Shannon airport was the first port of call for many Americans on their arrival
into Ireland, until the compulsory stopover there was abolished in the early 1990s.
It was the first airport in the world to have a duty free shop and it was here
that Irish Coffee was invented. The airport is the gateway to the magnificent
Shannon region which offers tremendous diversity in its scenery and in the activity
options available throughout the area. The town is located about 3 miles from
the airport and is Ireland's only "new town".
Bunratty Castle, built in 1425, is Ireland's most complete and authentic medieval
castle. Famous for its banquets which are held nightly, you will be entertained
by the renowned Bunratty Singers while feasting on excellent fare, fine wines
and honeyed mead.
The Castle is also home to the Bunratty Folk Park which recreates 19th Century
Ireland and includes a village street, eight farmhouses, a watermill, blacksmith's
forge, a pub, restaurant and a display of 19th Century agricultural machinery.
Located in Bunratty Folk Park, Bunratty Mead & Liquor Co. is one of Ireland's
few wineries. It is the only winery however, which features an exhibit of artefacts
from Customs and Excise dating back to 1826. It also has a Poteen Still on display.
The Ballycasey Design and Craft Centre, just five minutes from the town, has
a potter, jeweller, embroiderer, metalsmith, clothiers and even a heraldry service,
as well as a restaurant. It is housed in the courtyard of the magnificent 18th
century Ballycaseymore House.
As the Shannon region is dominated by water, with the coastline and many rivers
and lakes, including the River Shannon, it is no wonder angling is so popular
in the area. The best place for salmon fishing is the River Shannon, the longest
river in both Ireland and Britain. Brown trout and sea trout are also plentiful
in the area. Eel angling is also popular in Lough Derg and the Shannon Estuary.
Golf is as popular in Shannon as it is in the rest of Ireland. There is a fantastic
eighteen hole course at Shannon Airport. In nearby Ennis, there is a driving range
for the less experienced golfer or the experts who want to perfect their teeing
off.
