14405BRI
HOW TO GET TO THE AIRPORT – ARRIVAL
NB Taxis are not to be taken without specific instructions from the Area Office.
SHANNON AIRPORT
Airport Hotel
You will almost certainly be staying overnight in a hotel at the airport, in which case ensure you awake early. Direct transatlantic flights often are the first morning arrivals.
From Limerick (if hotel located there)
Buses leave Limerick bus Station at 05:05 am then every ½ hour from 06.00 – 23.25. Sunday has a bus at 05:05 then every two hours. Check exact times the night before.
Journey time 45 minutes as is very much a local service route.
The touring Coach will either park up on arrivals or departures side. The Six metre bronze statue of rugby players is called The Day That Changed Ireland marking the victory against England in 2007 at Croke Park (the home of Gaelic Sport- first time England had played there). Check with coach company day before in order to receive driver details. Coach is sometimes booked out to another company which means that the name on the coach might be different to what is stated on the voucher.
Once you have your group on the bus it might be worth suggesting a visit to the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park which is 10 minutes from the airport travelling towards Killarney. The Blarney Woollen Mills Shop is an idea for lunch just outside the grounds of the Castle and Folk Park. Service though can be on the slow side. Options for lunch are inside the Park too but are limited. This is not an option if it is an early flight. The group pay entrance fees.
If time is too tight for this, drive directly to Killarney, making a rest stop at Adare Heritage Centre (shops/café/toilets/ATM) after about 1 hour. Opens at 0900.
With the opening of the Shannon River Tunnel (Toll – Driver pays) your route no longer takes you through Limerick. If King John’s Castle is mentioned on your itinerary you will have to make a diversion for a photo stop by the Treaty Stone. You could also choose to add this yourself. However only add if you plan to stop at Adare.
If weather is good, you can go to Aghadoe Heights on the way into Killarney for views of lakes/mountains. The next day could be cloudy.
Be aware that rooms are usually not available until the afternoon, so be prepared. Muckross Estate is a good introduction to Ireland (see yellow pages for details). House is a paid visit but grounds and amenities are free, with a café.
HOW TO GET TO THE AIRPORT – DEPARTURE
The airport is situated 17 miles west of Limerick and 80 miles north east of Killarney.
The journey time from Killarney is approx. 2-2.5 hours, plus rest stops. If you have an early morning departure from Killarney, it will not take as long. Inform the group that you will not be stopping, although they will likely be sleeping.
Adare Heritage Centre (check opening times for rest stop). It opens at 09:00am.
Shannon Airport Information –
www.shannonairport.ie