The village of Shrule nestles on the Mayo side of the Black River, along the border between counties Mayo and Galway. The ancient Gaelic name for the village was Sruthair (pronounced Sruther), meaning a river or stream.

Situated between Ballinrobe (Mayo) and Headford (Galway) on the N84 road, Shrule is approx 25km from Galway city.

Shrule has a Roman Catholic church - Saint Joseph's - and one primary school. Most second level students from the area attend Presentation College Headford, County Galway, approx 6km away.