the edge of Mountcollins Village, County Limerick. t: +353 69 81931 e: arkhangelchris@yahoo.co.uk w: irishartholidays.com

Theatre and arts centre. t: +353 63 98727 e: friarsgate@eircom.net w: www.FriarsGate.ie

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Useful Contacts: Special Interest Activities

Spectator Sports:

Painting & Art: South Offaly

Greyhound Racing

Bramber Studio

Limerick Greyhound Stadium

Rathcahill, Shinrone, Birr, Co. Offaly.

Bramber Studio is a purpose built studio offering a range of original paintings, prints and wall hangings. Painting classes for adults of all levels of experience - or none at all - are offered throughout the year. t: +353 505 47025 or +353 87 2889616 e: info@bramberstudio.com w: www.bramberstudio.com

Limerick Greyhound Racing Track Ltd., Limerick.

Experience the excitement of greyhound racing at Limerick’ greyhound stadium. Racing every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from 1930hrs. Bar facilities available. t: +353 61 214604 f: +353 61 214611 w: www.igb.ie/Stadia/Limerick

Horse Racing

Belmont Mill & Artists Studios Belmont, Co Offaly.

Belmont Mill and Artist Studios are set in a water mill complex which dates back to the 18th Century. Now it is an inspiring venue for artists and creative people. Located adjacent to the weir on the River Brosna in the Heartland of Ireland. t: +353 90 64 57598 e: tom@belmontmills.com w: www.belmontmill.com

Tin Jug Studio Brendan Street, Birr, Co. Offaly.

The Tin Jug Studio offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, a creative space to eat, stay and enjoy painting and art. The visitor can choose from Art for Adults, Festival Workshops, Kidzart and there is an exhibition area available also. Easy to find under the Prayer flags and behind the green doors.

Contact: Rosalind Fanning. t: +353 87 6681783 or +353 57 91 21818 e: info@tinjugstudio.com w: www.tinjugstudio.com

Limerick Racecourse Limerick Racecourse, Greenmount, Patrickswell, Co. Limerick. t: +35361 320000 e: info@limerickraces.ie

w: www.LimerickRaces.ie

Thurles Racecourse Thurles, Co Tipperary. t: +353 504 22253 e: info@thurlesraces.ie

t: +353 504 24565 w: www.thurlesraces.ie

Rugby Limerick is famous for its wonderful sporting tradition which is manifested in the city being hailed as one of the great bastions of rugby in the world and the acknowledged Rugby capital of Ireland. It’s well worth attending a rugby game on a visit to Limerick. Thomond Park is worth a special mention. w: www.munsterugby.ie

w: www.thomondpark.ie

Spectator Sports:

Greyhound Racing

GA A

Experience the excitement of greyhound racing.

For information on GAA clubs and fixtures in the Shannon Region contact: GAA, Croke Park Stadium, Dublin 3.

Thurles Greyhound Stadium Townspark, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Experience the excitement of greyhound racing every Friday and Saturday Night at one of Ireland’s leading night-time entertainment venues. Bar and restaurant facilities available. t: +353 504 21003 e: thtrack@eircom.net w: www.igb.ie/Stadia/Thurles

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t: +353 1 8363222 e: queries@gaa.ie

f: +353 1 8558436 w: www.gaa.ie

Errors and Omissions Every care has been taken in the compilation of this guide to ensure its accuracy and compliance with the consumer protection laws of Ireland. Shannon Development cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions, but where such are brought to our attention future editions will be amended accordingly.

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DISCOVER the

WONDERS of Ireland’s Shannon Region CLARE LIMERICK NORTH TIPPERARY SOUTH OFFALY

7wonders ad shortbreaks.ie logo tourist offices

Shannon Region Tourist Information Offices: Limerick City Centre t: +353 61 317522 Ennis, Co. Clare t: +353 65 6828366 Shannon Airport, Co. Clare t: +353 61 471664 Adare, Co. Limerick t: +353 61 396255

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