Horse-Riding in the Shannon Region
The Shannon Region lies at the heart of the beautiful Wet of Ireland and this region of many contrasts offers a particularly diverse and exceptional holiday experience, ranging from a kaleidoscope of wild scenic landscapes, unspoilt countryside, a wealth of historic and cultural attractions, to seaside resorts with beautiful sandy beaches, a rugged Atlantic coastline, a floral kingdom, the majestic River Shannon – one of Europe’s great waterways, bustling rural towns and villages, and a variety of culinary experiences. The entire region epitomizes the visual contrast for which the west of Ireland is justly famous.
The geography of the region and it’s amazing diversity of landscapes are ideally suited to horse riding throughout the entire year. Mountain trails, gently sloping hillsides, forest paths, country lanes, spacious countryside and deserted beaches, all complete in popularity. Ireland’s traditional preoccupation with the horse and horse riding is evident throughout the Shannon with the existence of many state-of-the-art riding centers offering a wide range of facilities and riding holiday options, catering for every rider, whether novice or experienced and regardless of age.
Accordingly, some attractive options include Clonshire Equestrian Centre, Co. Limerick, Galway Clare Burren Trail and Hillcrest Equestrian Centre, Co. Limerick. Indeed, offering on side accommodation and described by the New York Times as ‘A Riders Dream’, Clonsire Equestrian Centre is set on 120 acres of private parkland and offers a variety of equestrian packages. Contact: +353 (0)61 396770, www.clonshire.com.
The Galway Clare Burren Trail extends over six days and starting from the River Shannon treks through rural Ireland with a wide variety of landscapes from bog, forest, national parks, rivers, lakes and the world famous Burren region. The trail finishes at the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands in the Atlantic Ocean at Doolin with accommodation provided in guesthouses. Furthermore, this establishment has been granted five national tourism awards and can be contacted at: +353 (0) 61 927411 or, www.irishhorseriding.com.
Hillcrest Equestrian centre offers a variety of equestrian activities including lessons to all standards in show jumping, dressage, stable management and a challenging cross country with over one hundred man made and natural fences. Furthermore, hacking, trekking and hunting programs and holidays are available and the week ling trek of the Ballyhoura/Glen of Aherlow trail is a speciality, taking in spectacular scenery of Counties Limerick, Cork and Tipperary. Contact: Hillcrest Equestrian Centre + 353 (0) 62 37915.
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Lough Derg Pleasure Cruising
Lough Derg is a handsome inland sea set in an attractive blend of mountain and hillside, woodland and farm and the shoreline of the lake has many sheltered bays with little harbors at strategic intervals. Indeed, this 32,000 acres (13,000) hectares of spectacular waterway is ideal for all kinds of water sports, cruising and angling complimented by the beautiful countryside surrounding the lake shore which is perfect for walking, cycling, horse riding and other visitor pursuits.
Today, Lough Derg is contemporary in outlook, yet comfortable with its traditions. It is a place blessed by nature for sport and recreation and the extensive shoreline changes wonderfully in its nature between three large counties. There’s Galway to the northwest, Clare to the west and southwest and Tipperary along the entire eastern shoreline. The lake is big enough to provide total seclusion yet there’s always a bustling spot nearby. The hospitable people around the lake are renowned for their enjoyment of life.
Killaloe is where the Shannon becomes more purposeful in its approach to the sea and here, between the mountains the great river’s sense of exit is most strongly felt. There’s much more to do and see – leisurely sightseeing, great dining, ‘pamper yourself’ breaks, wonderful music and entertainment, great history and heritage, get up close to nature… The only thing holding you back is your imagination!
With a broad selection of towns and villages surrounding the lake Portumna, is a well known tourist destination for boaters, golfers and anglers while Terryglass is a picturesque village along the shoreline in North Tipperary. Home to an 11th century towerhouse, Dromineer embraces visitors with its own idyllic scenery and public harbour while Garrykennedy offers a harbor which was constructed in 1829, using stone from the old castle, the ruins of which still stand today. Mountshannon is a beautiful 17th century village overlooking the harbor while Nenagh offers an interesting cluster of varied architecture ranging from the 13th century castle to the 18th century townhouses. Furthermore, Roscrea is a busy market toan within easy reach of lakes bogs, mountains, woods, stately homes and gardens.
While the lake offes a wide selection of watersports uncluding sailing, canoeing, boating, fishing, swimming, diving, water skiing and cruising, a wide variety of other activities and attractions are available in the region, namely numerous walking routes and trails, the Nenagh Cycle Way, Golf and Equestrian Holidays. Furthermore, Portumna Castle, Forest Park, POrtumna, Nenagh Castle and Holy Island Church and Round Tower (accessible by boat from Mountshannon and one of the most interesting ecclesiastical sites on the Shannon) are notable points of interest.
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Unlock the Shannon Regions Heritage Treasures
With a wealth of culture and heritage, traditions and customs, castles and places of history the heritage treasures of the Shannon Region bring visitors into the magic and mystery of the Prehistoric, Celtic, Viking, Anglo-Norman and native Irish communities of up to 5000 years ago.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is one of Ireland’s premier visitor attractions where visitors are invited to explore two wonderful experiences – the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle and 19th century Bunratty Folk Park. The Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Today, the castle stands peacefully in delightful grounds. The houses and cottages of the folk park spread out at the foot of its massive walls, much in the way that the cottages and crofts of old would have clustered around its base. At night time the castle is the impressive setting for medieval banquets which are held year round.
Visitors are also invited to wander through the castle and marvel at the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country which brings to life a vital part of our Medieval past.
The Bunratty Collection features over 450 items of medieval furniture and artifacts housed at Bunratty Castle in Co Clare. Superb images of each item have been added to create an interesting and accurate website to record the Bunratty Castle contents.
Within the grounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century life is vividly recreated. Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting. Visitors can meet and chat with the Bean an Ti (Woman of the House) and various street characters including the Policeman and Schoolteacher who give the site its sparkle. Furthermore, one can enjoy the tastes, scents, sights and sounds of this enchanting place as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and of course the pub.
King John’s Castle on Kings Island in the heart of Limerick City offers visitors the opportunity to experience 800 years of history. King John’s Castle is a 13th century Castle on ‘King’s Island’ in the heart of medieval Limerick City. The Castle overlooks the majestic River Shannon offering wonderful views of Limerick City. Discover history at its best, magnificent views and life in Norman times. Explore 800 years of history brought to life in the imaginative historical exhibition, excavated pre-Norman houses, fortifications, siege mines, and the battlement walks.
King John, as “Lord of Ireland” minted his own coins and the Royal moneyer would have struck the coins in the Castle mint and visitors can receive your own special coin as a souvenir of your visit to the Castle. The sights, scenes and sounds of the Castle and its environs all combine to recreate the atmosphere of the era.
Craggaunowen, in Kilmarray, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare offeres one a unique “Living Past Experience” and the attraction is Ireland’s original award winning Pre-historic Park. Situated on 50 acres of wooded grounds, the Park interprets Ireland’s pre-historic and early Christian eras. It features a stunning recreation of some of the homesteads, animals and artefacts which existed in Ireland over 1,000 years ago. One can explore the Crannog, the Ring Fort, the Medieval Castle and the ‘Brendan Boat’ – a leather hulled boat built by Tim Severin who sailed across mid-Atlantic re-enacting the voyage of St. Brendan and the early Christian monks reputed to have discovered America centuries before Columbus. Furthermore, one can visit Craggaunowen Castle which was built in 1550 and stands defiantly on a crag overlooking the lake with rare animal breeds - specimens of the pre-historic era. Additionally, visitors can escape into the fresh air and lake walks in a most enjoyable rural setting while they may also savour our wonderful homemade fare in the charming farmhouse tea-room.
Knappogue Castle was built in 1467 by Sean MacNamara, son of Sioda (who built Bunratty Castle) has a long and varied history. In 1571 the Castle became the seat of the MacNamara Clan, Earls of West Clancullen. In 1641 it was occupied by Oliver Cromwell's troops but later returned to the MacNamara Clan who sold it to the Scots in 1800. The Castle has been host to two Irish Presidents, as well as other heads of state, including General de Gaulle.
A wonderful feature of the Castle and its grounds, is the beautiful walled garden dating from 1817 now restored to its former splendour. The tall and imposing walls of the walled garden are resplendent with climbing roses, grapevines and many clematis varieties. In the magical setting of Knappogue Castle, this is a romantic oasis to sit and picnic or just escape the “madding crowd”. At night the castle plays host to a medieval banquet - two sittings at 17.30 and 20.45 from April to October subject to demand.
Killaloe Heritage Centre explores the theme of Celtic Ireland. In and around this town, the birth place of Brian Boru (940-1014) the greatest High King of Ireland who subdued the Vikings and progenitor of the O'Brien Clan, one can discover the history of the arrival of Christianity and the monastic tradition, as well as the development of the Shannon River as a transport system from earliest times.
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Natural Beauty of the Shannon Region
With some of the best scenery on the Island of Ireland, the Shannon Region offers some breathtaking natural landscapes, stepped in beauty and heritage, namely The Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, and Ailwee Cave.
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top Visitor attractions. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometers over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O'Brien's Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South.
The Cliffs of Moher are home to one of the major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds in Ireland. The area was designated as a Refuge for Fauna in 1988 and as a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive in 1989. Included within the designated site are the cliffs, the cliff-top maritime grassland and heath, and a 200 metre zone of open water, directly in front of the cliffs to protect part of the birds' feeding area. The designation covers 200 hectares and highlights the area's importance for wildlife.
Atlantic Edge is the exciting interpretive centre now open at the Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience. Housed at the centre of the underground building a huge domed cave contains images, exhibits, displays & experiences that will delight young and old alike.
The Burren, situated in north-west County Clare, covers over 300 square kilometres and is of extreme importance to geologists, botanists and archaeologists from Ireland and beyond. As the largest karstic limestone area in Western Europe, the Burren is an anomaly in the Irish landscape and continues to fascinate geologists who come to study its limestone patterns, underground rivers and grykes (cracks).
To the botanist, the Burren is home to rare alpine plants, delicate wonders that grow in the thin soil and crevices - gentians, mountain avens and maidenhair ferns amongst others. The survival of both alpine and Mediterranean plants in this unusual habitat continues to arouse debate and to delight the careful walker. Those interested in the ancient history of Ireland will find a wealth of material in the Burren - megalithic tombs, Celtic crosses, a ruined Cistercian Abbey and more than sixty wedge tombs. Detailed maps of the Burren, such as that by the famous Irish map-maker Tim Robinson, are dotted with sites of archaeological interest, as well as the potholes which attract more and more adventure-seekers each year. Walkers on the Burren Way enjoy a route along dry, hard limestone paths with spectacular views north towards the Aran Islands and Galway Bay.
To Begin to discover the secrets of the Burren, a walk through the Burren Centre Exhibition is essential located in the delightful village of Kilfenora, Co. Clare. Beautifully presented, with atmospheric lighting and sounds, the story of the Burren unfolds before ones eyes, revealing the history of man and animals and how they co-existed in this apparently inhospitable place. A homely tea room awaits visitors at the end of your walk through time where you can enjoy the delights of fresh, home-cooked food or browse through our craft shop where exquisite, locally produced crafts are on sale
Regarding the Ailwee Caves, guided tours are available for visitors, lasting 30 minutes, allowing one to observe beautiful caverns, bridged chasms, underground waterfalls, weird mineral formations and the hibernation chambers of brown bears which have been extinct in Ireland for centuries. Facilities include a restaurant, craft shop, information desk and outside and 'The Hazelwood' crafts village. This stunning creation of nature was formed by the melt waters of a prehistoric ice age. The cave, carved out of limestone, cuts into the heart of the mountain.
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