Shannon...

Shannon is located in the south east corner of county Clare Ireland. It is home of Irelands 2nd largest airport to which the town lends it's name. Shannon is an access point for county Clare and the Wild Atlantic Way for those flying from the UK, Europe and USA.

When Shannon was newly built limitations of aircraft range meant refueling was necessary. Shannon became the most convenient and obvious stopping point before and after the trip across the Atlantic. In 1947 the Customs Free Airport Act established Shannon as the world's first Duty Free Airport, where transit and embarking passengers were exempt from normal customs procedures. Shannon became a model for other Duty Free facilities throughout the world. In the same year, the airport was finally completed and grew from strength to strength. In 2006 approximately 3.7 million passengers traveled through Shannon.

Shannon also serves as a good base for a visit to the west of Ireland offering tremendous diversity in its scenery and in the activity options available throughout the area. Limerick City is merely 20 minutes drive away and all of Clare's tourist attractions reachable in less than one hours drive.

There is plenty to do while in Shannon with swimming, golf and playgrounds available for daytime enjoyment. Shannon Swimming and Leisure Centre has a great variety of facilities; astro turf pitches, basketball court, climbing wall, dance studio, medium sports hall, sauna and steam room, skate park, strength and conditioning gym, swimming pool, playground and a wide selection of classes. For golfers Shannon town has its own golf course and the town makes a good base for visiting Clare's golf courses, with many of the counties finest courses less than an hour away and Limerick and Kerry's best golf offerings are within easy travelling distance.

 

 

The Shannon River the longest in Ireland and Britain flows into the sea here at the Shannon Estuary. The river presents a wealth of opportunities for fishing, watersports and pleasure boating. With the River Shannon, Lough Derg and the coastline so close it is no wonder angling is so popular in the area. The best place for salmon fishing is the River Shannon. Brown trout and sea trout are also plentiful in the area. Eel angling is also popular in Lough Derg and the Shannon Estuary.

In Shannon town learn more about the fascinating world of flight and engineering with a visit to Shannon Aviation Museum. See aircraft cockpits, jet engines, and even an aircraft carrier jet,flight simulation, plus a unique collection of model aircraft, artifacts, and memorabilia. Just 10 minutes drive from the airport, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, built in 1425, is Ireland's best surviving and authentic medieval castle. The castle has a folk park a recreation of 19th century Ireland and includes a village street, farmhouses, a watermill, blacksmith's forge, a pub, restaurant and a display of 19th Century agricultural machinery. Bunratty is famous for its medieval banquets which are held nightly in the Great Hall. The Bunratty singers entertain with ancient Irish songs while you enjoy fine food and wine.

There are many types of accommodation available in Shannon from hotels to bed and breakfasts and hostels. The pubs in the area provide a wide variety of evening entertainment. There are also a number of fine restaurants in the area.

Just ten minutes from Shannon International Airport and Bunratty Castle and five minutes from the Shannon Town Centre, Ballycasey Craft and Design Centre is home to some of the most talented craftspeople and designers. This little gem is perfect if you need to buy a gift, souvenir or just want somewhere different to browse.