Loughill (Loghill)Co.Limerick

                                                                         Elm Fireplaces.

 www.shannonestuarywildatlanticway.com

Glin Castle ,Co.Limerick.

Glin Castle ,Co.Limerick.
Link of Photo /Video HERE

Robertstown Old Church & Graveyard,Robertstown,Foynes,Co.Limerick

Robertstown Old Church & Graveyard,Robertstown,Foynes,Co.Limerick

See  HERE  Courtesy of limerickdioceseheritage

The oldest headstone that we came across was from November 1788 and it was in memory of Joanna O'Brien.

Robertstown Creek,Robertstown,Foynes,Co.Limerick

Robertstown Creek,Robertstown,Foynes,Co.Limerick

A Great Location for Birdwatching.

Ahacronane River,Barrigone,Co.Limerick

 See  My Fish Maps Fishing Site HERE

Ahacronane River Stream is drawn on the Nationala Geospatial Agency (NGA) Map. Ahacronane River is located in the Limerick Area of the Country of Ireland. The Stream is located at the latitude and longitude coordinates of 52.596667 and -9.061944. Fishing enthusiasts interested in fishing near or at Ahacronane River should print out the Google map and take it with them on their fishing trip. This could be one of the best fishing or outdoors adventure locations in the regions of Americas/Western Europe. We truly hope your fishing and outdoor adventures are enhanced by our social fishing website (www.myfishmaps.com) so we ask that you share your experiences with other fishing enthusiasts both young and old. Fishermen and Fisherwomen should also submit a comment or report on Ahacronane River to help out their fellow anglers. The fishing site also provides users the ability to easily track fishing catches and experiences with exact GPS location on the body of water, create fishing groups to communication with your fishing buddies, find tackle shops fishing schools and marines and port located near your fishing sites and last be not least enter fishing contests to win fishing equipment and supplies. Courtesy of My Fish Maps

The Shannon Estuary
 Shannon Foynes Port Company, a short video showing the world class facilities we have to offer.

Glin Swim ,20 7 2014.Shannon Estuary.

Glin,Co.Limerick.Ireland.

A video from  

KnockanureLocal  Swim across the Shannon to Glin Co Limerick

Loughill,Exploring Loghill,Co.Limerick.Shannon Estuary Irelands' Wild Atlantic Way

www.shannonestuarywildatlanticway.com

I am standing on a busy bridge overlooking the Shannon estuary and marvelling at the dramatic power of nature. After all the recent rain the white river is living up to its name and thousands of gallons water are been pushed through the narrow arches of the bridge creating a swirling cascade at the other side. I gently lean over but quickly retreat as I much prefer the feel of solid ground beneath my feet. The noise is deafening and who would think that such as important thing as water could be so forceful.   

    

The beautiful town of Loghill is nestled between Foynes and Glin and forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way. 

This town dates to the 12^th Century and once had extensive Iron works. Today it is a lot more peaceful and the only sounds are the thunder of the water flowing beneath my feet and the haunting calls of the waders feeding out on the mudflats. I feel the excitement of exploring a new location and head of to discover more wildlife.

I walk down the path by the river and the fruits of the season are evident. An Elderberry bush has a bramble growing through its branches. Both have berries and they can be made into wine, jams, tarts and ketcup. The Sycamore tree arrived in Ireland during the 12^th century. It was incorrectly named as its leaves resemble the true Sycamore that is found in Palestine. A more appropriate name would be the Great Maple but like old habits familiar names take a long time to change.

Deep in the tree two Wrens are singing and hopefully this winter will be mild as these tiny birds can suffer terrible during prolonged cold spells. The red berries of Lord and Ladies are ripening underneath a Holly tree. Its flowers give off a smell of urine and this attracts flies who pollinate the flowers. Also the phallic shape of the plant has led to many interesting names and the more printable ones are Sentry in the box and Kate come down the lane and jump up and kiss me. A Robin appears briefly on a branch, utters a quick song and retires to the safety of the trees.

Beech trees are taking on their autumn colours and can hold onto their leaves well into the winter till the first storm stripes them bare. Nettles like rich soil and where the leaves of the Beech have rotted down they are thriving. All these native plants have been complemented by the planting of Pyracanthas and wild roses. These are excellent shrubs/climbers for wildlife producing flowers for bees and berries for birds.

I reach the end of the path as the rain arrives. An old boat is located at the edge of the mudflats and it provides a dry place and also the birds are well used to this feature. I peek out the window and see a Cormorant flying overhead. These are excellent at fishing and dive under the water to catch their prey. In some countries fishermen raise the chicks and    they are trained to catch fish and bring their catch back to their boats.

 A Grey wagtail is flying upstream. Despite its name they have bright yellow on the body and the tail. I am joined briefly by a wasp who flies around for a few minutes and investigated all parts of the boat including myself. I keep perfectly still as he crawls over my hand and if you don’t panic and react they general leave you alone. With nothing of interest in the boat he flies out the window.

The large mudflats have attracted hundreds of birds. When the woods have gone silent the  mix of calls is an autumn chorus not to be missed. One bird in particular stands out and I can see a Curlew in the distance. It is easy to identify with its long de-curved beak, bulky body and streaked brown plumage. The female is bigger than the male and she also has a longer beak. This is a unique adaptation as this means that males and female don’t compete for the same food. Unfortunately the Curlew has nearly disappeared as a breeding bird and its future hangs very much in the balance.

Time is moving on and as I extract myself from my hide I see the lovely pink flowers of the Sea Aster. I head up to Kilteery Pier and the long winding road in has beautiful views of the sea. A pair of grey hooded crows are searching for seafood while a massive Greater Black backed Gull is resting on a rock. Through the open window I can hear a Jackdaw calling and a lone Swallow is flying along the edge of the sea.

A fabulous few hours spent discovered the amazing wildlife of this hidden part of the Shannon estuary.  

Comments/Questions to albert.nolan@rocketmail.com or 089 4230502. Also available to give walks talks to schools, tidy towns, youth and community groups.   

Check out the Shannon Estuary PHOTOS  HERE 
Check out Facebook Page.
www.facebook.com/ShannonEstuaryIreland
also
www.facebook.com/pages/Shannon-Estuary-Wild-Atlantic-Way/...
and Twitter twitter.com/ShannonEstuaryI

Glin Castle ,Co.Limerick.

Glin Castle ,Co.Limerick.
Shannon Estuary Wild Atlantic Way
https://twitter.com/ShannonEstuaryI

Currently for sale www.sherryfitz.ie/residential/for-sale/44124
Irish Times @ Night falls on Glin Castle in Limerick after 700 years
www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/new-...
Castle In Limerick - Glin Castle Limerick
www.castlesinireland.com/castle-in-limerick-glin-castle-l...
The Knight of Glin - The Last Interview by Richard Lynch from I lOVE LIMERICK
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsVkTwkw6uk

William Smith O'Brien Mausoleum,Glenville,Co.Limerick

William Smith O'Brien Mausoleum,Glenville,Co.Limerick.
See photos  HERE   & Info HERE

Ballylongford Bay,Co.Kerry. Curlew & Nature in the Shannon Estuary.Cry of the Curlew.

Ballylongford Bay,Co.Kerry. Curlew & Nature in the Shannon Estuary.
Check the Video clips & Photos  HERE

Cry of the Curlew.Ballylongford Bay,Co.Kerry

Askeaton Desmond Castle,Co.Limerick

Askeaton Desmond Castle,Co.Limerick

Photos & video clips of Askeaton Desmond Castle,by the River Deel which flows into the Shannon Estuary Wild Atlantic Way
Photos @
https://www.flickr.com/ph…/tippryan/albums/72157658750735945

Carrig Island Napoleonic Battery Fortress,Ballylongford,Co.Kerry.

Carrig Island Napoleonic Battery Fortress,Ballylongford,Co.Kerry.
Photos @ https://www.flickr.com/ph…/tippryan/albums/72157658561591800
Check out this Blog @ https://irishmartellotowers.wordpress.com/locationswest-co…/ Shannon Estuary Fortifications

Inside the fort which seems to be used by the local farmer as a  cattle shelter.

Asdee to Kilrush Pano

Asdee to Kilrush  ,Pano

Curlews in Flight ,Kilkerrin,Co.Clare.

Curlews in Flight late evening ,Kilkerrin,Co.Clare.

Querrin in West Clare on the Shannon Estuary.Montbretia Colour Aug.2015.

Querrin in West Clare on the Shannon Estuary.
The stunning colour of Montbretia by the sides of the road leading twoards Querrin Pier and The Shannon Estuary . Aug.27th 2015.

                                               
                                                           Montbretia,Meadowsweet & Loosestrife.

                                                           
                                                                 Montbretia ,Meadowsweet

Check out this Wonderful Blog from Patricia Byrne HERE  and her description of the Querrin and the colours of Monbretia.
and Carmel Madigan Summer Hedge School  HERE

Birdwatching In Tarbert Bay,Co.Kerry.Ireland

Birdwatching In Tarbert Bay,Co.Kerry.Ireland
A great location to visit during the Winter Months along the N69 road from Limerick on The Shannon Estuary.
Curlews,Redshank,Egret to many types of Duck.

                                                    See Birdwatching  Photos From Tarbrt on FLICKR  HERE 

Loop Head’s heritage trail in Co.Clare nominated for tourism award

Loop Head’s heritage trail in Co.Clare nominated for tourism award,Read the Limerick Leader HERE

A View from the top of the Lighthouse ,unfortunately my son was unable to make the journey as it does not have disabled access(which is acceptable considering when it was constructed and it would take from the Lighthouse if something was constructed so).

                           He was kept  in good spirits by the kindness of a girl on duty..

                         It was interesting to hear a U.S Couple later  ask "Has it got a Lift" !!

                                                                Loop Head Lighthouse

                        Darragh Enjoying the visual displays in Loophead Lighthouse in Co.Clare. 

There are More to view on Flickr  HERE

Rosscliffe : Ballynacally ( Baile na Caillí),Co.Clare,Ireland.

Rosscliffe : Ballynacally ( Baile na Caillí),Co.Clare,Ireland.

Photos @ FLICKR  HERE
Read an interesting History of the Port? Courtesy of Brian J Goggin  HERE

Mermaid National Championships 2015 - Foynes Yacht Club.

Mermaid National Championships 2015 - Foynes Yacht Club.

 See more Photos on FLICKR HERE