Shannon Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

King John\'s Castle featuring heritage architecture, château or palace and heritage elements
Limerick which includes a bridge and a river or creek
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park which includes château or palace, interior views and heritage elements
Cliffs of Moher featuring general coastal views and rugged coastline
Limerick featuring heritage elements, a river or creek and a bridge

Encounter scenery that leaps between extremes in this diverse region, where dramatic sea cliffs meet emerald pastures and riverside towns feature ancient monuments.

The Shannon region is a visually arresting area in Ireland’s central midsection. It is comprised of the Limerick and Clare counties, which sit astride the mighty Shannon River. See the rugged beauty of Ireland’s Atlantic Coast as you explore cliff-top nature reserves and heritage monuments. Discover the region’s renowned waterways, from the sheltered ports along the Shannon Estuary to the verdure banks of the Shannon River and the island-studded Lough Derg.

LimerickOpens in a new window is the only city in the Shannon region. Its charming riverside streets present a great introduction to the area. Catch a rugby match at Thomond ParkOpens in a new window or see the towering spire above St. John’s Cathedral. The region’s finest art collections are held in the Hunt MuseumOpens in a new window and the Limerick City Gallery of Art. For an enjoyable daytrip, go on a boat tour up the estuary and spot resident bottlenose dolphins.

Limerick’s surrounding county stretches from Golden Vale to the river’s edge. The county is known for its pastoral charm and its gently sloping countryside, which shelters archaeological treasures such as the megaliths of Lough GurOpens in a new window. Visit CraggaunowenOpens in a new window to learn more about the people who inhabited the Shannon region in prehistoric times.

Over the river, enter the county of Clare, which is bordered to the west by a spectacularly rugged coastline. See the towering Cliffs of MoherOpens in a new window and take in the views from the 19th-century O’Brien’s Tower. Make your way inland to discover the unique geological formation of the BurrenOpens in a new window. This protected karst landscape features rare flora and fauna, as well as Neolithic-era monuments. Check out the Bunratty Castle & Folk ParkOpens in a new window to be transported back in time to a medieval banquet.

Reach the Shannon region via the Shannon Airport. The region has a convenient rail and bus network. Drive along the Wild Atlantic Way in your car and enjoy a showcase of the west coast’s magnificent scenery. While it contains some of Ireland’s most popular attractions, secluded coves and unbeatable views are just a stroll away.

Where to stay in Shannon

Hunt Museum showing art, heritage elements and a statue or sculpture

Limerick City Centre

4/5(49 area reviews)

Limerick City Centre is known for its fantastic nightlife, and with sights like Arthur's Quay Park and O'Connell Street, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Limerick.

Limerick City Centre
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Castletroy

Castletroy is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to University Concert Hall and Castletroy Golf Club while you're in town.

Castletroy
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Newton Perry

While visiting Newton Perry, you might make a stop by sights like People's Park and O'Connell Street.

Newton Perry
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Rathbane North

While Rathbane North isn't home to many top sights, Roxboro Shopping Centre and People's Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Rathbane North
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Dooradoyle

Travellers like the shopping in Dooradoyle, and Cresent Shopping Centre is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Dooradoyle
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Dromoland

Dromoland might not have many top sights, but Dromoland Castle Golf and Country Club and Quin Abbey are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Dromoland
Limerick Strand Hotel
Limerick Strand Hotel
4 out of 5
Ennis Road, Limerick, Limerick
The price is £128 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£128
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Limerick. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"This hotel was nice."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Limerick Strand Hotel
The George Limerick Hotel
The George Limerick Hotel
4 out of 5
O'Connell Street, Entrance on Shannon Street, Limerick, Limerick
The price is £110 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£110
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Limerick. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"Lovely stay in the heart of Limerick- off site parking worked great - but call ahead to get details if you’re driving."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

The George Limerick Hotel
Absolute Hotel Limerick
Absolute Hotel Limerick
4 out of 5
Sir Harry's Mall, Limerick, Limerick
The price is £137 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£137
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Limerick. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Clean and easy to get to"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Absolute Hotel Limerick
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Castletroy Park Hotel Suites
Castletroy Park Hotel Suites
4 out of 5
Castleroy Park Hotel, Dublin Road, Limerick, Limerick
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Limerick. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (317 reviews)
"Rooms were great. Staff very nice"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Castletroy Park Hotel Suites
Beautiful 3-bed Cottage in Tipperary
Beautiful 3-bed Cottage in Tipperary
3 out of 5
Garrykennedy, County Tipperary
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Garrykennedy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Garrykennedy Harbour and Castlelough ...
Beautiful 3-bed Cottage in Tipperary
Troy Self Catering Village Limerick Ireland
Troy Self Catering Village Limerick Ireland
3 out of 5
The Groody, Castletroy, Limerick
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Limerick. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and housekeeping. Popular attractions Thomond Park and Castletroy Golf Club are located ...
A place to sleep
"Required accommodation for a concert it served its purpose"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2023

Troy Self Catering Village Limerick Ireland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Shannon