Sights in Southwestern & Western Clare
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Shannon Dolphin & Wildlife Centre
A research facility monitoring the 100 or so dolphins swimming out in the Shannon. Look for the mural of the dolphin on the front of the building, which houses exhibits on the playful cetaceans.
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Vandeleur Walled Garden
This remarkable 'lost' garden was the private domain of the wealthy Vandeleur family – merchants and landowners who engaged in harsh evictions and forced emigration of local people in the 19th century (a current resident said of the Vandeleur: 'That lot fled at liberation'). The gardens lie within a large walled area just east of the centre and have been redesigned and planted with colourful tropical and rare plants. Woodland trails wind around the area, and there's also a cafe.
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St Senan’s Catholic Church
St Senan’s Catholic church contains eight detailed examples of stained glass by well-known early 20th-century artist Harry Clarke.
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Courthouse Studios & Gallery
Besides excellent pubs and good sleeping options, Ennistymon has a healthy arts scene. These studios are in an impressively renovated 1800 building with ever-changing exhibitions by local and international artists.
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Naturequest Gallery
The local flora and fauna are the inspiration at Naturequest Gallery, an artist-run gallery just off the Butter Market.
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West Clare Railway
A 2km vestige of this historic line survives near Moyasta on the Kilkee Rd (N67) 6km northwest of Kilrush. Run by volunteers, the beautifully restored steam-powered trains shuttle back and forth over the open land.
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Kilrush Shannon Dolphin Trail
This 4km route ends 3km south of Kilrush at Aylevarro Point, where signs have dolphin info and where you can often see Flipper's progeny frolicking offshore.
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Ennistymon Horse Market
On the first Monday of each month is one of Clare's great spectacles: the horse market literally takes over the town's streets as people from around the region come to buy and sell donkeys, mares, thoroughbreds and even a few plain old nags.
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