car hire Shannon

Shannon Airport is within easy driving distance of several popular destinations in Ireland, including Galway, Kerry, Limerick City, and Cork. But less-visited – yet equally alluring – areas lie even nearer by. As you drive your hired car out of the terminal, you'll be met immediately by the sight of green, rolling hills, the prototypical Irish countryside seen in brochures. This countryside is the region called County Clare.

The capital of County Clare is Ennis, which hosts one of the largest traditional music festivals in Ireland, called the Fleadh Nua, in May. Ennis has an important historical place as a key market town, and it remains a popular spot for shoppers on holiday. Belleek Shop is a fine place to buy delicate Parian china, as well as Waterford, Galway, and Tipperary crystal pieces. If you want to pick up some traditional Irish music recordings, stop by Custy's Traditional Music Shop.

Both Galway and Limerick are cities easily reached by car from Ennis, as the capital sits right between the two on the main road connecting them. You can also head straight to Limerick from Shannon Airport after picking up your car hire: it's just a 15-minute drive. Tourism thrives in Limerick, and the city accommodates travellers by employing "street ambassadors" to help visitors get around the city. St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle are two big attractions in Limerick. You can also take an "Angela's Ashes" walking tour in Limerick. If there's a chill in the air, you may want to enjoy an Irish coffee while in Limerick: It was allegedly invented here around 1940, and a plaque in Shannon Airport testifies to this claim.

A rich history of traditional Irish music is the calling card of County Clare. The 19th-century ballad singer Percy French wrote a well-known protest song about the ineffectual rail network in County Clare during his era. (His argument wasn't heard: The rail system did not improve and in fact was dismantled by the middle of the following century.) If you're looking to take in the thriving Irish music scene, stop in at Brandon's Bar on a Monday to catch jam sessions starring more than a dozen performers.