road information; cycle shop in Ennis?

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Hello

I'm landing in Shannon next week for a few week bike trip. I had planned to reassemble and load my bike at the airport, then pedal to Ennis where I do my first overnight. It seems only 20 Km or so on the map but I can't tell which route I should take and, this being my first time in Ireland, I don't know the road conditions. There is what appears to be a major road ("carriageway with junction") between the airport and Ennis and I don't know if that is open to cycling and a reasonable/safe option. I'm an experienced cyclist but riding on a freeway in the US is not a good idea, even without panniers, etc. So, any advice on the safety, route, etc. would be appreciated.

I'd also like to know if there is a cycle shop in or near Ennis or if the nearest/best bet for that would be in Limerick. I need to make arrangements for boxing the bike for the return trip and would rather work that out while I'm relatively near the airport in Shannon.

Thanks for any help

Steve