From 1939 to 1945 Foynes enjoyed a brief moment of glory and glamour as the landing place for the flying boats that linked North America with the British Isles. Huge Pan Am clippers would set down in the estuary and refuel after flights often filled with wartime intrigue. On display are movies, posters and photographs from that era, plus flight simulators and a full-size replica of a Pan Am clipper to explore.
Foynes Flying Boat Museum
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
20.84 MILES
An obdurate and brooding Norman mass looming over the River Shannon, Limerick's showpiece castle, with its vast curtain walls and towers, was built on the…
20.83 MILES
Although named for its benefactors, this museum, opened in 1997, is also a treasure hunt. Visitors are encouraged to open drawers and poke around the…
Burren Perfumery & Floral Centre
29.97 MILES
The Burren's wildflowers are the inspiration for the subtle scents at this wonderful perfumery and floral centre, which creates scented items such as…
20.36 MILES
Creamy St Tola goat's cheese is served at some of Ireland's finest restaurants, with award-winning lines including ash log, Greek-style feta and gouda…
20.81 MILES
The centrepiece of this fascinating historic site where St Tola founded a monastery in the 8th century is the four-storey, 15th-century O'Dea Castle…
17.09 MILES
North of the Square, Ennis Friary was founded by Donnchadh Cairbreach O'Brien, a king of Thomond, between 1240 and 1249. A mix of structures dating…
15.41 MILES
Within a 170-hectare forest 800m south of the centre, this stunning 'lost' garden was the private domain of the wealthy Vandeleur family – merchants and…
23.9 MILES
Best seen by walking through the arch by Byrne's Inn, Ennistimon's cascades are quite a sight after heavy rain when they surge, beer-brown foaming, and…
Nearby attractions
5.76 MILES
This magnificent Franciscan friary ruin dates to 1389 and includes a fine cloister. Contact the tourist office for tours by resourceful local historian…
5.85 MILES
Located on an island in the River Deel, this magnificent ruin is undergoing a slow process of restoration which began in 2007. Local historian and expert…
3. Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse & Jail
11.47 MILES
If you're catching the ferry between Tarbert and County Clare, take time to visit the renovated Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse, which has exhibits …
13.93 MILES
In the middle of Adare, exhibits here explain the history and medieval context of the village's buildings in entertaining fashion. Quality Irish crafts…
5. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
13.97 MILES
Dating from the 15th century, square, hulking Bunratty Castle is only the latest of several edifices to occupy its location beside the River Ratty…
13.97 MILES
The dramatic tower and southern wall of the Church of the Holy Trinity date from the 13th-century Trinitarian priory that was restored by the first Earl…
14.09 MILES
North of Adare village, on the N21 and close to the bridge over the River Maigue, is the Church of Ireland parish church, once the Augustinian priory,…
14.16 MILES
Dating from around 1200, this picturesque Norman ruin changed hands several times before being entirely wrecked by Cromwell's troops in 1657, by which…