Situated on the banks of the Shannon River Estuary and served by an international airport, Shannon is Ireland’s newest town and is world-renowned as a centre of pioneering research, enterprise and development.
Shannon Aviation Museum brings Shannon’s rich aviation history to life. Also steeped in aviation history, the departures lounge at Shannon International Airport is home to a permanent public exhibition of the world’s largest private diecast model aircraft collection.
For outdoor enthusiasts, two local walking trails take in the scenic area around the estuary. The Shannon Estuary Loop brings walkers around by the 19th century Hastings Farmhouse and Tullyglass Point, the site of a Neolithic settlement going back 4,500 years. The Illaunmanagh Loop takes its name from the Irish word ‘meanagh’ meaning ‘middle’; it being the middle island situated between Inniscullen and Illaunagowan.
Shannon is located at the heart of the Shannon Estuary Way, a spectacular and unspoiled riverside loop drive around Ireland’s deepest watercourse. The 207km-long loop winds its way through stunning and changing landscapes and river vistas, offering everything from medieval heritage to outdoor adventure along the way. Tullyglass Point is a designated viewing point on the loop drive.
Irrespective of the weather conditions, Shannon Leisure Centre offers a fun day out for the family. The facility features a 25m indoor heated swimming pool, baby pool, sauna and steam, a state-of-the-art fitness suite and adjacent playground.
Located beside Shannon International Airport is Shannon Golf Club, which is a beautiful parkland 18-hole championship course. Established in 1966 and designed by John D Harris, it is set out over 6763 yards and is a par 72 with stunning views over the Shannon Estuary.
As the home of the internationally renowned Shannon College of Hotel Management, Shannon unsurprisingly has plenty of accommodation options for visitors including numerous hotels, B&B’s and self-catering options. The town is a perfect base from which to begin and end your visit to Clare, due to its proximity to Bunratty, Ennis, the Lough Derg Region, and West and North Clare.
