Has anyone purchased a Ready to Go phone? They seem to be about the same price as a rental. We are arriving in Shannon and will be visiting for 10 days. We have 2 couples so we are also considering renting 2 phones on one plan.
I have read many of the posts here--this is just about as confusing as car rentals in Ireland--the more I read, the longer it takes me to make a decision.
We will be driving to Doolin our first day. If Shannon doesn't have a cell phone store, any suggestions where we could stop? I don't think Doolin will have a store. It doesn't even have an ATM

Your test criterion is good; any place big enough to have an ATM will have at least one outlet selling phones.

Shannon or Ennis.

You might try Ennis.

There are no shops selling phones at Shannon Airport. Instead you will find a Western Cellular store at Shannon Sky Court Mall just a couple of miles from the airport. Follow the signs to Shannon Town Center. http://www.skycourtshannon.com/

ttt for xyz99

Thanks, IrishEyes – we might try the mall if we decide to go into Shannon, or if not, drive to Clifden and try there. It will all depend on how tired we’ll be when landing in Shannon.

I do not remember a mobile phone shop in Clifden. I would not count on getting one there. If it is important get it at Shannon, Ennis or Galway. In my opinion Shannon would be the easiest to get in and out of quickly without a lot of searching.

Clifden Chamber of Commerce lists the following entry. It's probably the only mobile phone shop in Clifden so if you are banking on it, best call in advance to see if they have what you want.

Office Chat
Your local office supplier for all your office requirements, offering 18,000 products. The latest in mobile phones. O2 and Vodafone dealers.
Ian Fogerty
Tel:095-21911, Fax: 095-21841

There is a vodafone store in the Ennis town center.

Bill

Also take a look at the Vodafone website: http://www.vodafone.ie/ They may be able to help you.

There is a phone store in Gort, which is passed through on the way from Shannon to County Galway. A small town with the phone store right on the main street as you drive through the town. Very easy to park.