Shannon

If you'd like to stay near Shannon’s airport then there is a workaday Park Inn by Radisson next to the main terminal. Most visitors prefer to venture further afield though, and with a step up in luxury you can stay at the Bunratty Castle Hotel, which is a short stroll from the popular Durty Nelly pub and the castle that gives the hotel its name. Head to Limerick’s Georgian Quarter and ramp up the lavishness with a stay at No. 1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa, while The George Boutique Hotel is a classy mid-range choice also in Limerick. The Boutique Hotel has a similar name and is a good option for those on a budget, nicely decorated with original artwork.

Shannon itself is not overly blessed with shopping opportunities, although nearby Limerick is the shopping capital of mid-western Ireland. For chains and well-known brands head to O'Connell Street and Cruises Street, where you'll also find Irish-owned department store, Brown Thomas. For quirky fashion boutiques and unique items head to nearby Catherine Street, while Arthur’s Quay and the Crescent Shopping Centre are great for a spot of window-shopping. Meanwhile, the Milk Market is the place to be for colourful crafts and food shops.

Shannon’s surrounding area is blessed with some incredible dining opportunities, from a four-course medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle (Lower Road) complete with harp music and goblets of wine, to being a houseguest at The Conservatory Restaurant in the 18th-century Carrygerry Country House (Newmarket-on-Fergus). Book a table at The Savoy Restaurant (Henry Street) for an upmarket meal, or tuck into the pub fare at Curragower Seafood Bar (Clancy’s Strand). Meanwhile the Milk Market (Cornmarket Row) sells everything from artisan breads to farmhouse cheeses on Fridays and Saturdays.

Eva International

April-July

Boasting a reputation as Ireland’s foremost contemporary visual arts festival, this biennial celebration showcases efforts from both Irish and international artists, which complement a variety of workshops, talks and events.

Blas International Summer School

June-July

If you’ve ever fancied learning to play the harp or master the fiddle then there is no better place to do so than at this two-week summer school event that celebrates the best of Irish traditional music and song at the Irish World of Academy of Music and Dance.

Irish Festival of Speed

August

The Irish Festival of Speed features stunt riders, air acrobatics, sprint racing and vintage and modern car displays, as all things automotive are celebrated at Greenmount Raceway in Limerick over the August bank holiday.

Cuisle Poetry Festival

October

This annual poetry festival is held in Limerick and draws guests and poets from near and afar as readings, workshops, open-mike nights, poetry films and competitions all feature.

Outbreak – Limerick Zombie Festival

October

Party with the undead during the last weekend of October as Limerick is invaded by the annual Outbreak Zombie Festival. ‘It’s like Spring Break, but for zombies’, according to the organisers, and you can expect parades, flash mobs, music, films and other gore-inspired events.