Overview
Poulnasherry Bay lies on the western edge of the Shannon Estuary in County Clare, forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Its name derives from the Irish Poll na nOisrí – “Oyster Hole” – a nod to the thriving oyster farms that line its western shore. The bay’s shallow mudflats, a cluster of five small islands and a rich tapestry of history make it a magnet for birdwatchers, heritage enthusiasts and anyone seeking a quiet slice of coastal Ireland.
History
The waters of Poulnasherry Bay have witnessed both triumph and tragedy. In the 19th century the bay was a vital crossing point for a small ferry that linked the villages of Kilrush and the surrounding townlands. On 12 December 1849 a severely overloaded boat capsized just 30 yards from shore, claiming 41 lives, many of them famine‑stricken families seeking workhouse relief in Kilrush. A memorial stone erected in 2013 at Cammoge Point records the names of the victims and the event remains a poignant reminder of the Great Famine’s human cost.
The bay also formed the western terminus of the West Clare Railway. Although the line was dismantled in the 1960s, remnants of the track and the old Moyasta Junction Station House survive. The station, now a heritage museum, offers visitors a glimpse of the steam‑era railway that once ferried tourists from Kilkee to the bay’s edge. The railway was famously lampooned by Percy French in his 1902 song “Are Ye Right There Michael?”.
What to See & Do
Birdwatching
Poulnasherry Bay is a designated Special Area of Conservation, prized for its extensive mudflats that support a spectacular array of waders and waterfowl. In spring and autumn you can spot dunlin, bar‑tailed godwit, black‑tailed godwit, curlew, golden plover and knot feeding on the soft sediment. Recent records on BirdGuides also note occasional blue‑winged teal and ferruginous duck sightings. Ducks, geese and swans – including mallard, teal, Brent geese and whooper swan – are regular visitors. The five islands – Illaunaclaggin, Illaunmore, Illaunbeg, Black Island and Illaunalea – provide quiet roosting spots; Illaunaclaggin is the largest and is cloaked in marram grass, while Illaunmore is a low‑lying gravel strand.
Islands Exploration
At low tide the smallest island, Illaunalea, can be walked to, offering a rare chance to set foot on a tidal island without a boat. The other islands are best observed from the shore or a small craft; their stark, windswept profiles are a photographer’s delight.
Oyster Farm Visits
Moyasta Oysters, one of only 21 signature points on the “Taste the Atlantic” trail, farms the bay’s oysters on the western shore. Visitors can arrange a guided tour of the family‑run farm to learn how the distinctive buttery, slightly peaty oysters are cultivated. The nearby Keane’s Oyster Bar & Restaurant serves fresh, locally‑sourced seafood, making a perfect lunch after a morning of birdwatching.
Railway Heritage
The West Clare Railway heritage museum at Moyasta Junction is a short drive from the bay. Although the line is not currently open to the public, the restored station house and a short stretch of the original narrow‑gauge track echo with the sounds of steam whistles. The museum also displays artefacts and photographs that illustrate the railway’s role in opening County Clare to tourists in the late 19th century.
Scenic Walks
A modest, unpaved path runs along the bay’s edge from the former ferry landing at Cammoge Point toward the Blackweir Bridge, offering sweeping views of the estuary and the distant cliffs of Kilkee. The walk is free and suitable for most fitness levels; the terrain is uneven in places but the reward is an uninterrupted panorama of water, sky and the occasional grazing seal.
Fishing
Poulnasherry Bay is a productive spot for both sea and coarse anglers. The estuary’s brackish waters hold sea trout, bass, mullet and thornback ray, while the mud‑flat bottom yields a variety of bottom‑dwelling fish. Shore‑based anglers often cast from the small car park at Moyasta or from the low‑lying beach at Cammoge Point. The wider Shannon Estuary supports coarse species such as pike, roach, bream and tench, making the area versatile for different fishing styles. Licences are required for sea fishing and can be obtained from the Irish Fisheries Board.
Practical Information
Poulnasherry Bay is publicly accessible and free to visit. There is no formal visitor centre, ticket office or set opening hours; the bay can be enjoyed at any time of day. Parking is available in the small lay‑by at Cammoge Point and at the Moyasta Oysters farm, both of which are free for short stays. The nearest public transport link is the Bus Éireann route 350, which stops in Kilkee and Kilrush; from either town a short taxi ride (approximately 5 minutes) will bring you to the bay.
For those wishing to explore the islands on foot, consult the tide tables – Illaunalea is safely reachable only at low to mid tide. The ferry disaster memorial and the historic railway remnants are located within easy walking distance of the main parking area. While the site is not wheelchair‑accessible due to uneven ground, the main viewpoint at Cammoge Point can be reached via a short, graded path.