Shannon
Shannon Airport is situated on Ireland’s west coast, strategically located to easily access some of Ireland’s stunning sites and scenery. The airport is the third busiest in Ireland after Dublin and Cork airports. So what has the Shannon area got to offer the visitor? Well, you can expect to see beautiful castles and miles of deserted white sand beaches to explore, to a bustling pub scene. Shannon is in County Clare, with County Galway to the North and County Kerry to the South, this is the Real Ireland!
We have listed 10 reasons why you should visit Shannon and the area nearby.
1/ Bunratty Castle. Probably one of the best-known castles in Ireland. It’s an impressive example of a complete and authentic medieval fortress that you’ll find in Ireland. The old historic site stands on an original Viking trading camp dating back to 970 A.D. Inside it boasts the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country. Well worth a visit to see this castle and folk park.
2/ Adare Village. A small and beautiful Heritage town located on the banks of the River Maigue near Limerick. You can easily spend many an hour as you walk through the village admiring the authentic thatched-roof cottages and traditional stone walls. Adare is such a picturesque village, with small cafes, coffee shops, and craft shops to buy a souvenir. Steeped in history you can visit Desmond Castle with its feudal architecture, Trinitarian Abbey and Augustinian Priory. Just 25 minutes from Shannon Airport.
3/ Ennis Town. This town often gets overlooked, however, there is something for everyone here. Historically there is Ennis Friary, Quin Abbey to a great shopping scene along many of its streets. It also boasts the only Book Club festival in the month of March, with book lovers arriving from far and wide.
4/ Loop Head Peninsula. If you want wild Atlantic scenery then Loop Head with its stunning cliffs and the impressive lighthouse is the place to visit. The peninsula points out from the most Westerly point on the Clare coastline. This is the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way.
5/ Cliffs of Moher. These cliffs stand out as one of the most essential sites to visit in the whole of Ireland. Relatively close to Shannon just a 50-minute drive these 700-feet tall cliffs are a sight to behold. Safe pathways allow you to get close to be overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of this coastline.
6/ Dirty Nelly’s Pub. Arguably one of the most famous pubs in Ireland this is located near Bunratty Castle mentioned above. This pub is over 400 years old so if you are looking for a quintessential Irish pub, then this is the place. Serving fine Irish local food and drink, you will be made very welcome here.
7/ Doolin Music and Folk Festival. This is County Clare’s party of the year. Hosted every June in the village of Teergonean, you can see the best in Irish Traditional Dancing and Local Music.
8/ The Burren. This is an amazing landscape of bare limestone rock. Now a National Park of 1500 hectares it is internationally famous for its unique landscape and flora, having been compared to the moon’s craters. Visit here in the Summer months and you will see the rich variety of alpine plants and colour living amongst the limestone rocks.
9/ Dromoland Castle. This place is a luxurious castle in County Clare located just 8 miles away from Shannon Airport. Set in magnificent grounds and gardens guests here can admire the lavish 16th-century decor but very homely atmosphere.
10/ Shannon Estuary. This is a large tidal estuary where the River Shannon, Irelands longest river flows into the Atlantic. You can get boat trips along the estuary, or for the more adventurous hire a canoe or kayak to explore the area full of wildlife.
Getting from Alicante-Elche International Airport (ALC) to Shannon Airport (SNN) Ireland’s 3rd busiest airport. Fly with Ryanair during the Summer season.