Discover Cappanavarnoge

Cappanavarnoge lies wholly or partly within the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area 004077 and wholly or partly within the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation 002165. These protected areas provide a clear framework for exploring nature around the destination.

Getting your bearings around Cappanavarnoge

A road leads southeast from the R473 to Cappanavarnoge. The Quay and Inishmurray Island offer some shelter along this road. You can use the R473 as a reference point to get your bearings.

Kildysart is nearby. Visitors can charter a boat there for fishing trips on the Shannon Estuary; trips to the islands in the estuary can also be chartered from Kildysart. This gives you two different options for an outing: fishing in the estuary or a trip to the islands. If you are planning a specific charter trip, check availability with the operator in advance.

Water, walks and retreats near Kildysart

The trout lakes of Gortglass, Clonshnacta and Effirnan are a short drive from Kildysart. Gortglass Lake is a popular trout lake and is suitable for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing. It is also home to the local currach club. Gortglass Lake therefore offers several water activities, while the three lakes together provide a range of options for anglers.

Retreat Yourself has a retreat location at Gortglass Lake; advance booking is required for the experience. If you are planning a retreat, bear this booking requirement in mind. For a walk, the Gortglass Loop is one of the trails in Kildysart. This means you can plan water activities and a named walking route as separate options for the day.

Canons’ Island: monastic ruins and pilgrimage tradition

Canons’ Island, also known as Inisgad, is home to the ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian abbey and continues to serve as a burial ground. The tradition of making a pilgrimage to attend Mass on the island was revived in 1990. On an earlier pilgrimage, some pilgrims travelled by currach, others by lifeboat and most by boat. The island thus brings together monastic history and a longstanding pilgrimage tradition in which different ways of travelling played a part.

More destinations in County Clare

The wider destination of County Clare also offers more inspiration for your trip. The Cliffs of Moher stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast and rise to more than 700 feet at O’Brien’s Tower. The visitor facility includes 800 metres of paved paths and viewpoints, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. Check the latest operating information before visiting.

Visitors can explore walking trails in Burren National Park. Surfers, swimmers and walkers visit Fanore Beach; lifeguard cover is seasonal. These destinations are in the wider County Clare area and are distinct from the places described around Cappanavarnoge.

County Clare can be reached via a road network as well as bus and rail links. Ennis is connected to the national rail network. For a specific journey, it is advisable to check the relevant timetable.

Discover more destinations: Cratloe, Ennis, Quin, Clarecastle, Shannon, Murroogh, Boston, Whitegate.

Back to the broader travel overview: County Clare.