The region is a popular destination with short break tourists as well as active thrill seekers and sports enthusiasts.

Shannon is one of Ireland's premier locations for active outdoor enthusiasts.

The region has excellent sports and leisure facilities and is naturally favourable to a range of activities. Shannon's lakes and rivers offer superb opportunities for anglers and fishermen, with wild salmon, trout, pike and bream in abundance. Doonbeg River in west Clare is popular for salmon fishing, while the River Suir in Co.Tipperary is renowned for its brown trout stocks.

Walking is another popular activity. Interesting trails in the Shannon region include The Offaly Way, a trail that links Slieve Bloom Way with Grand Canal Way and The Ballyhoura Way a route extending from John's Bridge in North Cork to Limerick Junction in Co. Tipperary. Meanwhile, surfers flock to Lahinch in Co. Clare.

Visiting golfers can take advantage of a range of top-notch courses in the Shannon area including Nenagh Golf Club in Co. Tipperary, Clonlara Golf and Leisure Club Co. Clare and the exclusive Dromoland Castle Golf and Country Club.

The Shannon region boasts a range of impressive cultural and historical attractions worth discovering. Top tourist attractions include Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Co. Clare, Clonmacnoise monastic settlement in Co. Offaly, The Hunt Museum in Limerick City and The Burren Visitor Centre in Co. Clare.

The Shannon region offers an exciting dining experience to suit every taste and budget. Whether you're after cheap hearty grub at a gastro-pub or a fine banquet fit for a king, you're guaranteed to find what you're looking for in Shannon. Cheap and cheerful local fare can be enjoyed at establishments like Dolan's Pub and Restaurant in Limerick City, while those without budget worries can dine in style at Bunratty Medieval Castle Banquet.

Shannon offers excellent scope in terms of scenic hire car drives.

A trip to the Burren in Co. Clare is a must. The natural flora and fauna of the Burren's eerie ?karstic? landscape attracts botanists and geologists from all over the world.

Following the main Ennis road, you'll see Cathair Chomain signposted. This route leads to the centre of the Burren. On the way you'll pass a wedge type stone-age tomb. Driving for another kilometre will lead you to a small car park. From here you can explore the Burren and the ancient Cathair Chomain by foot.

While in Shannon, a drive out by The Cliffs of Moher is not to be missed. The dramatic cliffs are situated in Co. Clare, overlooking the Atlantic Sea.

The Shannon region hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the calendar year including the famous Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, which takes place annually in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare in September and October. Limerick's Killmallock Medieval Festival takes place in May, while Slieve Bloom Storytelling Festival takes gets underway in Kinnitty, Co. Offaly in October. Many of the local festivals and events are free or do not require tickets to accommodate those who decide to attend last minute.

Limerick is a popular destination for sporting short breaks, as it is home to the Munster rugby team who play in the city's Thomond Park.