Travelling through Ireland, you will come across many picturesque towns and villages, but one I really love to visit is Killaloe, situated on the River Shannon, in County Clare.
Killaloe is steeped in history and for twelve years from 1002 to 1014, when Brian Boru who was High King of Ireland had his base there, it was known to be the capital of Ireland.
You could easily while away a day in Killaloe, but even if you’re just passing through for a few hours, make time to check out some of these –
St Flannan’s Cathedral
Besides the beautiful Shannon river, the centrepiece of Killaloe has to be St Flannan’s Cathedral. Built between the 12th and 13th Centuries, it’s a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture and full of history. Open to the public daily, it’s lovely and peaceful inside, and make sure to take a stroll around the graveyard and garden as well.
Explore the Town
Take the self-guided Historic Town Trail which is just over three miles, or four kilometres long. It will take you past the Cathedral and the famous 13 arch stone bridge. Killaloe is a great little town, with bustling narrow streets full of cafes, quaint shops and pubs.
13 Arch Stone Bridge
The historic 13 arch stone bridge joins Killaloe to its twin town of Ballina. The main structure of the bridge was built in the 18th century on the site of an earlier 17th century structure. Crossing it can be a little challenging if you’re driving as it’s only one lane, and has traffic lights in all directions to control the flow of traffic. When I was in Killaloe last year, I was told a new bridge is planned as it can get quite busy, particularly during the peak Summer months.
Take A River Cruise
One of the most popular things to do, is to take a river cruise and admire the scenery. There are a few companies that offer cruises, but most popular are Killaloe River Cruises who operate hour long cruises, seven days a week and provide a commentary on the sites you pass.
Killaloe Farmers Markets
If you’re there on a Sunday, the Farmers Market is open from 11am-3pm in the area known as Between-the-Waters which is exactly what is says – between the river and the canal! It’s a great place to pick up local farm fresh products and produce.
