Dawn’s Shannon Region Diary
Follow Dawn’s diary as she explains all that The Shannon Region has to offer. Due to Dawn been born and raised here, she knows all the highlight areas of which there are many to visit and explore but more importantly it is her want to not only share this to ensure her guests get the best out of their stay but to inform them of the many hidden gems. Her decision to write this diary is due to the fact you could easily spend two weeks in this one spot seeing something uniquely Irish, beautiful and spectacular every day so by breaking up this information and giving a locals perspective she hopes you will make the most out of your holiday time.
“I see so many people rushing through to see the Cliffs of Moher for example and hurrying onto the next county’s highlight that really they actually end up missing the real Ireland. You need to slow down to really see what you have come to Ireland to see. It’s the backroads, it’s the ordinary that make Ireland Ireland”
Back with open arms.
Well what a couple of years it has been! Who knew the whole world would be told to stay at home. Even now it's hard to believe. I really hope everyone of my past guests and those reading this did ok navigating their way through the pandemic. It finally feels like...
Stretch the legs at the 12 O’Clock Hills
Hiking may put some folk off, so a walk in the woods is how I would describe this trail area.I do it all the time with my young children who like to examine every stone in the place as we go so it's no problem. Just a very pleasant day out. A great way to get a feel...
Stay Safe while staying at Balally House
Balally House Covid-19 Protocol
Balally House Covid-19 Protocol and response plan This document has been prepared based on the evidence currently available about COVID-19 transmission (human-to-human transmission primarily via respiratory droplets from, or direct contact with, an infected person),...
The Munster Vales Drive and walking trails along the way.
The Munster Vales are a region that includes The Galtees, the Comeraghs, the Ballyhouras, the Knockmealdowns and the Nagles. The area reachs from the mid-west southwards to the sea through the counties of Tipperary, Waterford, Cork and Limerick. From my house along...
Lough Derg Drive. A really great loop drive from Balally House.
Lough Derg, is a freshwater lake in the Shannon River Basin. It is the third-biggest on the island of Ireland. It is a long, narrow lake, with shores in counties Clare, Galway, and Tipperary From Balally House, it is only a 35 min drive. This is a great day trip to...
Stay a couple of nights in Balally House, Shannon and tick this exciting list.
Yes I understand you want to see as much as possible but you will never see all of Ireland (as small as people think it is), so make peace with this fact and enjoy what is in front of you. Choose an area and see it well. Be present!
A day of pampering – you are on holiday after all!
Most of my guests are all go from morning to night and sometimes I would like to remind them to slow it down. I know what my husband will say when he reads this. “ You are one to talk” because every time I’m on holiday I am that person wanting to see everything and...
Nearby walks that you have to drive to:
As always I will start with my favourite . Dromoland Castle Grounds It is only a 9 km drive to Dromoland where you can park your car for free and walk the grounds. It is where we take the kids all the time as it is full of happy memories for me growing up. The walk is...
Sunset at the Cliffs of Moher
My suggestion is to view the famous Cliffs of Moher by sunset. It is only 1 hour from Balally House to the Cliffs. They are far less crowded and a great way to end your journey before flying out of Shannon. Or indeed a great way to start your journey. Fly into...