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Shannon
Carved by
nature, the two counties of Limerick and Shannon boast spectacular
scenery - the awesome Cliffs of Moher; the Burren; Atlantic
seascapes; miles of golden beaches and the rolling plains
of the Golden Vale.
A place of
legendary beauty, the Shannon region embraces the counties
of Clare, Limerick, South Offaly and North Tipperary and takes
its name from the majestic River Shannon.
Bordered by
the wild and dramatic Atlantic coastline, it’s an area
replete with breathtaking cliffs, golden beaches and quiet
coves along Europe’s most westerly shores.
The stunning
natural landscape also includes the rugged, lunar-like plateau
of the Burren in North Clare, and the idyllic waters of Lough
Derg – Ireland’s main pleasure lake. |
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Why
Limerick / Shannon?
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Shannon
International Airport is at the heart of the
Region putting all the region’s attractions within
easy reach |
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Top
attractions include water worlds and sea life
centers; ancient castles and folk parks; island and dolphin-watching
boat trips. |
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Entertainment
sparkles from mediaeval banquets in ancient castles, Irish
music nights, greyhound racing, theatre, concerts, music
pubs, and 'good food circle’ dining. |
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Activities
include superb golf; sea, game or coarse angling; horse-riding,
cruising, swimming, diving, sailing, snorkeling, surfing,
cycling, walking, climbing, caving…and more. |
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Meet Limerick
Shannon
Services
provided by the Bureau
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Free, comprehensive
and impartial advice |
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Identify PCOs
& DMCs best suited to your needs |
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Co-ordinate
site inspection visits |
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Free Delegate
Privilege Cards will confer certain privileges including discounts
to top attractions and shopping discounts. |
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Advisory and
‘case-building’ assistance with bids for international
meetings and events. |
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| Activities
View
Activities Map
Below is just a selection of activities
to be found in the Shannon region. For more information click
here
| 1. |
Birdwatching on
the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
Dramatic and beautiful, the sheer Cliffs of Moher hold one of
the major cliff nesting areas in Ireland. There are more than
20 species of nesting birds within the area, including nine
species of breeding sea birds, making it a spectacular spot
for wildlife enthusiasts. |
| 2. |
Cycle the Burren Trail
The Burren is a vast wind-lashed karst limestone region of around
300 sq km with huge caves, megalithic tombs and Celtic crosses,
as well as Corcomroe, a ruined Cistercian abbey from the 12th
century. |
| 3. |
Go fishing
Experience sea angling at its best along a coastline that will
take your breath away. Test your skills against the wild salmon,
or try your luck in the rivers and lakes of the Shannon, and
the limestone lakes of County Clare. |
| 4. |
Horse riding
The Shannon region’s beautiful landscape is perfectly
suited to equestrian adventures for all types of rider, from
the most experienced to the nervous novice. |
| 5. |
Painting Schools, County Clare
Make the most of the sublime landscape by painting it! There
are three renowned art schools in the area: the Burren College
of Art, The Burren Painting Centre and The Tin Jug Studio, County
Offaly (++ 353 509 21818). |
| 6. |
A River Shannon Cruise
A variety of operators offer the chance to take a long, lazy
cruise on the pretty River Shannon, Ireland’s largest
waterway. Gently meandering through the unspoiled countryside
on a boat is a fantastic way to experience the laid-back lifestyle
for which Ireland is rightly famous. |
| 7. |
Sailing
Kilrush Marina in County Clare is a wonderful place to base
yourself for a sailing holiday. There’s the chance to
enjoy a spot of dolphin watching in Kilrush Creek, or else you
can try your hand sailing on the nearby Lough Derg. |
| 8. |
Surfing
Tackle the surf at Lahinch in County Clare where the two-mile-long
beach offers everything for novice, intermediate and experienced
surfers. Five miles further south is Spanish Point, another
perfect surfing beach…dude. |
| 9. |
Watersports
There are lots of excellent professional adventure centers in
the area offering expert tuition for water-skiing, canoeing,
kayaking and scuba diving. Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre
is one such place that offers a wide variety of water sports. |
| 10. |
Walking
Walking is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of
the Shannon region. A network of quiet country roads and lanes,
forest paths and mountain trails will take you to the heart
of the tranquil, picturesque Irish countryside. |
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Culture View
Culture Map
Below is just a selection of cultural
attractions to be found in the Shannon region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Adare Heritage Centre,
Limerick
Situated in one of Ireland's prettiest villages, the Adare Heritage
Centre covers the area’s unique history from 1233 to the
present day. Told through realistic model enactments, the centre
also provides audio-visuals in French, Italian, German, Irish
and English. |
| 2. |
Banquets
Enjoy a night of musical splendor and entertainment with excellent
food, fine wine and medieval fare at a castle banquet in Bunratty
Castle, Knappogue, and Dunguaire Castles. |
| 3. |
Killaloe Village, County Clare
The historical village of Killaloe boasts stacks of attractions
and used to be the site of Kincora, the palace of Brian Ború,
famed 11th century king of Ireland. Sadly, nothing remains of
the fort, but you can learn all about it at the Killaloe Heritage
and Brian Ború Centre. |
| 4. |
Kilmallock Cottage Museum &
History Trail, Limerick
A fascinating museum with models of Kilmallock – an intriguing
16th-century walled town, and other local historical and archeological
artifacts. |
| 5. |
Shannon International Music
Festival 2005
Vibrant and exciting, the Shannon International Music Festival
takes place over four days from 20th to 24th July, with a selection
of lunchtime, evening and candlelit concerts in the heart of
Limerick city. |
| 6. |
The Hunt Museum, Limerick
One of Ireland’s most important private collections of
art and antiquities, the Hunt Museum contains pieces dating
from the Neolithic period to modern times including works from
Renoir, Picasso and Jack B Yeats. |
| 7. |
The Irish Harp Centre, Castleconnell,
County Limerick
Discover the history and variety of Ireland’s most famous
instrument, or pluck up the courage and learn to play. The centre
hosts year-round activities including harp workshops, summer
schools, music therapy and harp tuition. |
| 8. |
The Kerry Literary & Cultural
Centre (The Seanchai)
Ireland is famous for its literary giants and Listowel and North
Kerry have been described as the literary capitals of Ireland.
This museum honors over 80 Kerry-based writers, some of whom,
like John B Keane and Brendan Kennelly, have become national
and international figures in the world of literature. |
| 9. |
The Limerick City Gallery of
Art
An impressive permanent collection of Irish Art from the 18th
to 20th centuries including works from Jack B Yeats and Sean
Keating. |
| 10. |
Traditional Irish Music (www.comhaltas.com)
There’s nothing quite like spending a night in a cosy
pub filled with the rhythmic beats of traditional Irish music.
Doolin in County Clare is a great place to catch a seisiún,
while the Corn Barn in Bunratty Folk Park is the perfect setting
for a celebration of all the best Irish traditions. |
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Golf View
Golf Map
Below is just a selection of Golf
courses to be found in the Shannon region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Adare Manor, County
Limerick |
| 2. |
Castletroy Golf Club, County
Limerick |
| 3. |
Doonbeg Golf Club, County Clare |
| 4. |
Dromoland Castle Golf Club,
County Clare |
| 5. |
Ennis Golf Club, County Clare
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| 6. |
Kilkee Golf Club, County Clare |
| 7. |
Limerick County Golf & Country
Club, County Limerick |
| 8. |
Nenagh Golf Club, County Tipperary
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| 9. |
Newcastle West Golf Club, Limerick |
| 10. |
Shannon Golf Club, County Clare |
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History View
History Map
Below is just a selection of historical
attractions to be found in the Shannon region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Adare, County Limerick
Famed for being a regular winner of Ireland’s Tidy Towns
competitions, Adare is a picture postcard village with traditional
thatched cottages, Tudor-style houses and pretty gardens. Situated
beside the River Maguire, there’s lots to do including
golfing, fishing, a heritage centre, and the nearby 19th-century
Croom Mills. |
| 2. |
Celtic Theme Park & Gardens,
Limerick
If you want a taste of Ireland’s ancient history, then
this is the place to get it. Located on an original Celtic settlement,
the park contains 12 recreated and authentic features from the
country’s past. |
| 3. |
Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
Vertigo-sufferers should stand well back because the sheer Cliffs
of Moher plunge a whopping 214 metres into the choppy Atlantic
Ocean. On a clear day, the views are spectacular with both the
Aran Islands and the valleys and hills of Connemara visible. |
| 4. |
Craggaunowen, County Clare
Craggaunowen, The Living Past Experience, tells the story of
the arrival of the Celts in Ireland. With a stunning collection
of exhibits and replica dwellings, you can really get a taste
of what life was like in pre-historic times. |
| 5. |
Holycross Abbey, County Tipperary
Located in a magnificent setting on the banks of the River Suir,
Holycross is an early 12th-century monastery. Before the close
of the 12th century it was passed on to the Cistercians and
became a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the Ireland. |
| 6. |
Limerick Medieval Heritage Precinct
Take a walk along this heritage trail connecting the various
landmarks in this historic district with the 13th-century King
John’s Castle at the River Shannon at its heart. |
| 7. |
Lough Gur, County Limerick
Nestled among the hills of southeast Limerick, Lough Gur is
one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites.
The interpretative centre tells the story of pre-Celtic Ireland
dating back to 3000 BC, and includes a slide show, exhibition
models and interpretative panel. |
| 8. |
Roscrea Castle, Tipperary
One of Ireland’s many heritage towns, Roscrea boasts an
intriguing 13th-century stone castle with some furnished rooms
and house exhibitions. Daily tours are available. |
| 9. |
The Burren, County Clare
Scattered with ancient dolmens, tombs and cairns, the Burren
lies south of Galway in County Clare. Taken from the Irish ‘bhoireann’
meaning a stony place, this barren landscape has remained unspoiled
since the ice age and is a spectacular natural wonder rich in
wildlife and history. |
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Luxury View
Luxury Map
Below is just a selection of luxury
attractions to be found in the Shannon region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Adare Manor, County
Limerick
Indulge your decadent side with a stay at this 18th-century
manor set on 840 acres of beautifully manicured French formal
gardens. Accommodation is opulent and the facilities are first
class with a championship golf course, luxurious spa and candlelit
fine dining. |
| 2. |
Bunratty Castle Hotel, County
Clare
Just across the street from the famous Bunratty Castle and Folk
Park, the Bunratty Castle Hotel offers luxury accommodation
five miles from Shannon Airport. The 80 bedrooms have a comfortable
feel, while Kathleen’s Irish Pub and Restaurant is an
ideal place to kick back with traditional sessions and hearty
food. |
| 3. |
Clarion Hotel, Limerick City
Ireland’s tallest hotel offers great views over the city
and enjoys a picturesque location on Steamboat Quay, a few minutes
walk from the city centre. Modern and stylish, it’s a
good choice in the heart of Limerick city. |
| 4. |
Coolbawn Quay, Tipperary
Nestling on the eastern shores of Lough Derg this unique private
retreat offers a range of luxury accommodation in village rooms,
lakeshore and house suites. Enjoy cozy furnishings, secluded
gardens and turf fires, or experience utter relaxation in the
tranquil spa. |
| 5. |
Dromoland Castle, County Clare
Live like the landed gentry in this stunning castle hotel with
deluxe five-star accommodation. Dromoland blends old-world luxury
with modern conveniences, and its close location to the Burren,
as well as Galway and Limerick cities, makes it an ideal base
in the Shannon Region. |
| 6. |
Glin Castle, County Limerick
Glin Castle, home of the Knight of Glin and his wife Madam FitzGerald,
stands on the banks of the River Shannon amidst a 500-acre demesne.
The castle is open to visitors from March to November and is
a spectacular place to stay with seriously luxurious rooms and
an authentic castle atmosphere. |
| 7. |
Kinnitty Castle Hotel, County
Offaly
Kinnitty Castle offers old world elegance, luxury and comfort.
On top of that you can enjoy friendly ghosts, a dungeon bar,
hot stone massage at the first-rate spa and a spot of clay pigeon
shooting. What more could you ask for? |
| 8. |
Moy House, County Clare
Moy House was originally built in the mid-18th century as home
to Sir Augustine Fitzgerald. Majestic and elegant, the house
presides over the breathtaking Lahinch Bay and is set on 15
acres of grounds adorned with mature woodland and a picturesque
river. |
| 9. |
Spa Wells Health Centre, Lisdoonvarna,
County Clare
Located in the famous town of Lisdoonvarna, the Spa Wells Health
Centre is the only spa in Ireland to feature sulfur baths. But
if they don’t take your fancy you can always enjoy a massage
or therapeutic treatment in a beautiful woodland surrounding. |
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Scenery View
Scenery Map
Below is just a selection of scenic
attractions to be found in the Shannon region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Ballyhoura Mountains,
County Limerick
The Ballyhoura Mountains extend along the boundary between Limerick
and Cork and have several off-road marked walking trails. This
stunning area is among the most beautiful in Ireland with striking
Stone Age monuments, a variety of museums and tranquil parks
and gardens. |
| 2. |
Cruising on the Atlantic, County
Clare
The rugged coastline of County Clare can only be best appreciated
from the sea. A variety of companies offer trips that take in
some of the country’s most spectacular views. Join a group
or have a personal cruise all to yourself. |
| 3. |
Island Visits, County Clare
Hundreds of islands are dotted along the Atlantic and on the
River Shannon. Three are accessible within minutes by tour boats:
the Aran Islands via Doolin in County Clare, Holy Island (Inis
Cealtra) on Shannon's Lough Derg and Scattery Island (monastic
settlement) via Kilrush. |
| 4. |
Lahinch Beach, County Clare
The Atlantic-facing seafront of Lahinch town has one of the
finest beaches in the west of Ireland. If you’re in the
area it’s a spot that’s not to be missed with firm
sand, a rock-free surface and decent Atlantic waves. |
| 5. |
Lough Derg Drive, County Clare
One of Ireland's “less traveled” routes is a 95-mile
circuit around the largest lake of the River Shannon. The drive,
which starts and finishes in Killaloe, passes an assortment
of charming marina villages and scenic delights along the way. |
| 6. |
Slieve Bloom Mountains
The looming Slieve Bloom Mountains rise suddenly from the surrounding
plains in County Offaly. It’s an idyllic area of lush
green forests, tumbling rivers, streams and waterfalls, deep
glens and peaceful villages. If you’re feeling energetic,
try the Slieve Bloom Way – a 77km circular trail through
rolling hills and deep valleys. |
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