King John's Castle at night, Limerick, Ireland

Things to do in  Shannon

Western wonders take flight

The small town of Shannon may seem like an unlikely place for an international airport, but this is a very popular access point to Ireland. Travelers who want to arrive closer to the natural landmarks of the west coast often choose Shannon over the capital city of Dublin. Of the many things to do in Shannon and the surrounding area, most are outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and sea kayaking. Top landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren also lure visitors to this part of Ireland.

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Top 2 attractions in Shannon

#1

The Burren

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Covering an area of more than 115 square miles (300 square kilometers), the Burren is a vast, otherworldly expanse of scarred and fissured limestone rock, naturally sculpted through acidic erosion. Though it may look barren from afar, this rocky plateau is anything but lifeless. In spring and summer, wildflowers and rare plants thrive here.More
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#2

Poulnabrone Dolmen (Poulnabrone Portal Tomb)

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One of Ireland’s most-photographed ancient sites, the Poulnabrone Dolmen—comprising a long slab of rock placed horizontally on top of several upright slabs—has stood on this lonely limestone plateau for 5,000 years. It marks the site of a mass grave containing the remains of ancient people buried here between 3800 and 3200 BC.More
Tours & Tickets

Explore Shannon by interest

Top activities in Shannon

Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle Ticket

Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle Ticket

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107
From
$80.43
Shannon Airport to Galway City, Private Chauffeur Transfer . Premium Sedan

Shannon Airport to Galway City, Private Chauffeur Transfer . Premium Sedan

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7
From
$219.46
per group
Limerick Private Transfer from Shannon Airport to Limerick

Limerick Private Transfer from Shannon Airport to Limerick

From
$204.10
per group
Shannon Airport to Galway City via Cliffs of Moher

Shannon Airport to Galway City via Cliffs of Moher

From
$603.53
per group
Shannon Airport to Cork, Private Chauffeur Transfer .

Shannon Airport to Cork, Private Chauffeur Transfer .

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5
From
$296.28
per group
Cliffs of Moher from Shannon Airport to Galway City Private Car Service

Cliffs of Moher from Shannon Airport to Galway City Private Car Service

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1
From
$603.53
per group
Shannon Airport Private Transfer: Shannon Airport to Killarney

Shannon Airport Private Transfer: Shannon Airport to Killarney

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$438.93
per group
Shannon Airport to Killarney , Private Chauffeur Transfer .

Shannon Airport to Killarney , Private Chauffeur Transfer .

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1
From
$296.28
per group
Quin Abbey Craggaunowen and Bunratty Castle

Quin Abbey Craggaunowen and Bunratty Castle

From
$680.34
per group
Knappogue Castle Medieval Banquet

Knappogue Castle Medieval Banquet

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26
From
$80.43
Private Car Service Dromoland Castle Hotel To Dublin Airport

Private Car Service Dromoland Castle Hotel To Dublin Airport

From
$658.39
per group
Private Transfer between SHANNON & DOONBEG | Premium Vehicles

Private Transfer between SHANNON & DOONBEG | Premium Vehicles

From
$235.92
per group
Private Transfer between DUBLIN & DOONBEG | Premium Vehicles

Private Transfer between DUBLIN & DOONBEG | Premium Vehicles

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1
From
$817.51
per group
Private Transfer between DUBLIN & DROMOLAND | Premium Vehicles

Private Transfer between DUBLIN & DROMOLAND | Premium Vehicles

From
$630.96
per group
Shannon Airport to Galway City via Cliffs of Moher | Private Car Service

Shannon Airport to Galway City via Cliffs of Moher | Private Car Service

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1
From
$438.93
per group
Private Car Service Dromoland Castle to Dublin Airport

Private Car Service Dromoland Castle to Dublin Airport

From
$548.66
per group
Shannon to Trump International Golf Hotel, Doonbeg.

Shannon to Trump International Golf Hotel, Doonbeg.

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1
From
$274.77
per group
Shannon Airport to Galway City Private Chauffeur Transfer

Shannon Airport to Galway City Private Chauffeur Transfer

From
$438.93
per group
Private Transfer between SHANNON & LAHINCH | Premium Vehicles

Private Transfer between SHANNON & LAHINCH | Premium Vehicles

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1
From
$235.92
per group
Shannon Airport- Ashford-Private Chauffeur Transfer .

Shannon Airport- Ashford-Private Chauffeur Transfer .

From
$323.93
per group
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All about Shannon

When to visit

The possibility of warmer temperatures and school schedules make the summer months the most popular time of year to visit Shannon, especially for international travelers and families. Visitors looking to avoid the crowds might want to plan a trip during the spring or fall months. This part of the west of Ireland is also home to annual festivals such as the Doolin Folk Festival in June.

Getting around

Most visitors arrive at Shannon by flying into the international airport. From Shannon, renting a car is the fastest, most flexible way to explore the west coast of Ireland. Other forms of transportation include buses, private tours, and group tours. Some hotels also offer airport shuttles. But generally, a rental car will allow you to plan a travel schedule at your leisure.

Traveler tips

Shannon is often considered a gateway to the west of Ireland, especially County Clare, including landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher and the village of Doolin, known for traditional Irish music. But this international airport also offers easy access to other parts of the west of Ireland, including County Kerry, County Cork, County Galway, and County Mayo. Design your own road trip by plotting a course along the Wild Atlantic Way.

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People Also Ask

What is Shannon famous for?

Shannon is mainly famous for its international airport and, therefore, as a gateway to the attractions of the west coast of Ireland. But Shannon is also a town in County Clare near the Shannon Estuary, which offers nearby landmarks like historic castles, museums, scenic drives, hiking trails, and more.

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Which is better to visit, Dublin or Shannon?

Dublin, Ireland's capital city, is better for first-time visitors to the country. Shannon is better for visitors looking to explore the attractions of the west coast of Ireland without needing to travel cross-country from Dublin. Both places offer international airports with direct connections to the U.S.

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Is there a train between Shannon and Dublin?

No, there is no direct train between Shannon and Dublin. Train service is available from nearby Limerick direct to Dublin. Buses and taxis offer connections between Limerick and Shannon Airport. Visitors to the west coast of Ireland often rent a car to explore; car rentals are available at Shannon Airport.

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Is Shannon worth visiting?

No, Shannon is not worth visiting for first-time visitors to Ireland. Still, Shannon Airport is a convenient arrival point to the west of Ireland—home to some of the country’s biggest attractions, such as the Cliffs of Moher and more of the west coast’s remarkable scenery.

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What are the top attractions to visit in Shannon?

The most significant landmark in Shannon is the international airport. Other top attractions near the town of Shannon include Bunratty Castle, Knappogue Castle, the city of Limerick, and Dromoland Castle. Scenic drives and hiking trails are also nearby, though most travelers arrive in Shannon and proceed to other west coast areas.

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How many days do you need in Shannon?

Most travelers pass through Shannon en route to other attractions in Ireland. Shannon is a convenient arrival point to Ireland, with its international airport, but the town of Shannon doesn’t have many attractions to offer, and it’s common for visitors to travel to famous landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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