Shannon

Visitors looking to stay in Shannon should try to steer clear of the airport as the choice is limited to a workaday Park Inn by Radisson. For a little more luxury, you might want to try the nearby Bunratty Castle Hotel, which sits in the shadow of its namesake castle and the popular Durty Nelly pub. If you’re considering going all out, book at No.1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa in Limerick’s Georgian Quarter.

Shannon has a relatively small offering for shoppers, however, nearby Limerick is the shopping capital of mid-western Ireland. If you’re hunting for well-known chains, both O’Connell Street and Cruises Street have enough for a lengthy shopping spree. Fashionistas will want to visit Limerick’s Catherine Street, where they can find plenty of independent boutiques. Alternatively, Arthur’s Quay and the Crescent Shopping Centre can easily fill an afternoon with window-shopping. 

Shannon has plenty of dining experiences for food-lovers visiting the town. If you fancy a medieval dinner, you can tuck into a four-course medieval banquet complete with goblets of wine and live music at Bunratty Castle. Those that don’t fancy ancient dining can try the Conservatory Restaurant in the 18th-Century Carrygerry County House, with its cosy log fire and period detail. Visitors hunting for more modern dishes may want to journey into Limerick, where they can find a varied range of cuisine. 

Shannon might be a small town but, in true Irish fashion, it knows how to party. There are plenty of brilliant events to enjoy that make the perfect centrepiece for any visit, however, there are a few we recommend over the rest:

Irish Festival of Speed

August bank holiday weekend sees petrolheads rev their way to Greenmount Raceway in Limerick for Ireland’s biggest celebration of all things automotive. The festival includes stunt riders, vintage and cutting-edge car displays, air acrobatics, sprint racing and much more.

Outbreak – Limerick Zombie Festival

The ultimate Halloween treat for adults and teens, Outbreak sees Limerick overrun with zombies, or at least locals dressed as the undead, for one of the biggest Halloween parties. Events include zombie flashmobs, parades, movie screenings, bands and DJs spread across Limerick’s pubs and clubs.