The ferry option
Shannon Ferries links Killimer in County Clare with Tarbert in County Kerry. If this is your route south, check the operator’s current timetable, fares, vehicle rules and service notices. Plan around the departure that suits your day, with enough room for any queue or change in conditions.
An estuary journey
The Shannon Estuary Way offers an alternative reason to explore more of Clare, Limerick and Kerry. This is a longer route choice, not a compulsory section of the coastal drive. Use its regional information and a map to select a manageable stretch. Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum is one possible history-focused visit on the Limerick side.
Make the choice before booking
A ferry crossing and a leisurely estuary tour create very different days. Decide between them before booking attractions or choosing a distant room for the night. If an estuary visit interests you, give it time of its own; it need not be squeezed into the journey as a substitute for a missed ferry.
Useful links
Before you go
Verify live ferry information with Shannon Ferries. Check the museum’s opening arrangements and actual driving route if choosing the estuary alternative.
Featured image: Ireland River Shannon Ferry BW 2025-09-11 17-13-10.jpg — Berthold Werner · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP. No scene changes. Image retains the stated source licence.
