Kilrush Marina is the base for dolphin-watching trips into the Shannon Estuary, where a year-round resident pod of bottlenose dolphins inhabits the waters between Kilrush and the sea. The Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation operates from here and the sightings are reliable — the dolphins are large, curious animals that regularly approach boats. Trips run from Kilrush marina; the boat is purpose-built and the guides are knowledgeable about the individual animals.
The estuary itself is impressive beyond the dolphins: it is Ireland's largest estuary, the tidal reach running 100 kilometres inland. The views from the water back towards the Clare and Kerry shorelines, with Scattery Island in the foreground, give a completely different perspective on this corner of Ireland. Bring a windproof layer even in summer — the estuary has its own weather.