Labasheeda on the Shannon Estuary

Expansive Views of the Shannon Estuary

Labasheeda overlooks the broad expanse of the Shannon Estuary. At Labasheeda Quay, there are scenic views of the estuary and the Kilkerrin Peninsula. The quay is also a designated viewpoint on the Shannon Estuary Way. The outdoor area of Charm Bee’s café also looks out over the Shannon Estuary. If you are interested in the waterside landscape, there are several places where it becomes part of your visit.

There is a picnic area at the quay, along with a tourist information board about the local flora and fauna. The area brings together views of the landscape and information about the wildlife and plant life. People swim and sail at Labasheeda Quay, and it is also a popular spot for fishing trips. These activities appeal to different interests on the water. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you would mainly like to enjoy the views or also set aside time for one of the water activities mentioned.

History at the Quay and Nearby

The quay also recalls earlier connections across the Shannon Estuary. It was once a trading post and a crossing point to Tarbert in North Kerry, before the permanent quay was built. A memorial at Labasheeda Quay commemorates the victims of the Irish Potato Famine of 1845 to 1850. These two aspects give the place a historical dimension: the quay represents both former trade and crossing routes and remembrance of the famine.

Nearby, Kilkerrin Battery Fort is a few kilometres from Labasheeda. It is considered the best-preserved of the early 19th-century British battery forts on the Shannon Estuary. St. Senan’s Holy Well is also near Labasheeda. Mountshannon Wood, a mature woodland on the shores of the estuary, lies on the Kilkerrin Peninsula. Together, these places offer different points of interest for visitors interested in history, a holy well or a woodland landscape; they are separate destinations in the surrounding area.

Ceramics, Music and Dance

In Labasheeda, Charm Bee combines a pottery-painting studio with a café. At the studio, visitors can create keepsakes from ceramics and silver. At Charm Bee, fingerprints can be transferred on site onto ceramic pieces, clay tiles or handmade silver pendants and charms. Pottery painting is available as a walk-in activity or by prior booking; advance reservations are recommended. You can choose between different ways of creating a personalised keepsake. The café serves a variety of treats, and its outdoor area offers views of the Shannon Estuary.

Every August, Labasheeda hosts a celebration of traditional Irish music and dance in memory of Dan Furey. The Dan Furey Set Dancing Weekend features céilí events as well as workshops in set dancing and step dancing. Those interested in Irish music and dance traditions will find specific cultural themes here that shape the character of the place alongside its location on the estuary.

Labasheeda as a Starting Point for Your Trip

Labasheeda is near the Killimer–Tarbert car ferry, which connects Clare with North Kerry and West Limerick. This connection may be a factor in choosing your destination if you are planning a trip to places in these regions. For bike hire, Silky Saddles Bike Hire is located in Cullenagh, Labasheeda, County Clare, at postcode V15 BE22.

When choosing a holiday rental in Labasheeda, you can consider which aspects of the place matter most for your trip: the views and activities at the quay, the history of the quay, music and dance, or the pottery studio. This allows you to weigh up the kind of holiday you want without combining the different experiences into a single itinerary.

Discover More Places

If you would like to discover more places, you can find Broadford, Canower, Carron, Mountshannon, Bishopsquarter, Murroogh, Tulla and Scarriff here.

For the overarching travel guide, see County Clare.