Cappagh Beach (Cappagh Pier)

The village of Kilrush lies on the Shannon Estuary, about 48 miles west of Limerick.  From the village, which has a large marina, used for berthing boats during the winter, the R473 coast road brings visitors to historic Cappagh Pier, parts of which date back to 1764.  Next to the pier, the small rocky beach is backed by the coast road and is a popular spot for locals who enjoy taking a dip in the Shannon Estuary’s only Blue Flag waters.

From the beach there are views over the estuary towards Hog and Scattery islands.  Trips to Scattery Island are worth the effort, the boat journey taking around 15 minutes.  A 6th century monastery was founded on the island by St Senan, and the island was subject to Viking raids over the centuries.  Today there are some interesting monastic ruins to explore here, including a well-preserved Irish round tower, a number of church ruins, a holy well and a lighthouse.

The Shannon Estuary is home to a pod of bottlenose dolphins, and the estuary has been declared a Special Area of Conservation.  Dolphin watching boat trips are organised during the summer months.