Back to articlesVisiting Shannon & Southwest Ireland
Explore by Rental Car
Whether you pick up a hire car at Shannon Airport or are driving a rental car from Dublin, Cork, Galway or any other Irish airport, the Shannon region is well worth a visit. Located where the River Shannon – the longest river in the UK and Ireland – meets the Atlantic Ocean, Shannon airport is located in the southwest of the island. This is one of the most beautiful regions in Ireland.
The following locations are just some of the highlights of this region. Most are within an hour's drive of Shannon airport:
The Cliffs of Moher
Co. Clare - You may recognise the Cliffs of Moher when you see them. These spectacular, majestic sea cliffs are one of Ireland's most famous attractions, and they feature in many promotional brochures, postcards and images of Ireland. Rising from the Atlantic Ocean to a height of almost 200 metres, the cliffs stretch along eight kilometres of coastline, from Hag's Head to O'Brien's Tower. The cliffs’ name derives from an ancient promontory fort, Mothar, which once stood in the region but has since been demolished. More information
Aillwee Cave
Co. Clare - This karst limestone cave complex in the Burren region (see below) was once home to hibernating bears, which have been extinct in Ireland for over 1,000 years, the cave also boasts beautiful ancient caverns and under many spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations. Guided tours are available.
The Hunt Museum
Co. Limerick - This is the third-largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and there is much to do and see here. One of its main attractions is the Hunt Museum, Ireland's greatest private collection of art and antiquities. The museum houses over 2,000 original works of international acclaim, from the Stone Age to the 20th century. Artists featured include Pablo Picasso, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Roderic O'Conor, Jack B. Yeats, Robert Fagan and Henry Moorel. The collection of Irish archaeological material ranges from Neolithic flints and Bronze Age material to artefacts from ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt.
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One of the most beautiful regions in Ireland
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