Any recommendations on where to stay in Shannon? Our flight leaves early in the morning, and we're hoping to stay near the airport. Thank you!
Also - any recommendations on places/towns to visit between Dingle and Galway. We're have three days open for exploring. Thanks!
There are several B&Bs on the Bunratty road, the one that runs between Bunratty Castle and Durty Nelly's. We stayed at Dunedin Lodge on that road, and my parents stayed at the one just beyond it (don't know the name, but it has a red door). The airport is about 5 or 6 miles from there. You could do the medieval dinner at Bunratty on your last evening, shop at Bunratty Mills shopping center (across from the castle) or Avoca Handweavers (just down the road), or hang out at Durty Nelly's pub.
As for your other question, between Dingle and Galway, to the west, are the towns of Lahinch, Lisdoonvarna, and Doolin, as well as the Cliffs of Moher. You might want to take the car ferry between Tarbot and Killimer to save yourself driving through Limerick.
Stephanie, I would recommend Bunratty View Guest House, a nice B&B a few miles and a few minutes from Shannon. It is also very near Bunratty Castle, where the medieval banquet the night before you leave makes a great way to wind up your trip.
I was recommended the Park Inn Hotel in Shannon because it's walking distance from the airport. I cannot speak for its quality, but the Shannon airport area is not what I'd call a 'classic Ireland' experience & you are looking for a place near the airport! good luck :)
Park Inn Shannon is at the airport, true. But the B&Bs near Bunratty castle are minutes away -- and how could you not enjoy waking up practically in the shadow of a castle? :)
