Travel to Shannon

Travel to Shannon

Situated in County Clare on the west coast of the Republic of Ireland, Shannon is a relatively new town which has prospered following the development of the nearby international airport. It serves as a good base for exploring the sights and attractions in the region, and for sampling the renowned Irish hospitality.

Transportation to Shannon

Shannon has become a popular destination for weekend visits and it offers good connections to other cities in Ireland as well as numerous airports in the UK including Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Leeds, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Bristol, Liverpool and Glasgow. Shannon Airport is located just one mile from the town centre, making transfers quick and easy. Bus Eireann operate services to the town centre and other nearby towns.

If you wish to travel to Shannon by train, the nearest station is at Limerick, 15 miles away. A regular bus service provides a connection to Shannon town centre from the station. If traveling from the UK or Europe by train, Iarnrod Eireann offers InterRail servies, allowing you to book a combined rail/ferry journey. There is also an extensive bus network operated by Eurolines covering over 1,500 locations within Britain and from over 400 destinations throughout Europe.

Many people also like to drive here as a lot of the attractions in the area are spread out. The road network is good and all of the major highways are in reasonable condition and relatively congestion-free. The smaller country roads can be a pleasure to drive with so many scenic views, but they are often narrow and winding so extra care should be taken. To reach Shannon if arriving from the east coast, head towards Limerick and then take the N18, following the signs for Ennis and Galway.

What to see

The town of Shannon doesn't have any attractions suitable for visitors. Most people use the town as a base and hire a car to explore the region. One of the most popular sights is Bunratty Castle, a short ride from Shannon. The castle dates back to 970 AD and has been authentically restored. The medieval-style banquets held every evening in the Great Hall are recommended. There is also an extensive Folk Park on the grounds featuring reconstructions of historical cottages and buildings.

Farther away on the coast, the Cliffs of Moher overlook the Atlantic Ocean and provide superb views over Galway Bay. A new visitor centre is due to open in 2007. There are not many museums in the area, but one that is worth visiting is the Clare Museum in the centre of Ennis. There are several galleries covering the local people, places and treasures. The Burren Centre also covers the history and heritage of this part of Ireland and has an impressive visitor centre and some good exhibitions. It is located on the R476 between Ennis and Lisdoonvarna.

Activities and leisure

You need a car to take part in many of the activities in the area. However, even if you dont have a car you can enjoy golf, angling, walking and cycling. For the more adventurous visitors, there are water sports, horseback riding and swimming with dolphins.

Safety issues

This part of Ireland is generally a safe place to visit and crime is fairly low. However, you should remain alert to possible dangers, especially bag snatching and pick-pocketing at tourist areas. Accidents are also more likely to happen when on holiday, and covering the cost of treatment can be very expensive. We strongly advise you take out travel insurance for you and your family.