The Shannon Region The Ideal Place For Holidays In Ireland

If you wanted to take all the great attractions about Ireland and wrap them up in one place, then there can be nowhere better than the Shannon Region.  Add to that the great range of self catering holiday cottages that are offered by Imagine Ireland in that area, and you've got all the ingredients for an ideal Irish holiday.

The Shannon region covers the west Ireland counties of Clare and Limerick along with south Offlay and north Tipperary. Easily reached from the ferry ports at Dublin, Dun Laoghaire and Rosslare, the countryside runs from rolling hills to rugged coast and offers a wealth of ideas and attrcations. Using a self catering holiday cottage as a base gives flexibility - you can come and go as you please - and offers great value. Whatever you might want to do on holiday - walking, fishing, golfing....or even just relaxing - the Shannnon region has something to offer.

Here is some of our insider information on some different palces to visit while you're there....

Under the Burren at Aillwee Caves

The Burren is famous for its stark landscape and fascinating wildlife, but for something a bit different why not venture under the Burren!  Aillwee Caves lead under the mountainside, carved out by an underground river in an early Ice Age, and contain remarkable natural features and formations.  The caves are situated in the north of County Clare, not far from Ballyvaughan, and you can visit all year round.

Ireland’s prehistory brought to life at Craggaunowen

Not quite as old as Aillwee, but harking back to Ireland’s prehistoric and early Christian past, Craggaunowen is not far from Shannon at Sixmilebridge, County Clare.  Children and adults alike will find the recreation of ancient homesteads, including a crannog lake dwelling, fascinating.  You can also the Brendan boat, made from hides, that Tim Severin sailed across the Atlantic to recreate the voyages of St Brendan.

How many dolphins can you spot?

You might not fancy taking to the sea in the Brendan boat, but taking a modern boat from Kilrush, County Clare, or Carrigaholt, County Clare, into the sheltered waters of the Shannon Estuary gives you a great chance to see dolphins in the wild.  There are around 100 dolphins in the community, and the trips – of around two hours – give the opportunity to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Fly back in time at Foynes

If you’re not into boats of any kind, then how about planes?  From 1939 to 1945 the port of Foynes, County Limerick, on the southern side of the Shannon Estuary was the centre of the aviation world as air traffic across the Atlantic left or arrived here with a fleet of flying boats.  Politicians, film stars and business people started or ended their journey here…and perhaps it’s no surprise that Irish coffee was invented here too.  The Flying Boat Museum is housed in the original terminal building and has not just displays and memorabilia but also a full size replica of a Pan Am Clipper Flying Boat.

Plenty of craic at plenty of festivals too!

Over the month of July there are some great festivals and events happening in Shannon that will keep everyone entertained.  In Shannonbridge, County Offaly, the Midsummer Music Festival (24-27 June) has a whole variety of fun events, including children’s workshops and two free concerts.  Killaloe, County Clare, celebrates Ireland’s great High King, Brian Boru, in its 5 day festival (29 June – 4 July) with many free activities for all ages including a Viking market and a street pageant.  Ennis in County Clare also celebrates over the weekend of 3-4 July with a multi cultural street festival of art, music and dance, and later in July (24-25 July) Athea in County Limerick draws in vintage cars, tractors and bikes for its Vintage Festival mixed with family entertainment, music and street markets.

Your ideal holiday cottage base with Imagine Ireland

After all that activity, returning to your quality self catering holiday cottage means you can put your feet up and unwind at your own pace in comfortable surroundings.  And of course, you can choose whether to eat in or out, without any problem.  With over 1,500 cottages throughout Ireland, you be sure that you have the widest choice, from seaside to countryside, rural to city centre.  You can choose traditional Irish cottages or modern properties with contemporary interiors, and with accommodation that sleeps from 2 to 22, there is something that will suit every type of party.  Don’t forget there are great offers for smaller party sizes and two weeks for the price of one in selected cottages.  And, of course, Imagine Ireland can make all your travel arrangements.  Make sure of your holiday today with Imagine Ireland.