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Shannon, a region to have a view of

Shannon, one of the loveliest regions to visit in Ireland

There are many things to see, like the Cliffs of Moher, Burren National Park and the pretty cities like Adare. Shannon's region is part of Clare and Limerick's counties. One of the most visited counties in Ireland is Clare's. There are plenty of curiosities to see: the famous Shannon River and Lough Derg, the largest lake on the Shannon's course, mark the eastern boundaries of the County. With its indented coastline, its majestic cliffs and its golden beaches in the West, this region is delightful for the eyes.

Besides, it is possible to practice many activities there, such as water sports, diving, cruising, fishing, but also golfing, speleology, dolphins' shows, horse riding, hiking and cycling.

Limerick's County is a place which beauty is peaceful and which charm is rural. With its slightly undulating landscapes, it's a pleasure for the eyes to admire this Golden Vale, in the Eastern County, stretching to the Shannon's estuary. Limerick city, Shannon region's capital, is rich of a fascinating past, with its castles, its ancient walls, its museums. The city's charter is older than London's one. A best-seller, entitled "Angela's Ashes" and written by Franck Mc Court, was recently published on that subject. The film, stirred from the book, was appreciated by a great majority, but many were those who found that it gave a negative image of Limerick city.

A well-known fish-breeding region

Shannon's region is full of varied fishing places. Whatever the period of the year, you'll find there an interesting season fishing in a splendid setting, and the so relaxing Western Ireland atmosphere. The access is easy thanks to the close international Shannon's Airport.

Not to miss

  • Shannon River

It separates Ireland from the East to the West, and it is an important river: Ptolemy was the first who indicated it on a map. This 200 miles long river's mouth is on the ocean, on the western side, close to Limerick. This is British Islands' longest river. Among its tributaries are Suck and Brosna rivers.

Of course, the establishing of an airport called the same name as this river is linked to its geographical situation. Shannon used to be, for a long time, one of the compulsory steps of the transatlantic flights. That was the time when there was no long-haul like today. This is how happened the first Atlantic crossing by a heavier than the air, about ten years before Nungesser and Coli and Lindbergh, between Newfoundland and the Ireland.

  • Shannon Airport's history

The airport's origin goes back to 1936, when the State requisitioned a piece of land at Rineanna to build the first transatlantic aerodrome there. The choice of this region can be explained by its geographical situation, right in the West of the country. Since 1942, the airport had started to provide a service and, on October, 24th, 1945, long-hauls could land there. The first transatlantic flight was a Pan Am DC-4 from New York. Other transatlantic airlines, including TWA and BOAC, settled on the platform.

Main Cities in the region:

Adare, Ballyvaughan, Doolin, Ennis, Kilkee, Killaloe, Kilrush, Lahinch, Limerick, Lisdoonvarna, Quin.

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Published on 21/01/2009

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