Kilrush is located on the Shannon estuary between Kilkee and Kilimer (ferry port) on the n67 and is on the Wild Atlantic Way. Kilrush is a sizable town and is the capital of the region.
The Shannon Estuary at Kilrush is home to a resident population of bottlenose dolphins which comprises about 140 individuals. Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Centre is located opposite Kilrush Marina and collects information on the bottlenose dolphins in the Shannon Estuary including their conservation management, ongoing research and monitoring and efforts to increase people's awareness of, and interest in, the Shannon dolphins. The centre is open from mid-May until mid-September, 7 days a week with free admission. Dolphin Discovery offer daily dolphin watching tours from Kilrush Creek marina. See these dolphins in their natural habitat, there is a good chance of seeing baby calves as they are born each year between May and August. Sailing operates April to October (subject to demand and weather) and lasts 2-2.5 hours. Three to four sailings are offered daily during peak season. Dolphin Discovery also operate the ferry service to Scattery Island, a 6th century monastic settlement, just 2 miles from Kilrush.
The town has a good night life and has many pubs. The area has a good traditional Irish music background, indeed in the 1950s Mrs Crotty from Kilrush was one of the best known and highly respected traditional musicians in Ireland. The pub her and her husband owned still bears her name (Crotty) and live traditional music is played there and in many pubs in the town. With such a strong music tradition it is not surprising the town has a Traditional Music & Set Dancing Festival in August of each year. It is a 6-day festival of music & set dancing including open air ceili’s in Kilrush Square on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It features music sessions, singers club, sean nos and set dancing workshops.