Holidays to Shannon
Discover the lively nightlife, spectacular scenery and historical sights of Shannon and the surrounding area. Shannon’s location in County Clare in Western Ireland means it’s easy to explore the mountains and coast nearby. So you can mix a city stay with a country escape all in one trip.
Because you can fly directly to the city itself, when you book a Shannon holiday with lastminute.com, you get to make the most of every moment. Choose a package holiday, and you’ll also get the best deals on fights and hotels combined.
Soak up the culture and scenery
Just outside Shannon is Bunratty Castle. Built in 1425 and restored in the mid-1900s, it now houses a collection of medieval and early Renaissance furniture and art. Head outside to the Folk Park and you can stroll around a reconstructed traditional Irish village, complete with a working forge, weavers, post office and pub. Also close to Shannon is the pretty village of Quin along with Knappogue Castle and The Craggaunowen Project, an award-winning archaeological open-air museum.
For a mind-blowing view, head to the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s most visited natural attraction. Reaching 214m at its highest point, it stretches 8km along the Atlantic coast. And if you fancy a hike, head to Burren National Park where marked trails take you through a variety of beautiful habitats.
A cracking night out
The pub is a good starting point for an evening out in Shannon. Besides being a great place to enjoy a glass of Guinness or Baileys Irish Cream, it’s often a good place to hear live traditional music. The Bunratty Folk Park also holds traditional Irish music nights, where you can enjoy regional song, dance and storytelling.
You’ve no shortage of pubs in Shannon serving authentic Irish cuisine, and there are some good restaurants where you can find excellent seafood, especially salmon and oysters. For a truly memorable meal, you can take part in a banquet at one of the castles around Shannon. Bunratty Castle is the closest and often holds medieval feasts in the evening.
Hit the shops
If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, the SkyCourt shopping centre is worth a visit. The shops are a mix of Irish chain stores and small boutiques selling clothing, music and jewelry. If you’re after something more artisanal, visit the Farmers Markets at the town square where you can pick up everything from local jam and chocolate to handmade crafts. The Irish Country Pottery and Ballycasey Craft and Design Centre are also good hunting grounds for souvenirs. With the money you save by booking a cheap holiday to Shannon through lastminute.com, you’ve more to spend when you get there.