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Jan
10
Shannon Travel Guide
Filed Under Ireland
A trip to Shannon
Shannon is the second largest town in County Clare and is the only ‘created’ town in Ireland. Established in the 1960s, Shannon is infamous for having the world’s first duty-free airport and is an important industrial region. Many visitors come to Shannon to enjoy nearby castles and estates as well as its natural beauty, evident at the Cliffs of Moher. Shannon International Airport is a major gateway between the east coast of the US and Ireland.
Flights to Shannon
Built in the 1930s, Shannon International Airport has become and important hub for travel between Ireland and Europe, as well travel to the United States. There are direct flights to most major European cities from Shannon as well as to cities in the US, such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC and Philadelphia. The city centre can be reached via Citylink bus or by taxi.
To get around the city, most areas can be explored on foot, otherwise buses and taxis are on hand to reach places farther a field. However, many visitors end up hiring a car, with driving being the best way to explore the areas around Shannon. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Shannon try lastminute.com.
Shannon ireland
Sightseeing in Shannon
Shannon and its outlying areas offer a plethora of attractions for visitors. Everything from parks, farms, and boat trips, to castles, caves, and museums are on offer. There are numerous castles in the area, such as Carrigogunnell, Laemaneh and Farney. However, the most popular castle is probably King John’s Castle, situated right on the River Shannon in Limerick. This castle is over 800 years old and is a great place for kids to explore and for adults to marvel at paintings and excavations.
For something different, visit the Aillwee Caves near Ballyvaughan. These spectacular caves have been created by thousands of years of rain and water flow and are great places to explore underground tunnels. The caves are open between March and November. On the coast, there are many water-related activities to be enjoyed. An unusual but rewarding activity is to take a boat tour to see the dolphins that inhabit the waters.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Think Ireland and you think pubs and a pint of Guiness! Shannon is full of pubs, with many boasting live music. Here you can experience the real traditional Irish pub life, even if smoking has now been banned. For trendy nightclubs, most locals go to nearby Limerick or Ennis where there are more vibrant nightlife scenes.
For something more unusual, head to one of the banquets that are served up by the castles in and around Shannon. The most well-known is Kanppogue Castle in Quin, which holds banquets or feasts with live music, dancing and entertainment. The nearby Bunratty Folk Park also hosts evening entertainment during the summer months.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
The main shopping mall in Shannon is the Sky Court Shannon where almost any item can be found. For more local shopping, try the Ballycasey Craft Centre which promotes Irish crafts and design. Here you will find unique souvenirs to take home. In town, there is also a Farmers’ Market (closed during the winter season) where local produce, baked goods, handicrafts and plants are sold.
Daytrips
Shannon and the surrounding region offer several interesting daytrips. From the city, visitors can take a guided tour of County Clare, which includes highlights such as the Black Head panoramic drive, the Burren, Bunratty Village and the stunning Cliffs of Moher. The latter can also be explored by navigating along the cliff’s front.
The Shannon region offers some great walking options as well. Walking enthusiasts will appreciate the trip through Ennis’ winding medieval streets, accompanied by an experienced local tour guide who provides fascinating knowledge of this picturesque town’s rich past.
A local traditional Irish pub can be visited at the end of any walking daytrip where participants will learn more about County Clare’s influence on the folkloristic Irish music scene and the locals’ favourite tipple.
Must-see attractions
Truly a must-see attraction is the experience of observing more than 100 dolphins in their natural habitat. From both Carrigaholt and Kilrush Creek Marina boat cruises depart giving passengers the option to explore the Shannon Estuary, home to the solely known resident shoal of bottlenose dolphins. The cruise includes opportunities to observe seabirds and other marine life as well.
A guided tour of King John’s Castle in Limerick should be on top of each history buff’s list. Situated on the Shannon River, this historically important Anglo-Norman castle dates back to 1200 and features not only historical displays, but archaeological excavation sites as well. Make sure you don’t miss exploring the corner towers and the massive gatehouse.
Throughout Shannon visitors can find monasteries and churches, especially around County Clare. Several of these religious structures were constructed by Donal Mor O Brien, a legendary church builder. Clarecastle’s Killone Augustinian Convent, the Carran Church and the Ennis Friary Church in Ballyvaughan represent outstanding examples of medieval traditional architecture.
Best time to go
In general, travellers don’t visit Ireland to get a suntan or for its climate. Visitors come here mostly looking for stunning scenery, history, culture, hospitable people and traditional music. However, Shannon’s peak tourist season takes place in July and August. In April and May spring flowers are at their finest while many arts festivals are held in October.
The winter has its own sort of ambience but darkness falls early and temperatures drop meaning visitors need to wrap up warm and limit the length of their outdoor excursions. Fortunately there are plenty of cosy pubs on every street corner in which to recharge your batteries.
Rainy day suggestions
The pubs offer nice entertainment during the rainy days with many offering live music performances along with a warm and welcoming ambience. The pub is the place to chat with locals and warm up by the fire.
Another alternative during rainfall is offered by Shannon’s museums including the Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre and the Foynes Flying Boat Museum. For an insight into decorative glassware, head for the Cavan Crystal Craft and Design museum, or explore the artworks at the Hunt Museum in nearby Limerick.
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