Despite embarking on their maiden European campaign, Oliver Glasner's side are adapting at a rapid pace. Without star figures like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and wing-back Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a commanding result that virtually secures them a place in the Conference League playoffs.
Another victory in their next match against Finland's KuPS ought to be sufficient to seal straight passage to the last 16, especially following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
This occasion provided a platform for some of Palace's fringe players to impress. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since joining on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken finish. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a second, scoring for the second consecutive succession.
The Shelbourne side that had finished their league season were outmatched even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The Londoners were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with leg injuries.
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace rapidly took control. A slick move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's clever pass, let Nketiah to lay on Uche for a simple tap-in.
Youngster Adam Wharton went close minutes later, driving a long-range shot over the bar. Nketiah then claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the referee dismissed the protests.
The formerArsenal striker didn't need to wait long to find his goal, prodding home from close range after Uche's effort had hit the post.
Shelbourne were hanging on desperately. Full-back Kameron Ledwidge was fortunate to escape a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a header from a corner.
The contest was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino meandered past a series of weak challenges before calmly dispatching a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
Following the break, manager Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest several individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one attempt crash off each posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also missed a glaring chance, showing there is still scope for development in his game.
A solitary worry for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old forward Benji Casey to earn his first-team debut, capping an otherwise perfect evening for the visiting side.
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