The Shannon region - the perfect place for pleasure
Explore the delights of County Clare
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THE SHANNON REGION PHOTO GALLERY/CLICK HERE
Let’s set off on a journey through the Shannon region, a joyrney that will expose us to different eras of Irish history and different aspects of modern-day Irish culture in an area that encompasses counties Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary, South Offaly and North Kerry.
In this feature we will explore the delights of County Clare. Don’t worry about the jet lag. Your sense of time is about to be scrambled as it is!
“It’s a long, long way from Clare to here.” So go the words ofthe popular song. But is it really true? What with ShannonAirport’s ever-increasing network of connections with U.S.cities, it may not take you as long as you think to arrive in CountyClare – one of Ireland’s most culturally and geographicallydiverse counties.
You’ll find that it’s certainly worth the journey. This is a county whose history stretches back millennia and its rich archaeologyis testament to this. Dotted across the landscape are Stone Ageburial sites built by Clare’s earliest inhabitants; Celtic high crosseserected by early Christians; round towers used by monks asprotection against marauding Vikings; and ruined medievalmonasteries and castles.
These historical sites are set in stunning scenery. Clare’s naturalbeauty includes soaring sea cliffs, playful dolphins and theotherworldly limestone landscape of the Burren with its multitudeof rare flora and fauna.
Clare’s people are interesting too. This county has producedsome of Ireland’s best traditional musicians –accordionist Sharon Shannon and fiddler Martin Hayesare two of the most famous. Its people also have a passionfor hurling, the sport mythologized by Cúchulainn, a heroof Old Ireland.
Our first stop after Shannon Airport is Bunratty Castle.Built in 1425 and restored in 1954, it’s Ireland’s most completeand authentic medieval fortress. As you cross over thedrawbridge, you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled hundredsof years back in time.
You’ll learn all about the hierarchy of life in the castleas you wander from room to room. The marble floor, oakceiling, richly-colored tapestries and hunting horns ofthe Great Hall testify to the leisured life of the gentry,while the rough wooden boards and straw matting thatservants slept on convey just how impoverished theirlives must have been.
