Cappanavarnoge lies wholly or partly within the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area 004077 and the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation 002165. These two protected-area designations shape the local setting. For orientation, a road runs southeast from the R473 to Cappanavarnoge. Nearby is Kildysart, which serves as a point of reference for several water-based and cultural activities.

Getting Your Bearings and Activities Nearby

Kildysart lies roughly halfway between Ennis and Kilrush, close to both the Wild Atlantic Way and the Killimer–Tarbert car ferry, which connects Clare with North Kerry and West Limerick. If you plan to take the ferry, check the schedule in advance. The piers at Kildysart and Covraghan are designated viewpoints on the Shannon Estuary Way, a 207 km circular route along the river. Viewpoints and boat trips offer different ways to include the Shannon Estuary in your plans.

The trout lakes of Gortglass, Clonshnacta and Effirnan are a short drive from Kildysart. Gortglass Lake is a popular trout lake; swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing are also possible activities there. It is also home to the local currach club. The Gortglas Loop is one of the walking routes in Kildysart.

In Kildysart, you can also consider boat charters for fishing trips on the Shannon Estuary or trips to the islands; check availability in advance. Retreat Yourself has a retreat location at Gortglass Lake in Kildysart; advance booking is required for the experience.

Island History and Places to Visit in County Clare

Canons’ Island, also known as Inisgad, is home to the ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian abbey. The island also continues to serve as a burial ground. The pilgrimage tradition of attending Mass on Canons’ Island was revived in 1990. On an earlier pilgrimage, some pilgrims travelled by currach, others by lifeboat, and most by boat.

County Clare has other distinctive places to visit when planning a longer trip. The Cliffs of Moher rise to more than 700 feet at O’Brien’s Tower and stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast. The visitor centre includes 800 metres of paved paths and viewpoints, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. You can explore walking trails in Burren National Park. Inis Cealtra, also known as Holy Island, lies in Lough Derg on the Shannon; its history as a monastic settlement dates back to the 7th century. Fanore Beach is also used by surfers, swimmers and walkers; lifeguards are on duty there seasonally.

County Clare is accessible by road, bus and rail; Ennis is connected to the national rail network. Check routes and journey times before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Bishopsquarter, Bodyke, Killaloe, Ennis, Mountshannon, Purt, Lahinch, Kilmurry.

For the wider travel overview: County Clare.