Tarbert Port (Killimer to Tarbert Ferry)

Tarbert Port sits on the County Kerry shore of the Shannon Estuary and is one of the two terminals of the Killimer to Tarbert ferry, run by Shannon Ferries. The roll-on, roll-off car ferry links Tarbert with Killimer in County Clare, carrying vehicles and foot passengers across the estuary in around 20 minutes and forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way route along Ireland’s west coast.

The crossing offers a practical shortcut between Kerry and Clare, sparing drivers the much longer road journey around by Limerick city. The service has run since 1969 and operates throughout the year, with sailings roughly every half hour through the middle of the day in the busier season. Because the Shannon is wide and deep here, the ferry remains the direct way across rather than a bridge.

The short trip is a pleasant break in a longer drive, with open views over the estuary, and dolphins are sometimes seen in the water during the summer months. Sailing times, fares and any seasonal changes are published by the operator, so it is worth checking the Shannon Ferries website before travelling.