Local Attractions & Places To See

Golf

The Shannon Region is home to the finest Golf the country has to offer and  easily lends itself to the relaxing game of golf. Here, you will find no less than thirty four quality courses, each one uniquely challenging and with a character that is visually exciting. Many of these courses are designed by leading international golfers and designers.

If golf is your interest, check out Ireland’s Shannon Region. It offers you choice and challenge in a Region renowned for scenic beauty, great activity and the warmness of its welcome. We at Millbank will arrange golf for you if required.

Attractions in the area, which are ideal of a day trip with none more than a 2 hour drive from MILLBANK  

The Cliffs of Moher - Sheer Magic

Just north of Lahinch, on the coast of west Clare, are the famous Cliffs of Moher, defiantly standing as giant natural ramparts against the aggressive might of the Atlantic Ocean. They rise in places to over 215 metres and stretch over 8km.

O’Brien’s Tower, which was constructed in the early 19th century as a viewing point for Victorian tourists, is located on Moher’s highest cliff. From its exceptional vantage position one can view the Clare coastline, the Aran Islands and mountains as far as Kerry and Connemara.

Aillwee Cave (Burren)

With its stalactites, stalagmites, relics of bears, and a waterfall, the superb Aillwee Cave has become one of Irelands leading attractions and is an essential part of any tour to the Burren.

Hunt Museum (Limerick)  - 20 mins from Millbank

The Hunt Collection is an internationally important collection of original works of art and antiquities. It is a personal one, formed by a couple who judged each piece that they collected according to the standard of its design, craftsmanship and artistic merit. These criteria they applied to objects of all ages - from the Neolithic to the twentieth century.

Rock of Cashel (45 mins from Millbank)

The Rock of Cashel is one of the most spectacular archeological sites in Ireland. It sits on the outskirts of Cashel on a large mound of limestone bristling with ancient fortifications. Mighty stone walls encircle a complete round tower, a roofless abbey, a 12th century Romanesque chapel, and numerous other buildings and high crosses. The Rock of Cashel is composed four structures which are the Hall of the Vicars Choral, the cathedral, the round tower, and Cormac's Chapel. Hore Abbey is about one kilometer north at the base of the rock.

Murroe/Glenstall Abbey/Clare Glens (10 min from Millbank

Murroe, a small village in Co Limerick is three miles from the Clare Glens. It is also the location of Glenstal Abbey. The Abbey now occupied by the Benedictine Order who run a secondary school. Was originally built in the 1830’s as a residence for the Barrington Family. The building was constructed to resemble a 12th Century Castle through a Windsor Style Tower and a Norman Gate. Additionally, the lands immediately around the residence were transformed through the planting of trees, shrubs and the construction of artificial lakes

Clare Glens

The Clare Glens forms the boundary between Co. Tipperary and Co Limerick. The Glens through which the Clare River flows is a gorge, which provides excellent walks and scenic views from all sides. There are many waterfalls the Glens are heavily wooded and a nature trail has been mapped in a looped course format, which opens up all areas of the Glens to the visitor.

Holy Cross Abbey (40 mins from Millbank)

Holycross abbey is one of the countries most important ecclesiastical centres. The Abbey , which houses two actual relics of the true cross. Architecturally the groined ceiling, lofty arches east and west windows and elaborate stone work including the sedilia worth viewing. Apart from the views indoors, there are a full range of visitor services including gardens picnic areas, map board, information point, shop and audio-visual presentation.

Lough Derg (15 mins from Millbank)

Lough Derg is the largest lake on the Shannon, Its 13,000 hectares stretch 35 km in length from Portumna  at its northern tip to Killaloe /Ballina at its southerly point, and 12km, at its widest point, from Scarriff on its western shore to Youghal Bay on its eastern side.

 The lake is a natural mixed fishery offering superb angling, primarily for pike and coarse fish, but with a modest stock of wild brown trout which are most popularly, fished during the Mayfly season. The lake is rated one of the top waters for record weight pike and the best time to fish for them is Spring. The European Pike Angling Challenge is an annual event on Lough Derg and it is normally fished during the third week in September.

Birr Castle & Gardens

Originally one of the castles of the great O’Carroll   clan. Birr Castle has been the seat of the Earls of Rosse for over 350 years. It   remains  a family home but is only open to the public on special occasions .However, the surrounding demesne is open throughout the year. Laid out around a lake and along the banks of two adjacent rivers. Birr Castle  Demesne is one of the finest and most beautiful ornamental gardens in Ireland and Europe.

 

Sport in the Region

Limerick is regarded as being the sporting capital of the Ireland, turning out high level teams in many different sports.

Rugby

Rugby is the main sport in the region, Limerick is situated in the middle of the internationally renowned Munster province. They have had great success in European competition in recent years. Their home ground  “Thomond Park” is situated about 12km from Millbank. There are generally between 8 and 10 major games played there every year in Celtic League and European cup.

Greyhound Racing

This is also very popular in the region with up to 3 race meetings a week. The tracks are located in Limerick City and another one in Thurles. Each night there are 10 races with 6 Dogs in each race. Which can be viewed from either the stand or the comfort of the track bar.

Night Life

Limerick has an abundance of different types of night life ranging from pubs and clubs of the city centre to the concert hall at Limerick University. Local pubs offer traditional and Irish music many nights during the week where you can enjoy a “Guinness” and sample the craic.

Bunratty Castle

The Village at Night Bunratty is alive at night as much as during the day, when Bunratty Castle plays host to the world-famous Medieval banquets, now in their 37th year, and the Folk Park's barn hosts. Traditional Irish Céili. Elsewhere in the village, you may enjoy one of the local bars. Durty Nellies, known throughout the world, is beside the castle, while the recreated pub of the Folk Park, McNamara's, is open at night.