Overview
The Mid-West of Ireland's main towns are Limerick
City, in the county of the same name; Bir, in County Offaly; Ennis, in County Clare;
Nenagh, in that of North Tipperary and Tralee, in County Kerry. The Lough Derg area
(which comprises the huge lake of the same name that flows into the River Shannon) is
also home to many lakes and rivers, very popular with fans of water sports such as
windsurfing.
The Ailwee Caves, in northern County
Clare, are widely considered the most popular tourist attraction in the area. Every
year, these caves draw hordes of neophyte and seasoned spelunkers, thanks mainly to
their stalactites and stalagmites, petrified bear bones (for these animals long used the
caves as lairs), peculiar formations and a roaring waterfall. Also in County Clare are
the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. A path skirts the edge of the cliffs, which rise as high
as 230 m (750 feet) and plunge straight down into the Atlantic. O'Brien's Tower, open to
the public, offers altogether spectacular panoramic views of the cliffs and surrounding
seascape. In Doolin, a village located just north of the cliffs, a ferry travels (about
30 minutes) to the splendid Aran Islands, cherished by ornithologists and geologists of
all stripes who come to observe such bird species as puffins, with their brightly
coloured bills. What's more, the three islands still manage to preserve their ancient,
popular traditions.
About 15 km (9 mi) north of
Limerick stands Bunratty Castle (built in 1425), an authentic medieval castle that stirs
the imagination with its magnificent tapestries and furnishings. A stroll through Folk
Park, laid out near the historic structure, will plunge visitors into 19th-century
Ireland.
Located near Limerick, the Adare Heritage
Centre offers a historical glimpse at the lifestyle of residents (from nobles to
commoners) in the picturesque village of Adare and its neighbouring market towns,
through models and audio-visual presentations. The centre also houses a tourist office.
Going Out
The aforementioned tourist
attractions contain restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops. However, every town in the
region abounds in shops and restaurants for all budgets. The Aran Islands' pubs are an
attraction in themselves, offering plenty of traditional live Irish music that fans of
the genre shouldn't fail to sample. Music is widely celebrated in the Shannon region,
with very popular events such as the international Sionna Festival of music (in
Limerick; devoted to traditional, contemporary and classical music), Aonach Paddy
O'Brien (a festival of traditional music and arts) and Ennis Fleadh Nua (a true musical
blowout).
Where on earth
Stretching over some 160 km (100 mi), this region is
located in what is locally known as the Mid-West of Ireland. The Mid-West is divided
into counties and features stunning scenery, bordered by extensive roads along which to
contemplate its beauty.