Shannon
Added on Thursday, February 7th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
The pace of life slows down the further West you head across Ireland, and this gentle ride along the banks of the Shannon near Limerick is the perfect way to unwind for a few hours.
The Route
Limerick - Foynes - Killadysert - Bunratty - Limerick
We start in Limerick city, which has got a busy little town centre and a couple of motorcycle shops tucked away in its streets, should you need them. More conventional tourist attractions include King John’s castle, a huge edifice which still dominates the Southern side of the Shannon’s banks in the town.
If you start from the riverside in Limerick, head South and take the N69 road, signed for Foynes, if you can find it. The city isn’t that big however, so you’ll eventually swing back around to it if you do get lost and end up going towards Cork instead. The N69 is relatively smooth and flat at first, but soon gets bumpier as it cuts across the marshy banks of the Shannon.
Slow down near Foynes, which is a small village, with some sharp corners at either end of the 30 limit area. Stop off at Foynes if you have time to see the museum there, which records the era when this little harbour was shelter for the great transatlantic flying boats of the 40s. From Foynes it’s a short hop along the N69 to Tarbert, where the Killimer ferry awaits, keep speeds down to absorb the views across the Shannon to your right.
Two flat decked ferries track across the Shannon estuary here. Very relaxing however and gives you yet another view of the broad, sweeping river.
On dry land, take a right turn to hook up with the R473, signed for Knock, then Labasheeba, which flicks around some low hills, again giving spectacular views of the water. Slow right down on this road, because it isn’t unusual for two County Clare farmers to be parked in the middle of what is a narrow road, happily discussing the finer points of restoring Massey Fergusson tractors.
After Killadysert, the R473 opens up a bit and is generally pretty quiet traffic-wise. A few longer straights await you, if you fancy a little bit of speed. Slow down into Ennis, then make the right turn, signed once again for Limerick. Along the N18, you’ll find the traffic is heavy, especially near Shannon airport, but if you get stressed out, take a break at Bunratty Castle, where you can see a re-construction of Irish medieval life. A few miles further on the N18 and we’re back in Limerick – hopefully chilled out and ready for a serious meal and a few beers.
Pitstops
Once again, O’Briens sandwich bars get the thumbs up. Limerick doesn’t have a great number of restaurants, although, as in most of Eire, pubs will serve you superb food from about 7.30 p.m. onwards.
Biker Beds
If you’re on a budget, try Limerick Youth Hostel. The Two Mile Inn is on Ennis Road, towards the airport, with about 120 bedrooms. Bed and Breakfast is easy to find on the outskirts of Limerick. If you’re staying right in the city, secure parking might be hard to find – most small hotels only have on-street parking.
Speed Traps
Virtually zero. This route is rural, quiet and free of cameras. Just be aware of typical rural road hazards like slow moving vehicles, loose animals, ramblers etc.
