a market-town and seaport of Ireland, county Clare, pleasantly situate at the head of a small bay on the N. side of the Shannon estuary, 35 miles W. of Limerick. It is neatly built, with several good public buildings; has some linen and woollen manufactures; and exports considerable quantities of herring and other fish to Limerick. Peats from the neighbouring bogs are also exported in large quantities. The harbour, which is the first above the mouth of the Shannon, is well sheltered except from the S. wind. There is a good pier, and steamers ply regularly to Limerick. Pop. 4471. In the Island of Scattery, which protects the roadstead of Kilrush, are numerous ecclesiastical antiquities, among which is a round tower 120 feet high.