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Two nights near Shannon

Hi all,

I have an unexpected two-day layover in Shannon the third week in June while on a work trip. It's not inconceivable that I would rent a car; I've driven in Ireland before. However, I think I'd just prefer to get on a bus at the airport and go to a BnB or hotel in a town with a pub or restaurant with something to do during the one full day I will have.

I've looked at Ennis, and the lodging left there is either pretty expensive or not highly recommended. Limerick is further, but I don't know too much about it (I haven't had a lot of time to look up things because this two days just kind of dropped in my lap). I've visited Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher before, and without a car it would take longer than I really want to travel by bus.

While I know beggars can't be choosers at this late date, my interests are walking around and seeing the town, maybe a museum or castle if nearby, photography, and a pub or casual restaurant for dinner.

Any ideas? Thanks so much!

Posted by
3561 posts

You could take a taxi to Bunratty, which is about 6 miles from the airport and stay at the Bunratty Castle Hotel. I've stayed there and it is very nice. Right across the street is Bunratty castle and Dirty Nelly's pub.
In Limerick, which is farther and not sure how you could get there without a car, there is King John's castle. Very well done, we enjoyed touring it.

Posted by
2510 posts

We stayed at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis and loved it! Old and grand with spacious rooms. Good food in the restaurant. I don't know about pricing as it was the first hotel on our Rick Steves Heart of Ireland tour in 8 Days. Most of us commented on how much we liked it.

Posted by
343 posts

Thanks so much for the tips! Bunratty Castle Mews looks to be a BnB has pretty good reviews, so I've booked something there that I can cancel if something changes with my plans. The Old Grounds Inn looked great but didn't have my dates.