If your’e travelling along the coast road from Limerick to Ballybunion, the first village in Kerry you will see is Tarbert. From here you can choose to drive south towards Listowel, west towards Ballybunion or north to County Clare. But before leaving Tarbert there are lots of interesting places to see in this historic area.
What’s in Tarbert?
Shannon Ferries have been operating a service from Tarbert to Killimer in County Clare for decades. Visitors to and from County Clare can avoid the long journey via Limerick. Instead they can travel at leisure on the ferry and enjoy the abundant wildlife of the area or catch a glimpse of the dolphins in the Shannon Estuary.
When leaving the village for the ferry visitors will pass three memorable buildings.
The Bridewell was the old jail and Courthouse built in 1821. It is now a visitor Centre and museum.
Further on, visitors can’t miss the Power Station and the Lighthouse.
Nearby is Tarbert House, the residence of the Leslie family since the early 1700’s. Famous people who visited this house include Daniel O’Connell, Charlotte Bronte, Lord Kitchener, Benjamin Franklin, Winston Churchill and Jonathan Swift. This Heritage House is open to the public at certain times during May, June & July.
The village has a thriving Comprehensive School and is the location of walking trails, picnic areas and bird watching facilities.
Click on the images for more views of Tarbert
