Location & Attractions

Glin Castle is situated on the banks of the River Shannon in Glin, Co. Limerick – the gateway to Southwest Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way. Shannon International Airport is just a 55-minute drive away, Cork Airport a 90-minute drive and Dublin Airport 2 hours and 30 minutes from us. And with connecting flights to most major European and US cities from all three airports, Glin Castle is easily accessible to all.

The gateway to Southwest Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way

Glin Castle is an ideal base from which to explore some of Ireland’s most beautiful sights such as the breath-taking Cliffs of Moher (an hour’s distance), the Dingle Peninsula (an hour and a half drive), the 15th century Bunratty Castle & Folk Park (45 minutes’ drive), Killarney town and the Ring of Kerry (an hour and fifteen minutes’ drive) and Adare Village heritage town named Ireland’s prettiest village (35 minutes’ drive).

Staying local

Local amenities include several golf courses within an hour’s drive: Adare Golf course (35 minutes), Ballybunion (30 minutes), Tralee Golf course (1 hour), Doonbeg (1 hour).

Staying closer to home, we recommend a visit to Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum. Discover the era of transatlantic passenger flights, the invention of Irish Coffee, and the maritime history of the majestic River Shannon. This museum is home to the world’s only full-size replica of a B314 flying boat. Explore Foynes’ role in early passenger flights across the Atlantic Ocean and the legendary flying boats that came and went carrying celebrities, royalty, rich and famous and desperate refugees alike.

Take a ferry

The ferry across the Shannon into Clare leaves every half an hour and takes 20 minutes. This opens up the Wild Atlantic Way to the north and the UNESCO ‘World Heritage’ landscape of the Burren. To the south lies Listowel, Tralee, Dingle and Killarney and the southern arm of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Scattery Island Tours is a family-run business offering boat trips from Kilrush. Scattery Island is a unique visitor experience on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Visitors to the island are amazed at the wealth of historic sites, which includes five Churches, a Cathedral, a magnificent Round Tower, Napoleonic War Artillery Battery and a working Lighthouse. Rare birds and wonderful wild flowers plus breathtaking views of the Shannon estuary make it our no. 1 easy day outing from Glin Castle. The abandoned village houses have been restored beautifully and an exhibition about the island and the fascinating history of Senan, the 6th century saint who lived there, is housed in one of the cottages. We can make you a delicious picnic to take with you to have while you drink in the peaceful atmosphere under expansive skies.

The Loop Head Lighthouse Walk is a 1-to-2-hour moderate loop walk from the Lighthouse car park and around the spectacular headland on Ireland’s western and wild Atlantic coast. The Loop Head peninsula is steeped in history, folklore and mythology with tales of sea serpents, Diarmuid and Grainne’s Rock, Cuchulainn’s Leap, ringforts, and much more. The flora and fauna of the area is of great interest, and it is one of Europe’s best Bird Watching spots for migratory birds. The geology of the area has also attracted significant attention for over 100 years with many spectacular formations, sea stacks and other features.

After a day of exploring by boat and on foot, you can enjoy a delicious meal in The Long Dock. The Long Dock, a classic Irish pub is located near the Loop Head peninsula and are famed for their fresh seafood.

The extraordinary limestone scenery of the Burren with its rare spring flowers, ancient prehistoric stones and ring forts, dramatic shoreline and Irish music scene is just an hours drive on from Loop Head. We can advise on day trips, walking tour guides and the best restaurants.

Bespoke day trip sample itineraries with suggested activities/evening entertainments at the castle can be put together for guests on request.

Things To Do At The Castle