Shannon Town has an innovative and industrious community which has shown commendable community spirit. This despite the inevitable novelty and difficulties that come with being the country's first and only New Town.

Shannon has six primary schools and two post primary schools. In the area of higher education meanwhile there's the Hotel School Of Management and the Irish Aviation Authority Training Centre, both located in the area. St. Caimin's Community School is Clare's most modern and new secondary school. It opened in 1985 and serves pupils from fourteen primary schools in Shannon, Sixmilebridge, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Kilkishen and Cratloe. The school offers some courses in computers and arts but does not have the same choice of subjects as the other secondary school in the town. You can contact St Caimin's at 061 - 364847.

St. Patrick's Comprehensive School meanwhile is a co-educational school, with more than 900 students, and a teaching staff of 58. As well as it's well praised one year Business Skills and Tourism course (accredited by the NCVA), St Patrick's offers courses in computers, photography, art, foreign languages, construction, guitar playing and yoga. These and several others make for a very comprehensive and exciting bunch of courses from which Shannon's residents can choose. You can contact St Patrick's by phoning 061 - 361428 or emailing stpkshan@iol.ie

Town woman Aisling O'Loughlin reckons there's "loads" of night courses to be had in Shannon. Journalist Aisling is from the Dun An Oir estate in the town, works locally and spends her spare time starring in local drama productions. "I know of quite a few people who've taken courses in the comprehensive and were well satisfied. It's the place you'd look to first if you wanted a night course in Shannon, especially if you want something in e business she said." she told Nightcourses.com

Classes in reading and writing skills are available to adults courtesy of the Adult Education Centre which is headquartered in the Clonroad Business Park, Ennis (tel. 065 - 6841183) There is one to one tuition and small group classes are available in Shannon and other towns in County Clare. The service is free and confidential. It's worth contacting the Adult Education Centre for advice and guidance which its friendly staff will happily dispense.