Hire Car Shannon Tips, Experiences & Comparison

Discover Shannon by Hire Car

Shannon, with a population of 9000, is an enchanting small town in County Clare in the west of the Irish Republic.

The town, which is the only one in the country to have been founded after the Second World War, takes its name from the beautiful river of the same name, which characterises not only the town but the whole region.

Shannon also has the only airport in this part of Ireland, which is mainly served by the so-called “budget airlines”.

Interestingly, Irish Coffee was also born right here when Shannon was a stopover on the way to America.

Sights in Shannon

A prominent landmark in Shannon is Bunratty Castle. Dating back to 1425, the medieval castle is one of the most beautiful in Ireland and is nestled in the rolling hills of the area.

One of the highlights of the castle is the medieval banquets, which you can attend in the original style of the time. An experience not to be missed.

The journey through time continues at Shannon’s open-air museum, where you can immerse yourself in 19th-century Ireland in the form of old farmhouses, a blacksmith’s shop and a water mill.

About five minutes from Shannon town centre is the Ballycasey Design and Craft Centre in an impressive 18th-century house. Here you’ll find a tailor shop, pottery, embroidery and blacksmiths lovingly offering their own wares.

Exploring the Shannon area

A hire car is essential in Shannon. On the one hand, the vastness of the wonderful landscape cannot be grasped otherwise, on the other hand, there are numerous, dreamlike destinations in the immediate vicinity, such as the historic Limerick or the romantic Lough Derg.

By the way, the region is a true paradise for anglers.