Any ideas that are not too far off the beaten path?
Six miles from Shannon airport is Bunratty Castle. Just across the road is a little shopping center which, last time I was by that way, had a cafe that had wonderful sandwiches and soups.
We stopped in Ennis. It's been a long time so hard to make recommendations but we ate in the pub at the Temple Gate hotel and it was pretty good. Also there are the ruins of an 11th c. Franciscan Friary there that were fun to walk around and take photos.
Last summer we ate at the cafe called Lily Mai's located in The Village Mills shopping area across from Bunratty Castle. We thought the food was good. There is another restaurant across from this shopping area, but I don't remember the name. We also stopped in Ennis and had coffee at O'Brien's which serves deli type food and is located near the car park. The owner's wife chatted with us for a while and was very friendly and helpful. The Ennis Friary is worth a stop if you have time.
Barbara
You can also eat at Durty Nellys just outside Bunratty. We only had soup but it was great. It is only maybe six to ten miles from airport.
Very helpful. Thanks everyone.