Cheap Car Rental in Shannon $31+/day - FREE Cancellation

Travel Information

Language

English,
Irish

Currency

EUR

Drive on

Left-hand side

Country code

+353

Average car rental price

$122.52 / per day

Average car rental length

7 days

Speed limit within town

30 - 50 km/h

19 - 31 mph

Speed limit out of town

80 - 120 km/h

50 - 75 mph

Acceptable limit of BAC

0.05%

Rating

9.6

Average gasoline price

$1.97 per liter

Highest gasoline price

$2.06 per liter

Lowest gasoline price

$1.82 per liter

Why rent a car in Shannon?

The Shannon Region is a fun place to explore. Made up of County Clare, County Limerick, and County Tipperary, it contains Limerick City with a buzzing nightlife as well as historic sites, quaint villages, and impressive natural areas. With a rental car, the rest of west and south of Ireland are within an arm’s reach.

One-Way Car Rentals in Shannon

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Shannon and drop off in another city include:

From Shannon to Cork - 84 offers from $25.25 per day
From Shannon to Knock - 57 offers from $26.60 per day
From Shannon to Dublin - 110 offers from $25.25 per day
From Shannon to Kerry - 37 offers from $26.60 per day

Top ways to enter Shannon

Shannon Airport: The third-busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland, Shannon serves nearly two million travelers every year. In addition to serving a number of European routes, the airport also has flights to and from New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Toronto in North America. Shannon Airport is just 6km (3.7 miles) southwest of the village of Shannon and can be reached in about ten minutes. Limerick, the nearest city, is 27km (16.7 miles) east of the airport and can be reached in about 30 minutes.
Kerry Airport: Also known as Farranfore Airport and serving County Kerry, this small airport handles about 300,000 travelers every year. As of March 2023, the airport hosts some domestic flights as well as flights to and from the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Portugal. Located 93km (57.7 miles) southwest of Limerick, the airport can be reached in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Cork Airport: Serving the country’s second-largest city, it is also the second-busiest in the Republic of Ireland having handled 2.2 million travelers in 2022. The airport is a focus city for Aer Lingus and Ryanair and is also served by seven other airlines. Located in the south of Ireland, Cork Airport is 115km (71 miles) from Limerick and can be reached in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Knock Airport: Also known as Knock-Ireland West, this small airport has been growing steadily over the past ten years and is expected to serve 800,000 travelers for the second time in its history in 2023. The airport offers flights to holiday destinations in Southern Europe as well as to large cities like London in England, Edinburgh in Scotland, and Cologne in Germany. Located 170km (105 miles) north of Limerick, it takes 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach it.
Dublin Airport: By far the largest in the country, Dublin Airport handled 28 million travelers in 2022. The airport primarily serves the capital city region but is the port of entry for most travelers coming to Ireland regardless of their final destination. A hub for the flag carrier Aer Lingus, the airport is also served by around another 30 airlines. Located 210km (130 miles) northwest of Limerick, the airport can be reached in just over two hours.

City facts

Located on the coast of the Atlantic, the Shannon region has an oceanic climate. The average high temperature is 20°C (68°F) in July and August, the warmest months, and 9°C (68°F) in January, the coldest. Like the rest of Ireland, Shannon has rather high precipitation which is steady throughout the year with an exceptional increase in October as well as in December and January.
With a population of just under 10,000, the town of Shannon is one of the smallest settlements in Europe to have its own international airport. It is also one of the youngest towns in Ireland, having been built only in the 1960s in the place of a drained bog. Despite its short history, the surroundings of Shannon have many attractions, from scenic nature areas to old Celtic and Viking sites.

Top destinations and activities

Limerick. The largest city in the Shannon Region, Limerick has its fair share of attractions. Tourists enjoy visiting King John’s Castle, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and a number of beautiful Georgian buildings. There are also interesting museums, the standout among them being the Hunt Museum which tells the story of prehistoric Ireland and the arrival of Christianity.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. Located in a cozy village of the same name, Bunratty Castle dates back to the 15th century. Other castles stood in its place even earlier as the area might have had a 10th-century Norse settlement. The castle is accompanied by Bunratty Folk Park which has a detailed recreation of a 19th-century Irish village with workshops, an Irish pub, and actors playing typical characters of the time.
Doolin. A coastal village, Doolin is famous as one of the centers of traditional Irish music. The village only has one street, but many of the pubs along it host nightly music sessions. Doolin is also famous for the Doolin Cave which has one of the world’s largest free-hanging stalactites and Doonagore Castle, a 16th-century tower house.
Discover more of the best things to do in Ireland.

Traffic and parking

Driving takes place on the left side of the road in the Republic of Ireland.
Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 120km/h (75 mph) for motorways, 100km/h (62 mph) for national roads without motorway status, 80km/h (50 mph) for local and regional roads, and 50km/h (31 mph) for urban zones and built-up areas. Unlike in neighboring Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, the speed limits are indicated in kilometers, not miles, per hour.
Finding a parking spot in Dublin city center can be quite difficult. Short-term paid parking is available, but be careful not to keep your car parked longer than allowed - your vehicle can be “clamped” by the companies in charge of the parking areas and having it “unclamped” can be quite expensive. A better idea, perhaps, is to park for a longer period at one of the multi-level car parks.
On the other hand, there are plenty of available parking spaces outside the center of Dublin. Dublin is not too large, so parking near the center and walking the rest of the way can be a good idea.
Most road signs are displayed in both English and Irish. However, in some Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas, road signs are only in Irish. This is important to keep in mind because some Irish city names are different than their English names - for example, the Irish name of Dublin is Baile Átha Cliath.
The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, an EU-wide license ban, or imprisonment.
Proof of insurance and the car’s registration needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
The emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.

Toll roads

There are 11 toll roads in the Republic of Ireland. There are also two toll tunnels and two toll bridges. Some of the toll roads are near Shannon.

Payment for using any of the toll roads, bridges, or tunnels can be made with cash at the toll gates. The tolls for some roads are able to paid with a credit card. Some rental cars are also equipped with an electronic toll tag that will make the toll payment automatically. Some car rental providers might charge an additional fee for this service. Ask your car rental provider about it in advance.

For more information about the toll roads in the Republic of Ireland and for the toll road map, visit the Republic of Ireland’s official toll road website.

Ideas for day trips

Clonmacnoise. A monastery founded in the 6th century, Clonmacnoise was an important Irish center of religion and study for centuries. Although the monastery was abandoned in the 16th century, many churches, towers, and high crosses survive to this day (although some only as ruins), making Clonmacnoise a fascinating place to visit. Located 105km (65 miles) north of Limerick, the former monastery can be reached in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The Burren. A national park spanning 530 square kilometers (220 miles) in both County Clare and County Galway, the Burren is famous for its karst rock landscape which gives it a desolate, otherworldly look. The area also has woodlands, meadows, and lakes, making it a nice place to run away from the city to spend a day outdoors. The Burren is surprisingly diverse in flora, having Alpine-Arctic and Mediterranean plants growing side by side. Many bird species, like the peregrine falcon and puffin, also live here. The park’s coastal area and surrounding waters are inhabited by porpoises, seals, dolphins, and basking sharks. Located 56km (35 miles) northwest of Limerick, the Burren National Park can be reached in about 50 minutes.
The Aran Islands. An archipelago of three small islands, the Aran Islands are home to impressive cliffs, dramatic views of the sea, 3,000-year-old fortresses and other archaic stone buildings, ancient churches, and even a few pubs. The Aran Islands can only be accessed by ferry and you cannot take a car, but it’s possible to drive to the port in Doolin, park your car, and take a boat from there.
Killaloe. A village on the River Shannon, Killaloe is as scenic as they come. Best known for its 13th-century architecture and beautiful bridge, the town has several other historical and nature sites in and around it. On the other side of the river, in County Tipperary, is the town of Ballina known for the traditional celebration of Brian Boru that takes place every July. The drive from Shannon Airport to Killaloe takes about 45 minutes.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car type in Shannon is a standard, followed by intermediate and mini. The most popular rental cars are the Toyota Corolla, the Ford Fiesta, and the Toyota Avensis.

Further destinations

Cork. Its original Irish name, Corcaigh, literally means ‘marsh,’ but the largest city in the south west of Ireland has become so much more than that. Visitors love it for landmarks like the Elizabeth Fort, St. Finbarr’s Cathedral, and the Blackrock Castle Observatory, but also for the local Corkonian sense of humor. Located 98km (60 miles) south of Limerick, Cork takes only 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach.
Galway. A student city with a youthful vibe, Galway is an important center for the arts, music, and culture. Other reasons to visit include the medieval Lynch’s Castle, the Hall of the Red Earl, the Seapoint Promenade, and the fact that Galway is the center of Irish Gaelic culture. Located 100km (62 miles) northwest of Limerick, Galway can be reached in 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Connemara National Park. Made up of heaths, bogs, and rolling hills, Connemara is home to a typically Irish landscape. More than 2,000 hectares large, the area is great for going on a long hike or simply spending a day outdoors. History lovers will be eager to learn that the area has been inhabited since at least the Iron Age and is home to 4,000-year-old megalithic tombs which tourists can visit. Located some 190km (118 miles) northwest of Limerick, Connemara National Park can be reached in 2 hours and 25 minutes.
Dublin. Large and international, but retaining a distinct local character, the Irish capital is a great place to visit. From the Dublin Writers Museum to EPIC – The Irish Immigration Museum and Dublinia Viking Museum, its world-class landmarks can be explored for days – and that’s not to mention nearby nature sites like the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The drive from Shannon Airport to Dublin takes only about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Car Rental Prices in Shannon

Station wagons - from $65 per day
Large cars - from $38 per day
Medium cars - from $35 per day
Vans - from $121 per day
Premium cars - from $201 per day
Small cars - from $31 per day
SUVs - from $41 per day

Money-saving tips

Follow these tips to land a great rental car in Shannon:

Compare the rates of different rental car providers
Book your rental car well in advance
Plan your route before you go
Know your fuel and mileage requirements
Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Shannon is the cheapest in January when renting a car is about 70% cheaper than the yearly average.

What travel writers say

We spent the night at Carrick on Shannon and instantly fell in love with this town. There are plenty of things to do in Carrick on Shannon that you could spend 2 nights in the town. Carrick on Shannon is a lively city filled with pubs that are packed to the hilt. We found out that it is a popular Stag and Hen party destination in the UK and wedding parties had flown in from all over Britain to celebrate.

DBADC

Dave Bouskill and Deb Corbiel

Hi, we’re Dave and Deb, the founders of this award-winning travel blog. Since we started The Planet D back in 2007 we have become experts in the travel space and were even named Top Travel Influencers by Forbes Magazine.

When you think of Ireland, you probably think of rain, green rolling hills, and pubs on every street. And while all of these things do exist, Ireland surprised me with so much more on my recent 2-week Ireland road trip! Along with Guinness and pubs playing traditional Irish music, you can find beautiful parks, castles, high-end shopping, impressive lakes and valleys, cliffs that drop down into the sea, and roads that wind up the coast. The best way to explore the country is to rent a car and hit the road to stops like Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Cork, and Galway. And enjoy a pint or two along the way!

KR

Kiersten Rich

Hi! I’m Kiki, a California native, who left my career in corporate finance to become a world traveler.

The Shannon Region is one of the most beautiful places you can possibly visit in Ireland, with the long Shannon River snaking its way through the mid-west, creating an earthly small-town vibe, dripping with nature and history. The atmosphere reflects an incredible sense of tradition and history and every part of our trip was filled with eye-opening cultural experiences that taught us things we never thought we’d learn about the Shannon Region. It is, simply put, an area dotted with castles and an array of cultural experiences, there are breathtaking natural beauty and a relaxed atmosphere that looms over the entire region. While exploring Shannon, you can almost hear the Irish ballads and stories being told in the background as you visit the ruins of tower houses, castles, and medieval towns.

CM

Chrysoula Manika

My name is Chrissy, and I am a tourism professional. For the past 30 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique cultural experiences, amazing food and breathtaking scenery.

Top 18 Cities near Shannon

Limerick Car Rentals from $41.65 per day

20.9 km / 13.0 miles away
Galway Car Rentals from $41.65 per day

65.4 km / 40.6 miles away
Kerry Car Rentals from $45.39 per day

70.8 km / 44.0 miles away
Tralee Car Rentals from $49.99 per day

71.0 km / 44.1 miles away
Killarney Car Rentals

83.0 km / 51.6 miles away
Cork Car Rentals from $31.47 per day

100.1 km / 62.2 miles away
Athlone Car Rentals from $41.65 per day

102.4 km / 63.6 miles away
Kilkenny Car Rentals from $41.65 per day

112.3 km / 69.8 miles away
Waterford Car Rentals from $41.65 per day

126.2 km / 78.4 miles away
Knock Car Rentals from $36.14 per day

134.5 km / 83.6 miles away
Mullingar Car Rentals

140.0 km / 87.0 miles away
Naas Car Rentals from $28.91 per day

160.8 km / 99.9 miles away
Sligo Car Rentals from $41.65 per day

172.8 km / 107.4 miles away
Cavan Car Rentals from $49.99 per day

177.7 km / 110.4 miles away
Dublin Car Rentals from $29.71 per day

194.6 km / 120.9 miles away
Letterkenny Car Rentals from $41.65 per day

262.2 km / 162.9 miles away
Donegal Car Rentals from $62.15 per day

263.2 km / 163.5 miles away
Wexford Car Rentals from $40.71 per day

2994.7 km / 1860.8 miles away

Top 7 Locations near Shannon

Shannon Airport Car Rentals from $31.47 per day
Kerry Airport Car Rentals from $45.39 per day

70.8 km / 44.0 miles away
Cork Airport Car Rentals from $31.47 per day

100.1 km / 62.2 miles away
Knock Airport Car Rentals from $36.14 per day

134.5 km / 83.6 miles away
Downtown Car Rentals from $28.91 per day

160.8 km / 99.9 miles away
Dublin Airport Car Rentals from $29.71 per day

194.6 km / 120.9 miles away
Donegal Airport Car Rentals from $62.15 per day

263.2 km / 163.5 miles away

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Shannon?

Car rental prices in Shannon vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.

Average rental costs per day in Shannon

$20.91

January

$26.19

February

$39.33

March

$54.76

April

$74.18

May

$103.21

June

$138.23

July

$130.02

August

$92.48

September

$52.14

October

$31.34

November

$46.99

December

The cheapest month to rent a car in Shannon is January (when prices average $20.91 per day). This is 69% cheaper than the yearly average and 85% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $138.23).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Shannon?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in January, the average renter keeps their car for 8 days, and in February, they keep their car for 6 days.

Average rental length in Shannon

8

January

6

February

7

March

7

April

7

May

6

June

8

July

7

August

8

September

6

October

6

November

7

December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Shannon?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Shannon is May, and the least popular is January.

Monthly searches in Shannon by pick-up date relative to the average

42%

January

65%

February

134%

March

146%

April

190%

May

63%

June

90%

July

102%

August

119%

September

75%

October

80%

November

94%

December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations	1
Airport locations	1
Popular suppliers	Easirent, Budget, SIXT, Flizzr, Alamo
Popular car categories	Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Large cars
Lowest price	$31 per day
Cheapest supplier	Easirent

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier	Model	Doors	Luggage	Type
Easirent	Ford Fiesta	5	2	Small cars
Budget	Renault Clio	4	2	Medium cars
Easirent	Fiat 500	3	2	Small cars
Easirent	Ford Fiesta	5	1	Small cars
Budget	Volkswagen Polo	3	1	Small cars
Budget	Toyota Corolla	5	2	Large cars
Easirent	Ford Focus	5	2	Medium cars
SIXT	Toyota Yaris Aut.	5	1	Small cars
SIXT	VW Polo	5	1	Small cars
Budget	Skoda Citigo	4	1	Small cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

MG

Ireland

Ford Fiesta

February 19, 2023

We went go by vacations.

PB

Norway

Ford Ka

January 2, 2023

sixth are the best all company's should do as sixth. i received a better car than i expected

JG

United States of America (USA)

Toyota Yaris Aut.

October 7, 2022

Ireland coast

GD

Australia

VW T-Roc

September 3, 2022

Enjoyed our experience in ireland

JG

Ireland

Ford Galaxy

October 6, 2021

Easy to find,no delay in picking up the car, great service

AE

United Kingdom

VW Polo

March 18, 2020

Went to a funeral

TL

United Kingdom

Renault Clio

August 8, 2019

Very good value for money with fairly easy pick up. A bit of a wait to pick up as only agent was dealing with both Budget and Avis customers. Overall would recommend.

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company

SIXT

9.4 / 10

Lowest rated company

Easirent

8.1 / 10

Total number of reviews

17

Total rental companies

12

Average daily price

$122.52

Lowest daily price

$46.96

Total cars available

137

Top 12 Suppliers in Shannon in 2023

SIXT

Exceptional 9.4 / 22 reviews

1 location

$42 - $163

Thrifty

Exceptional 9.2 / 9 reviews

1 location

Alamo

Exceptional 9.1 / 6 reviews

1 location

$38 - $103

Enterprise

Exceptional 9 / 6 reviews

1 location

$47 - $103

Budget

Excellent 8.9 / 70 reviews

1 location

$36 - $387

Hertz

Excellent 8.8 / 1 reviews

1 location

$46 - $122

Flizzr

Excellent 8.8 / 15 reviews

1 location

$45 - $390

Keddy

Excellent 8.8 / 6 reviews

1 location

Europcar

Excellent 8.6 / 1 reviews

1 location

$46 - $161

National

Excellent 8.5

1 location

Avis

Excellent 8.5 / 1 reviews

1 location

$45 - $375

Easirent

Excellent 8.1 / 76 reviews

1 location

$31 - $576

Car Rental in Shannon

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Travel Information

Why rent a car in Shannon?

One-Way Car Rentals in Shannon

Top ways to enter Shannon

City facts

Top destinations and activities

Traffic and parking

Toll roads

Ideas for day trips

Most popular cars

Further destinations

Car Rental Prices in Shannon

Money-saving tips

What travel writers say

Top 18 Cities near Shannon

Top 7 Locations near Shannon

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Shannon?

What’s the usual rental length in Shannon?

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Shannon?

Car Rental Information

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Our Customers' Reviews

Car Rental Statistics

Top 12 Suppliers in Shannon in 2023

Highly recommended by our customers