Shannon holidays

How to reach Shannon

Flight time: Flights to Shannon take around 1 hour 30 minutes from London, with direct flights also available from other UK airports, including Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool.

Transfer time: From Shannon Airport, you’re only about 6 minutes from the town centre by taxi and about 10 minutes by bus (Line 343).

Price: A taxi from Shannon Airport to the town centre will set you back €10–€12, while the bus fares start at around €5.

Best time to visit Shannon

Ireland’s west coast, including Shannon, is known for its lush landscapes and unpredictable weather but some periods stand out for their pleasant climate.

March to May brings spring to Shannon, with milder weather and the landscape starting to bloom. Temperatures hover around 8°C to 14°C, with around 50–70mm of rain and about 6 hours of sunshine. It’s a great time for a peaceful getaway.

June to August is the summer and the high season in Shannon. The long days, with up to 7 hours of sunshine, and average temperatures of 15°C to 19°C are ideal for exploring the countryside and participating in local festivals.

September to November offers golden autumn colours making this season an attractive time to visit for nature lovers. Temperatures cool down from 13°C in September to around 9°C in November and rainfall increases to around 70–90mm, so pack a raincoat just in case.

December to February is the low, winter season in Shannon, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 8°C and around 80–100mm of rain. If you don’t mind the occasional drizzle, it’s a peaceful time to visit historic sites or enjoy the atmosphere of Irish pubs.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the primary language spoken in Shannon, but you might also hear Irish (Gaeilge) here and there.

• Local habits and customs: Irish people are famously friendly and laid-back. At restaurants, a tip of around 10 percent is appreciated but not mandatory.

• Currency: Ireland uses the Euro. ATMs are easy to find in Shannon, and most places accept major credit cards, but it’s handy to have some cash for smaller purchases.

• Getting around: Public transport options in Shannon are limited, but buses connect the town to the nearby cities like Limerick and Galway, with one-way fares starting at around €8. If you plan to explore the countryside, renting a car is a good idea.

• Time zone: GMT, switching to British Summer Time in the summer months.

Best things to do in Shannon

During your Shannon holidays you’ll have plenty to explore: from historical sites to fabulous natural landscapes.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Cliffs of Moher: The Cliffs of Moher are a truly iconic Irish destination which is just a short drive away from Shannon. On your arrival, you’ll be rewarded with the dazzling panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and sometimes even the Aran Islands. Bonus: the visitor centre has interactive exhibits on the natural history of the area.

• Knockfierna Hill: At 286m, Knockfierna Hill is a great place for taking in sweeping views of County Limerick. And on a clear day, you can even spot the Kerry Mountains in the distance.

Historical monuments

• Bunratty Castle and Folk Park: Bunratty Castle, dating back to 1425, is a well-preserved medieval fortress, or a tower house, just 10 minutes from the town. Don’t forget to explore the lovely adjoining Folk Park, visit traditional farmhouses, and learn about the region’s past.

• King John's Castle: Overlooking the River Shannon, this 13th-century castle is another historic gem located close to Shannon which definitely deserves to feature on your bucket list. Fully restored, it boasts interactive exhibitions that bring the castle’s history to life and could be of interest to all members of the family.

Parks and gardens

• Curraghchase Forest Park: A visit to this beautiful forest park, just a 45-minute drive from Shannon, is ideal if you’re after a peaceful retreat. It has everything you need to spend a fun day with your family: walking trails, a tranquil lake, picnic spots and an adventure playground for kids.

• Craggaunowen: About a 30-minute drive from Shannon, Craggaunowen is an archaeological open-air museum that takes you back in time to Ireland’s prehistoric past. Take a stroll through this unique park to see reconstructed ancient dwellings or just enjoy a lovely day out, depending on whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast.

Day trips in the area

• Limerick: Being a lively city with a rich history, Limerick is a must-visit during your trip to Ireland. Just a 20-minute drive from Shannon, Limerick is home to St Mary’s Cathedral, the Hunt Museum and Thomond Park, where you can catch a rugby match if you’re visiting during the season. And while in Limerick why don’t you try to write your own limerick? Easy-peasy!

• The Burren: This otherworldly landscape of limestone pavements and rare flora is just an hour’s drive from Shannon. And on your way to the Burren don’t miss such charming villages as Ballyvaughan or the famous Ailwee Caves.

Activities for families in Shannon

Being a family-friendly destination, Shannon offers a range of activities to keep the entire family entertained.

• Stonehall Visitor Farm and Wildlife Park: This wildlife park in Kilcornan, just a 30-minute drive from Shannon, is a must-visit if you have children in tow during your Irish holidays. Kids of all ages (and adults alike) will be delighted to see llamas, emus, ostriches, wallabies, meerkats and many more animal species.

• Shannon Leisure Centre: If it doesn’t rain but it pours, you’ll probably be looking for some indoor family activities. Fortunately, the local leisure centre has it all including swimming pools, sports facilities and a play area for younger children.

Free things to do in Shannon

There are some free activities that you can participate in during your holidays to Shannon.

• Walking along the Shannon Estuary: You can enjoy a lovely riverside walk along the Shannon Estuary and it won’t cost you a cent. And if you’re in luck, you might even spot some wildlife along the way.

• Limerick City Museum: Just a short drive from Shannon, the Limerick City Museum is free to enter and offers fascinating artefacts from the city’s history, from Viking times to the present day.

• Birdwatching: In the immediate vicinity of Shannon, birdwatchers can enjoy – at no cost at all – spotting migratory birds, waders and seabirds, particularly during the spring and autumn months.

Nature and outdoor activities in Shannon

If outdoor adventures are right up your street, Shannon offers a range of attractions from golfing to water sports.

• Golfing: Shannon is a popular destination for golf aficionados, thanks to its proximity to excellent courses such as Shannon Golf Club, located just minutes from the airport, and the famous Lahinch Golf Club, about a 45-minute drive.

• Water sports: If water-based activities are your cup of tea, you can try kayaking or paddleboarding along the River Shannon. And you can also take a guided trip through the peaceful waters of Ireland’s longest river with one of the local companies.

• Cycling: There are several cycling routes nearby, including those around the Shannon Estuary and the Burren region, so the area is just perfect for cycling. If you don’t have your own bicycle, fret not as bike rentals are available in the neighbourhood.

Local dishes in Shannon

One of the highlights of holidays to Shannon is enjoying traditional Irish dishes and local drinks.

Some typical dishes

• Irish Stew: After a full day of exploring the countryside there’s nothing better than a hearty meal. Being an Irish favourite, Irish stew is a slow-cooked lamb dish, with potatoes, carrots and onions. Yummy!

• Boxty: This traditional Irish potato pancake is offered with a variety of fillings, from meat to vegetables to cheese. Or if you have a sweet tooth, you can order boxty with honey or have it sprinkled with sugar.

Meat dishes

• Bacon and Cabbage: Made with tender boiled bacon, this staple Irish dish is typically served with cabbage and mashed potatoes. Simple but delicious!

• Black Pudding: During your Shannon holidays give black pudding a try, which is a traditional Irish sausage made from pork, oatmeal and spices.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Atlantic Salmon: In Ireland, Atlantic salmon is often smoked and served with brown bread and butter. A no-frills but very appetising dish!

• Fish and Chips: This staple dish is easy to find in many of Shannon’s pubs, with crispy golden fish such as cod or haddock, most often accompanied by chunky chips.

Sweets and desserts

• Apple Tart: This mouthwatering sweet treat, made with apples, encased in buttery pastry and served with cream or custard, will make a great pair with your afternoon tea.

• Irish Coffee: This warm, boozy treat is made with coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and a layer of cream on top – not just a drink, but a dessert in itself!

Local drinks

• Guinness: No visit to Ireland is complete without trying a pint of this famous stout, known for its creamy head and rich flavour.

• Irish Whiskey: Shannon is close to some of Ireland’s most famous whiskey distilleries. So during your holidays be sure to try a glass of smooth, triple-distilled Irish whiskey.