Limerick City and Shannon
Shannon Airport is situated in County Clare about 15 miles from Limerick City. Built on the banks of the River Shannon (Irelands largest river), Limerick is a good base for exploring the Midwest region. Places of interest within the city include King Johns Castle, Hunt Museum and St. Marys Cathedral.
Where to stay
Check out our accommodation page where you will find a comprehensive list of accommodation conveniently presented using Google Maps technology.
Attractions in the area
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is located off the N18 between Limerick and Ennis. Here you will travel back in time and see what 19th Century life in Ireland was like. Afterwards you can relax and pour your own "Pint of Guinness" in Durty Nellys pub which is located beside the castle.
Ennis is widely known as a lively nightspot boasting lots of places to eat and drink. Those interested in music, theatre and the arts should check out the listings at the Glor entertainment venue.
North of Ennis is an area known as the Burren, which features an unusual type of grey landscape made up of pavements of limestone rock featuring deep cracks. On the western side of this area near the town of Ballyvaughan you will find the Aillwee Cave - a natural underground formation.
One of Irelands most popular attractions are The Cliffs of Moher, located near the village of Doolin. The best way to take in these 200m high cliffs is from the sea. Sightseeing cruises depart from Doolin on a daily basis.
The west coast of Clare is a unique part of Ireland with a friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome. The locals have a love for Traditional Irish Music with informal "sessions" held in many of the local pubs on a regular basis. Other towns and villages worth visiting in the area include Lisdonvarna, Lahinch, Ennistimon and Doonbeg.
Activities
Surfing is very popular on the west coast of Clare with Lahinch being one of the most popular spots. There is an excellent surf school located there so anyone can have a go! Something a little more easygoing would be 18 holes at the spectacular Limerick County golf club or a few hours at Lahinch Seaworld which combines an impressive aquarium with a modern leisure centre and swimming pool. Tours of the Burren are also popular and a walking tour, such as the Heart of Burren Walks, gives you a fascinating insight to the unique geological, archaeological and botanical wealth this magical landscape has to offer.
Something Different
The Dolphin Watch boat tour based in Carrigaholt (South West Clare) brings you out into the mouth of the River Shannon, home to 140 Bottlenose Dolphins. Or why not explore this beautiful part of the country, with its heritage, stunning landscape, and of course the magical Burren, on horseback by going on a Riding Holiday trail with the An Sibin Riding Centre.
