Should we spend time in Shannon?
 

Hi, we are flying into Shannon and then driving to the Dingle Peninsula. I'm just wondering if it's worth spending any time hanging around Shannon or if we should head right out. I haven't read anything about Shannon that sounded that great yet.

Hi Natasha,<BR><BR>Shannon does not have much to offer a tourist - a shopping center at best.<BR><BR>Of course near Shannon you have Buratty Castle and Folk Park. Ennis attracts a few folks, and there are several interesting ruins in the general area. <BR><BR>If you head East and then South toward Dingle you will pass through Limerick (keep on going) and could stop at Adare for lunch (touristy but nice).<BR><BR>Have fun.

Definitely head on out to Dingle. Shannon does not offer anything in the way of interest; mostly just residential, but not "quaint". Agree with above poster, Limerick looks interesting in terms of a city but go on toward Adare. The roads are good and won't be that scary until you get to the peninsula. You'll want to arrive at your destination before dark.

Definitly drive to the Dingle Peninsula! Shannon offers nothing that I could see (except Dromoland Castle which is close by and a great place to spend your last night if your flying out of Shannon)

Except for Bunratty Castle, shops in that area and Durty Nellie's Pub - there is not much in Shannon - head to Dingle via Adare (not to be missed tidy town of Ireland). Tralee is a market town on your way to Dingle from Adare - lots of little shops and a market town for locals. Let me know how you liked Dingle and what you did there.

Hi Natasha,<BR>I highly agree with the Dingle suggestion. If you go, an alternative route would be heading west and take the Tarbert/Killimer ferry over the River Shannon. It runs every 1/2 hour, alternating directions, dodoesn't cost much and from what I've heard about Limerick...is probably be more interesting. You could ,perhaps, fit in a visit to the Cliffs of Moher!<BR>Have a wonderful trip!

Steve Earle, one of my favorite musicians, says that if Ireland were having an enema, Shannon's where the tube would go in. Give it a miss.