Labasheeda on the Shannon Estuary

Labasheeda overlooks the broad expanse of the Shannon Estuary. The village combines views from the quay with places of remembrance, music and dance traditions, and a ceramics studio with a café. When looking for a hotel in Labasheeda, this mix offers several ways to plan your stay: you can focus on views of the estuary, the history of the quay, or a creative activity.

Create pottery at Charm Bee

Charm Bee is a pottery-painting studio and café in Labasheeda. Visitors can create keepsakes from ceramics and silver in the studio. One special option is to have fingerprints transferred onto ceramic pieces, clay tiles, or handmade silver pendants and charms. This creates different forms of personal memento.

You can paint pottery spontaneously without an advance booking or by booking ahead; reservations in advance are recommended. The café offers a range of treats. From the café’s outdoor area, you can look out over the Shannon Estuary. This brings creative activities and a break with a view together in one place.

Labasheeda Quay and views of the estuary

Labasheeda Quay is a designated viewpoint on the Shannon Estuary Way. From there, you can enjoy views of the estuary and the Kilkerrin Peninsula. The broad expanse of water also shapes the view of the surroundings from the quay. There is a picnic area at the quay, along with a tourist information board about local flora and fauna.

The quay also has historical significance: before the permanent quay was built, it served as a trading post and a crossing point to Tarbert in North Kerry. A monument there commemorates the victims of the Irish Potato Famine of 1845 to 1850. Those interested in the history of the village will find at the quay both information about its former role and a reminder of the famine.

Music, dance and other places to visit

Every August, Labasheeda holds a celebration of Irish traditional music and dance in memory of Dan Furey. The Dan Furey Set Dancing Weekend includes a céilí as well as workshops in set dancing and step dancing. These events have different focuses: the August celebration is devoted to music and dance, while the weekend also includes workshops. Check the dates before travelling if you would like to plan your stay around an event.

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 nearby. On the Kilkerrin Peninsula, Mountshannon Wood is a mature woodland on the banks of the estuary. These places complement the viewpoints at the quay with a range of historical and scenic interests.

Activities and getting there

Fishing is a popular reason to visit Labasheeda Quay; swimming and sailing are also enjoyed there. When considering which experiences matter to you during your stay, these activities differ from a visit to Charm Bee or a trip to the historic sites. You can focus on the estuary, culture or creativity without needing to follow a shared itinerary.

Labasheeda is near the Killimer–Tarbert car ferry, which connects Clare with North Kerry and West Limerick. If your plans include the ferry, check the timetable in advance.

Discover more destinations: Scarriff, An Dún Beag, Carron, Killinaboy, Bunratty, Ennis, Shannon and Killimer.

For the main travel overview: County Clare.