Kilrush

Kilrush is the third largest town in Co. Clare, with a population of circa 2600, undergoing little demographic change in the past 30 years. Its peripheral location in a beautiful setting has had profound effects.

Located more remotely than comparably sized Clare towns which are under commuter pressure, Kilrush acts a service centre for a very wide hinterland. This is up to some estimated 20,000 people at the edge of west Clare. The town is connected by ferry to north Kerry and west Limerick. Previously a Shannon estuarine trading centre, a decline in commercial activity and resulting vacancy is now visible in the town centre.

The town is characterised by significant untapped potential in the areas of leisure, wellness, biodiversity and energy generation. The compact and beautiful town has an interesting history which has given rise to some notable streetscapes, intact as an Architectural Conservation Area and some landmark buildings and estates.