Shannon Ferry

You are now at the Shannon Car Ferry Terminal. Following the blessing of the ferry boat, by the Bishop of Killaloe, Most Rev Dr. Harty and the launching of the service by the Minister for Labour Dr P.G. Hillery, on Friday morning, May 30^th 1969 at 8.30am, the “Shannon Heather” left Killimer on the first commercial crossing and the first cars disembarked at Tarbert, twenty minutes later. It was a huge success to the point where a second ferry the Shannon Willow was introduced so that during the summer two boats could run. This has continued to this day and is a vital life line along the West Coast keeping an essential connection between Kerry and Clare.

The following is a slideshow of photos that were kindly shared with us by Shannon Ferrys that they produced to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2019 following the story of the of the Shannon Heather and the building of the Ferry terminals. The slideshow also includes a postcard that was originally sold of the Ferry.

This beautiful piece of work that you can see from where you are is to symobolise the connection between county Clare and Kerry with both counties names done in ogham down the length of each piece of wood. Its well worth a closer inspection.