Sixmilebridge Overview

Halfway between Shannon and Limerick, quiet Sixmilebridge (Droichead Abhann Ó gCearnaigh) has a spectacular hostel and makes a perfect stop en route to the airport. The beauty of the Shannon Valley demands exploration. Hostel co-owner Michael is a great source of information on scenic walks. The most rewarding walks lead to the breathtaking views of Shannon from atop Gallows and Woodcock Hills, about 5km outside town. From the hostel, take a left when you get to town. Fishermen might pass the time trying to hook dinner at Castle Lake, 3km north of town.

The wonderful  Jamaica Inn is really Sixmilebridge’s main attraction. Large, soft beds, a lovely outdoor patio, and knowledgeable staff make it worth a stopover even if you’re not on the way to the airport. Head downhill from the bus stop at the center of town and cross the bridge, which, at a distance of exactly six old-Irish miles from Limerick, gave the town its name. Take the first left and follow the signs—it’s a short walk from town past the Duck Inn near the old mill pond. The serene central courtyard is a wonderful lounging spot for rare sunny afternoons. (☎369 220; www.jamaicainn.ie. Free Wi-Fi. Laundry €8-10. Dorms May-Sept. €19, Oct.-Apr; €18. Singles €38/35; doubles €58/54. MC/V; 4% surcharge applies.) The inn also serves breakfast in its restaurant . (Full Irish breakfast €8.50. Open daily 8:30am-noon.) Pick up groceries at Centra, Main St., which also has a small deli and ATM. (☎369 176. Open M-Sa 7:30am-9pm, Su 8am-8pm.) Sixmilebridge doesn’t have many restaurants, but luckily a few are real gems. A French couple runs cozy  Dine & Wine has curried dishes for when pub grub gets to be too much. (☎713 688. Entrees €9-13. Open daily 5-11:30pm. MC/V.) Head to the top of the hill to find Bill McGregors, an old-school pub with dark wood and a cast of local characters. (☎369 099. F-Su live music. Cash only.) Locals end the night at the Old House, where the craic continues long after closing time. (☎086 834 7465. Open from noon. Live music Su. Cash only.) The town’s six pubs quench the thirst worked up by a long day of hiking. Hurling enthusiasts will enjoy the themed decor at Casey’s. The second weekend in January is the winter weekend, when live music packs Sixmilebridge’s pubs.

Buses depart from Sixmilebridge for Limerick (€4.30; M-F 8:20, 10:45am, 4:55pm, Sa 8:20am and 10:45am) and Shannon. (M-F 7:20am, 1:30, 2:55pm; Sa 7:20am and 1:30pm. Arrive early; buses are known to leave ahead of schedule.) There is a currency exchange at the Credit Union on Main St. (☎369 322. Open M-W 2-6pm, Th-F 2-8pm.) The green-and-white pharmacy is on the first corner when entering town. (☎369 601. Open M-F 9:15am-1:30pm and 2:30-6:15pm, Sa 9:30am-1:30pm.) The post office is up the hill on Main St. (☎369 171. Open M-F 9am-1pm and 2-5:30pm, Sa 9am-1pm.) On the first street on the right heading up Main St. is the gorgeous Kilfinaghty Public Library, housed in an 18th-century stone church recently refurbished with the financial support of poet laureate Seamus Heaney. (☎369 678. Free Internet access for up to 1hr. Open Tu and Th 10am-1pm, 2-5:30pm and 6-8pm, W and F 10am-1pm and 2-5:30pm, Sa 10am-2pm.)