Shannon

Travel Guide

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

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 National Technological Park while you're in town.

Castletroy
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Newton Perry

While visiting Newton Perry, you might make a stop by sights like O'Connell Street and Limerick City Gallery of Art.

Newton Perry
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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
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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
King John\'s Castle showing heritage elements, a castle and heritage architecture

Medieval Quarter

Medieval Quarter is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by King John's Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral while in the area.

Medieval Quarter
Limerick Strand Hotel
Limerick Strand Hotel
4 out of 5
Ennis Road, Limerick, Limerick
The price is S$233 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
S$233
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Limerick. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
I recommend
"The Strand is a very good example of understated competence. Mirroring the swans on the Shannon directly outside, you know a lot of skill and care must go in to keeping such a large and popular hotel "afloat" but to the observer, it seems so smooth and simple. Rooms are equipped for comfort and ease: ..."

Reviewed on 10 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 S$193 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
S$193
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Limerick. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"I would stay here again!! Breakfast was fabulous"

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

The George Limerick Hotel
Absolute Hotel Limerick
Absolute Hotel Limerick
4 out of 5
Sir Harry's Mall, Limerick, Limerick
The price is S$214 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$214
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Limerick. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
The hotel with everything great!
"The hotel staff was so kind, upgraded our room. We had the corner suite overlooking the beautiful Shannon River. Two white swans live right by our room. Also, the restaurant chef cooks amazing beef short ribs. The breakfast was one of the best in Ireland"

Reviewed on 10 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 WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (318 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
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Garrykennedy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Garrykennedy Harbour and Castlelough ...
Beautiful 3-bed Cottage in Tipperary
Dromroe Village University of Limerick
Dromroe Village University of Limerick
3 out of 5
Dromroe Village University of Limerick, Limerick, Limerick
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Limerick. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Thomond Park and University Concert ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"It was clean throughout my stay."

Reviewed on 29 Aug, 2024

Dromroe Village University of 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.

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