Limerick Marina ,Limerick City .
On speaking to one of the people on one of the boats I found out that they had ventured from above Killaloe made their way through the locks at the ESB Power Station in Ardnacrusha ,Limerick City and out the Shannon Estuary ,stopped off in the Kilrush Marina and then on to Loop Head. An incredible scenic journey I was told.A site i was told to look up is the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland for further information http://www.iwai.ie/
It was an expensive project that does not seem to have recuperated its expenditure. The majority of the time the moorings remain empty, there are up to 28 facilities available. I would hope that in 2008 that the relevant bodies involved would do a lot more to promote this waterway/marina, it is a very sad reflection to not seeing the Marina been used to it’s maximum potential, this project is part of the Shannon–Limerick corridor which has a high concentration of tourism and is a gateway to Ireland’s Western Seaboard.
I was glad today to come across a video on You Tube of a boat trip from Killaloe to the heart of Limerick City and using the mooring to dock there, let’s hope in 2008 we see more docking in the marina.
Video courtesy of harrysheehy.
A pictorial record of a trip with Pat Lysaght from Limerick Marina up to Ardnacrusha, please click on the link below.
http://www.powerboat.ie/forums/showthread.php?p=13373
A Project Beset with Problems…See reference below
Navigating the New Waterway
This waterway is a unique boating experience. However it is recommended that inexperienced boat users get expert advice and assistance before using this waterway. Before using the new navigation system it is advisable to plan your trip well in advance and take certain precautions regarding issues such as safety, security, timing etc. A minimum of three hours is required to get from Killaloe to Limerick and this may be longer depending on tides, level of rainfall and operation of turbines at Ardnacrusha there can be considerably strong current in the Tailrace and Abbey River. Depending on the level of tide and the airdraft of your craft some of the bridges in the Abbey River may be impassable. You will need to refer to the relevant navigation charts and it is strongly recommended that you contract Waterways Ireland before navigating the waterway. You will need to make contact with Shannon Rowing Club for Sarsfield Lock in Limerick City and ESB for Ardnacrusha Lock/information on operation of turbines.
Courtesy of lmdpo
Limerick City.
All users of the Abbey River are reminded of the necessity to contact Ardnacrusha Power Station (061-344061) to ascertain how many turbines are operating before commencing a voyage in this stretch of the navigation. It is advised NOT to transit the river when more than ONE turbine is running due to the increased velocity of water in the navigation. In addition, increased water flows are to be expected following spells of heavy rainfall.
Inspector of Navigation
13 Oct 2006
Tel: +353 (0) 90 6494232
Fax: +353 (0) 90 6494147
Conclusion: tourism in the Shannon estuary CZM
As an overall entity, the Shannon estuary does not have international-level attractions. Quality of scenic landscape is not such as would make the estuary a distinctive tourism destination in its own right. Much of the existing tourism activity near the estuary faces away from the river, and is not dependent on it.
However, the estuary does contain significant tourism activity in particular parts, such as the West Clare peninsula and the N69. Consequently, the CZM should play close attention to the tourism impacts of any recommended developments. Also, there may be possibilities worth pursuing in potential estuary-wide initiatives, such as boating/sailing, or integrated touring routes (N69/Kilimer ferry/West Clare). There may also be possibilities for cruise ships, linking stops on the estuary with the Burren and Killarney.
Courtesy of Shannon Development may 2002.
