Killimer-Tarbert Ferry
The ferry crosses the Shannon Estuary between Killimer in west Clare with Tarbert in north Kerry (connecting the N67 with the N69). If you were to do the same journey by land it would be close to a 90 km trip as you have to go to Limerick to cross the mighty Shannon! The ferry crossing takes just half an hour and is used year-round by businesses and locals for its convenience. The route is also popular with tourists for the beautiful views and interesting features of the estuary as well as the possibility of spotting Dolphins along the way. The crossing is now part of the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW), a 2500 km touring route alone the west coast of Ireland stretching from Donegal to west Cork. There are two car ferries serving the route – the Shannon Breeze and the Shannon Dolphin.
From the Killimer ferry port you can see Kilkerin Point to the left and the chimney stacks of Moneypoint power station to your right. Across the estuary you will see Tarbert Island with its power station and light house. Depending on the tide, you may see large cargo vessels heading to/from ports further up the Shannon Estuary.
The Colleen Bawn at Killimer
Just before turning down to the ferry terminal, in the village of Killimer, there is a memorial to the Colleen Bawn, Ellen Hanley. Ellen eloped with a man called John Scanlan when she was aged just 15. A few weeks later, Scanlan had his servant John Sullivan murder Ellen on a boat in the Shannon Estuary. Her body washed up near Money Point in September 1819 and both Sullivan and Scanlan were hanged for her murder. As well as the memorial statue in the village, there is also a commemorative plaque at her burial place in the nearby Killimer cemetery.
The Cache
The cache itself is a small tupperware with room for log and small items. BYOP. This cache is doable as a park and grab - so it can be done if you are waiting for a ferry. If however you are arriving from Tarbert or visiting specifically for the cache, there are benches and areas to sit and enjoy the surroundings as well as a shop, café and toilets. There are also plenty of parking spaces available – you don’t have to use the ferry to visit!