The Shannon Airport Loop: The "West Coast Only" Itinerary

For many savvy travelers, Shannon Airport (SNN) is the secret weapon of Irish tourism.

While most tourists fly into Dublin and endure a 3-hour drive across the country to see the cliffs, Shannon lands you right in the middle of the action. You can be off the plane and standing on the Wild Atlantic Way in 45 minutes.

This itinerary is for families who want to skip the big city traffic of Dublin and focus 100% on the rugged beauty of the West. It is a loop that starts and ends at Shannon, covering the "Big Three": Clare, Galway, and Kerry.

(If you are deciding between airports, compare this route with our Dublin-based Ancient East Itinerary. To see how this fits into a longer stay, check our master Ireland Family Travel Itinerary).

Day 1: Landing in the Middle of Magic (Clare)

Drive Time: Shannon Airport to Bunratty (15 mins).

Most itineraries tell you to drive instantly to Galway. We say: Stop and breathe.

Stop 1: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

This is the perfect "Jet Lag Buster." It is just down the road from the airport.

• The Vibe: A 15th-century castle surrounded by a living village from the 19th century.
• The Kid Appeal: There are farm animals, turf fires, and actors baking fresh soda bread that you can eat. It forces you to slow down immediately.

Stop 2: Dromoland Castle (Afternoon Tea)

Even if you aren't staying here (it is pricey!), book Afternoon Tea. It lets the kids feel like royalty in a real castle without the €1,000/night price tag.

Stay: Bunratty or Ennis.

Days 2-3: North to Galway & Connemara

Drive Time: Clare to Galway (1 hr).

Head north towards the bohemian city of Galway.

The Stop: The Cliffs of Moher (The Smart Way)

Don't go at noon. The buses from Dublin arrive then. Go at 9:00 AM or after 5:00 PM.

• The Local Expert: Instead of walking the paved tourist path, hire a Cliff Hiking Guide. They can take you on the "Hag’s Head" trail—a safer, quieter grassy path that offers better views away from the crowds.

Galway City

Spend the afternoon in the Latin Quarter.

• The Activity: Book a Galway Food Tour. Instead of guessing where to eat, a local guide will take you to the best doughnut shops, cheese mongers, and fish and chip spots. It’s the tastiest way to learn the city's history.

Connemara Day Trip

Drive west into the savage beauty of Connemara.

• The Must-Do: Kylemore Abbey. It looks like Hogwarts.
• The Adventure: Connect with a Connemara Pony Trekking Centre. Riding a white Connemara pony on a beach (like Mannin Bay) is a bucket-list moment for any child.

(For a deeper dive on this region, read our specific Dublin to Galway Road Trip guide—even though you skipped the drive, the Galway stops apply!)

Days 4-6: South to The Kingdom (Kerry)

Drive Time: Galway to Killarney (2.5 hrs via Limerick).

Cross back past Shannon and head south to Killarney.

The Shortcut: The Tarbert Ferry

Don't drive through Limerick City. Take the car ferry from Killimer to Tarbert.

• Why: It cuts out traffic, and kids love the 20-minute boat ride across the Shannon Estuary. You might even see dolphins.

Killarney National Park

This is your base for two days.

• The Activity: Take a Jaunting Car (Horse & Cart) tour through the Gap of Dunloe.
• The Hidden Gem: Visit Muckross Traditional Farms. It’s like Bunratty but focused on the 1930s. It’s hands-on—kids can help milk cows and make butter.

The Ring of Kerry (or The Skellig Ring)

• The Tip: The Ring of Kerry is busy. We recommend the smaller Skellig Ring near Portmagee.
• The Guide: This is remote country. Hire a Skellig Coast Guide to take you to the chocolate factory (Skelligs Chocolate) and the dinosaur footprints on Valentia Island. Yes, real dinosaur footprints.

(If you fall in love with this region, see our dedicated Southern Ireland Family Road Trip for more hidden stops in Kerry).

Day 7: The Medieval Feast & Departure

Drive Time: Killarney to Shannon (1 hr 45 mins).

Head back towards the airport, but finish with a bang.

The Final Night: The Medieval Banquet

Back at Bunratty Castle (where you started), book the evening banquet.

• The Experience: You drink honey mead (juice for kids), eat ribs with your hands, and watch knights and singers perform. It sounds cheesy, but it is incredibly fun and the perfect closing ceremony for a family trip.

Departure

You are only 15 minutes from Shannon Airport. No 4:00 AM wake-up call needed to beat Dublin traffic.

Why a "Local Expert" Beats a Rental Car

This loop is easy to drive, but the experiences are what matter.

1. The "Hidden" Access: A Nature Guide in the Burren knows where the rare orchids bloom and where the caves are. A guidebook just shows you the main road.
2. The Stress-Free Pub: If you want to enjoy the music and the Guinness in Doolin or Killarney, you can't drive home. Hiring a Driver-Guide for your evenings allows the parents to fully relax.
3. The Niche Passion: Is your kid obsessed with horses? Hire a Equestrian Guide. Do they love castles? Hire a Heritage Specialist.

Start Your West Coast Adventure

Fly into Shannon and start your vacation immediately. Connect with local experts to turn a drive into a journey.

Find a West Coast Private Driver or Local Guide →