Are you already thinking about next year’s holidays? In Western Ireland lies a destination that could become one of the most intriguing surprises: Shannon, perfect for discovering some of the Emerald Isle’s most evocative landscapes. Between medieval castles, spectacular cliffs facing the Atlantic, remarkable natural scenery, and villages where traditional music takes center stage, it promises a travel experience that blends culture and nature.
What’s more, Shannon becomes even more appealing for Italian travelers thanks to a new development in air links: starting in summer 2027, it will be possible to reach it directly from Milan’s Orio al Serio airport thanks to a new Ryanair route.
New flight from Italy: Ryanair connects Milan Orio al Serio to Shannon
For the summer season of 2027, the airline has announced two new routes departing from Milan Orio al Serio, with destinations Shannon in Ireland and Aarhus in Denmark. The routes are already bookable and serve as a preview of the full schedule Ryanair will roll out in the coming months.
The advice is to book right away via the official Ryanair website or app, so you can take advantage of fares available well in advance of departure.
What to do and see in Shannon
Shannon is primarily an ideal starting point for exploring Ireland’s west coast: it offers a tranquil atmosphere and allows you to reach, by car, in about 30 minutes to an hour and a half, some of the region’s most captivating attractions.
One of the first stops to include in the itinerary is Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, about 10–15 minutes away: the complex includes the restored medieval castle and a historic park where more than 30 traditional buildings have been reconstructed.
If you love aviation, just a few minutes from the airport lies the Shannon Aviation Museum, where you can delve into the history of flight and participate in the Discovery Experience, which also includes a flight simulation.
Among the most spectacular natural excursions are the Cliffs of Moher, reachable in about an hour by car: towering cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, they are one of Ireland’s iconic images and deserve at least half a day for a visit. Equally striking is the Burren, a landscape characterized by distinctive limestone formations and a lunar-like scenery where you can also find the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a prehistoric monument dating back around 5,000 years, in addition to numerous trails to discover the national park.
To complete the Irish experience, it’s worth reaching Doolin, a village known for its traditional music, and stopping at one of the pubs during an evening of live music.
If you want to mix nature with urban culture, you might plan a visit to the city of Limerick, which offers a variety of opportunities to spend a few hours among history, museums and gastronomy: in particular, among the main attractions stands King John’s Castle, perched on the Shannon River, an interesting stop to learn about the region’s medieval past.
Furthermore, one of the most memorable activities is the dolphin-watching in Kilrush: excursions depart from here aboard inflatable RIB boats that allow you to spot the resident bottlenose dolphins in the estuary. The area is also suited for kayaking and sailing or birdwatching.
