Shannon and the West includes Clare,Limerick, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

The Shannon region is a place of great beauty, taking its name from the majestic River Shannon. Limerick City is the historic capital of the Shannon Region , the region is bordered by a dramatic Atlantic coastline, where you can enjoy the Cliffs of Moher, golden beaches and quiet coves along Europe's most westerly shores and the rugged lunar-like plateau of the Burren.

Ireland West is warm, wild and wonderful. A land of history and heritage, of character and charm with landscapes to capture your heart, embracing stunning Connemara and the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher.

Galway is regarded as Ireland's most vibrant city and in recent years has been Europe's fastest growing city. In the city centre is Eyre Square, the place from which John F.Kennedy gave an address when he was granted the freedom of the city in 1963, shortly before his assassination. To the east of Galway is a region rich in heritage, culture, and beautiful landscape, which inspired literary figures including W.B.Yeats and Lady Gregory. This is the heart of Connaught, Ireland's historic western province. The West lives up to its image as a traditional, rural sparsely populated land, with windswept mountains and countryside speckled with low stone walls and peat bogs. Yet it also encompasses Galway, a fast growing university town whose youthful population brings life to the medieval streets and snug pubs.

Here are some of the main attractions.

1.Aran Islands, Galway. The three islands of Inishmore, Inishmann and Inisheer will transport you back in time to a way of life which is unique in Europe.

2. Croagh Patrick, Mayo. Known as "Ireland's Holy Mountain", this is were St. Patrick is said to have spent forty days and nights fasting and praying for the people of Ireland.

3. Kylemore Abbey, Galway. Benedictine Abbey, Gothic church and Victorian walled garden.

4. Ceide Fields Visitor Center and site, Mayo. 1,500 hectare archaeological site of stone walls, field systems, enclosures and tombs. Dating from around 5,000 years, it is the most extensive Stone Age site in the world.

5. Strokestown Park House, Garden and Famine Museum, Roscommon.18th century restored mansion housing the Irish National Famine Museum and featuring a beautifully restored 6 acre Georgian walled garden.

6. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Clare. The most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. The Folk Park, set in 26 acres, recreates 19th century Ireland. Famous medieval banquets are held twice nightly.

7. The Burren Center, Clare. Models, displays and audio-visuals reveal the mysteries and complexities of this unique area.

8. The Cliffs of Moher, Clare. One of Ireland's top attractions, the Cliffs of Moher stand against the might of the Atlantic Ocean

9. King John's Castle, Limerick. Interpreting 800 years of Limerick's complex and turbulent history.

10. Ailwee Cave, Clare. Set beneath the Burren, with its stalactites, stalagmites, relics of bears and waterfall, Ailwee Cave has become a leading attraction.