A Visitor's Guide to Ireland's Shannon Region

It's hard to escape water here - from the Atlantic coastline of County Clare, to the banks of the huge River Shannon, the longest river in the British Isles, as it makes its way to the sea. In the south and east of the region the river dominates, with its lakes filled with boats in summer and its banks providing walking and cycling routes and lots of opportunity for fishing.

Cliffs of Moher: dusi bbq

The Clare coast, which includes Loop Head and the famous Cliffs of Moher, is a mix of high rocks and long sandy beaches and there are dozens of small towns to explore. The cliffs are a very busy place at the height of the season (June-August) so try to get there either very early in the day or after 5pm to avoid crowds at this time.

The Burren is the jewel of the area, a high limestone area of unique historic and biological importance, where Dolmens, stone circles and other megalithic remains are everywhere and rare plants flourish.

Limerick City is a small and attractive university city though which the Shannon flows into the sea. There is a separate Guide to Limerick City here.

In Offaly and Tipperary, the Shannon is king, and the small towns along its bank are both pretty and, by virtue of their strategic locations,  filled with historical importance. This is an area filled with ancient remains and while major sites like Clonmacnoise attract many visitors you will also come accross many little explored historic forts and settlements as you drive along.

Traditional Music

Co Clare in particular is noted for its rich traditional music heritage and you really should seek out the some live sessions while you are here. While you will hear good music in Doolin, its huge popularity means that the pubs there tend to be over crowded and full of tourists.

You will find equally good musuc with a more local audience in places like Ennis, Lisdoonvarna, Feakle (especially) or Scarrif or indeed any of the smaller towns - ask a local where the best sessions take place.

Recommended Things to See & Do

Clonmacnoise
Founded by Saint Ciaran, sometime in the 6th century, Clonmacnoise is one of the oldest and most important early Christian settlements in Europe. Built in the centre of Ireland where an ancient roadway, the Eiscir Riada which...

Ennis Friary
Although a ruin now, Ennis Friary was once home to over 300 Franciscan Friars and 600 students. It was established in 1240 when the Franciscans were invited to the area and given land by Donncha O’Brien, King of Thomond. Both...

Athlone Golf Club
An 18 hole championship standard parkland course designed by Christy O'Connor Jnr, Athlone is in a wonderful location surrounded by the waters of Lough Ree. While this is not as well known as many Irish courses, it is excellently...

Lahinch Golf Club
Another of Ireland's classic links courses, established in 1892, Lahinch is enowned for its fast, firm greens and is a particularly friendly and welcoming place to play. The renowned Old Course, with its blind shots and threatening...

Hillcrest Riding Centre
Very good horses and excellent trekking over farmlands, through the Galtee Mountains and the beautiful Glen of Aherlow. Ths is the centre for the Ballyhoura Trail, a week long fully guided trail ride through the most magnificent...

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Located close to Shannon Airport and therefore often the first stop for those arriving in Ireland, Bunratty is quite busy and touristy but nonetheless it is well worth spending at least a half day here, and it would be easy to...

Ailwee Cave
The overwhelming impression left after a visit to Ailwee is of how insignificant a century or even a millenium is in terms of the life of our planet. Ailwee is part of a cave system created by the action of melt waters from a...

The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are consistently at the top of Ireland's most visited places and for the most part deservedly so. Over 700 feet tall at their highest point, the shale and sandstone cliffs drop almost vertically to the...

Events Guide for the Shannon Region

Russell Memorial Weekend
Type: Music: Traditional | Date: February 2009
If you are planning to attend this event we highly recommend booking your accommodation early and trying to get somewhere within walking distance of Doolin Village.For those with...

Ennis Book Club Festival
Type: Literary Events | Date: Mar 6th - 8th
With the rise in populatity of book clubs in Ireland it is no surprise that this festival, first held in 2007, was an instant hit. The programme is broad and eclectic, including...

The Irish Open - Golf 2009
Type: Sport | Date: May 2009
The 2009 Irish Open Golf will take place once more in the glorious setting of Adare Manor in Co Limerick, and will as always attract a field from the very top ranks of International...

Éigse Eatharlaí
Type: Music: Traditional | Date: July 25th - 27th
Éigse Eatharlaí  (pronounced Aig-sha Ah-her-lee) is a festival of Irish traditional music held annually in the gorgeous surroundings of the Glen of Aherlow...

Shannon International Music Festival
Type: Music: Classical | Date: July 9th - 13th
With eleven concerts over five days featuring an impressive line-up of both Irish and International artists, Limerick has a feast for classical music lovers visiting...

Willie Clancy Summer School
Type: Music: Traditional | Date: July 5th - 13th
The annual gathering in Miltown Malbay, Co Clare, of all who play, listen to and love Irish Traditional Music, this is an unmissable event if you have any interest in Irish music....

Feakle Traditional Music Festival
Type: Music: Traditional | Date: 6th - 12th August
Feakle has always been an area steeped in traditional music and is the home of the famed East Clare sytle. For the last 20 years this festival has been bringing some of ...

The Merriman Summer School
Type: Summer School | Date: Aug 17th - 23rd
If you are planning to attend a summer school in Ireland for the first time, Merriman is the one to pick. It has plenty for anyone with an interest in Irish culture to enjoy...

Tulla Traditional Music Festival
Type: Music: Traditional | Date: 12th - 14th Sept
Tulla in Co Clare has a long and venerable tradition of Irish music playing and this annual festival offers visitors four days packed with the best in Irish music, song and dance...

Cois Fharraige Surf and Music Festival
Type: Music: Rock & Pop | Date: Sept 5th - 7th
A three-day Surf & Music Festival which will be held on the beach in Kilkee, Co Clare, Cois Farraige (it menas 'beside the sea') will feature live music from Irish...

Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
Type: Festival | Date: Aug 29th - Sept 5th
If you're looking for an Irish mate, this is the one for you - Europe's largest Matchmaking Festival draws throngs of people to Lisdoonvarna each year, and if you cannot...

Ennis Trad Festival 2008
Type: Music: Traditional | Date: Nov 6th - 10th
Ennis has a long and illustrious tradition in Irish music, and this annual event is one of the premier dates in the traditional music calendar, bringingtogether the very best...

Surfing Blitz
Type: Sport | Date: August 2008
Described as a celebration of beach culture and love of the ocean, this event will offer a wide range of activities to adults and children, experienced surfers and those who have...

Christmas at Ailwee Cave
Type: Miscellaneous | Date: December 2008
There are a myriad of places where children can visit Santa at Christmas, but this one is really something special. For the weeks leading up to Christmas, Ailwee Cave in Co...

Getting There & Getting Around

By Road

For detailed road directions from anywhere else in Ireland to the Shannon Region please use the AA Ireland Route Planner.

By Air & Sea

Shannon Airport,has regular domestic flights and flights from Europe and the USA. Cork International Airport has an increasing number of flights from Europe, especially the UK and is planning a twice weekly flight to New York.

By Train & Bus

There are regular Irish Rail trains from Dublin, Cork and Killarney. Regular Bus Eireann buses link Limerick with all major towns and cities.

Getting Around

All of the towns are relatively small and easy to tour on foot. Bus Eireann has local routes throughout the region. Realistically though, for touring the Shannon Region outside of towns, you will need to hire a car.