Car Rental in Shannon
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Shannon Airport
Mini
Fiat 500
or similar
$6.51
per day
Shannon Airport
Economy
Volkswagen Polo
or similar
$11.13
per day
Shannon Airport
Compact
Opel Astra
or similar
$12.44
per day
Shannon Airport
Intermediate SUV
Hyundai Tucson
or similar
$19.82
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Shannon Airport
Standard
Skoda Octavia
or similar
$27.49
per day
Shannon Airport
Premium
Audi A4
or similar
$60.35
per day
Shannon Airport
Special SUV
BMW X1
or similar
$116.59
per day
Shannon Airport
Full-size
BMW 3 Series
or similar
$40.52
per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 6:57 AM on 12/14/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information
Languages
English, Irish
Currency
EUR
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+353
Average car rental price
$37 per day
Average car rental length
6 days
Speed limit within town
30 - 50 km/h or 19 - 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 120 km/h or 50 - 75 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average gas price
$1.85 per liter or $6.99 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.78 per liter or $6.76 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.91 per liter or $7.23 per gallon
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 $24.74 per day
- From Shannon to Knock - 57 offers from $26.06 per day
- From Shannon to Dublin - 110 offers from $24.74 per day
- From Shannon to Kerry - 37 offers from $26.06 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 sights 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 $16 per day
- Large cars - from $11 per day
- Medium cars - from $8 per day
- Vans - from $32 per day
- Premium cars - from $51 per day
- Small cars - from $7 per day
- SUVs - from $10 per day
Money-saving and other 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.
Fact checked by
Keith O’Hara
This article was reviewed and updated by Keith O’Hara, author of The Irish Road Trip, a one-stop shop for all of your Irish holiday planning needs. Started by the Dublin native in 2017, the site contains hundreds of itineraries, city guides and meticulously compiled local information on all the best places to visit on your next trip to Ireland.
Top 18 cities near Shannon
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20.9 km / 13 miles away
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65.4 km / 40.6 miles away
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70.8 km / 44 miles away
-
71 km / 44.1 miles away
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83 km / 51.6 miles away
-
100.1 km / 62.2 miles away
-
102.4 km / 63.6 miles away
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112.3 km / 69.8 miles away
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126.2 km / 78.4 miles away
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134.5 km / 83.6 miles away
-
140 km / 87 miles away
-
160.8 km / 99.9 miles away
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171.2 km / 106.4 miles away
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172.8 km / 107.4 miles away
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177.7 km / 110.4 miles away
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194.6 km / 120.9 miles away
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262.2 km / 162.9 miles away
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263.2 km / 163.5 miles away
Top 6 locations near Shannon
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70.8 km / 44 miles away
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100.1 km / 62.2 miles away
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134.5 km / 83.6 miles away
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194.6 km / 120.9 miles away
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263.2 km / 163.5 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
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
The cheapest month to rent a car in Shannon is February (when prices average $15.11 per day). This is 52% cheaper than the yearly average and 70% cheaper than renting in August (when prices average $50.55).
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.
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 September, the average renter keeps their car for 9 days, and in February, they keep their car for 4 days.
Average number of rental days in Shannon
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 July, and the least popular is November.
Monthly searches in Shannon by pick-up date relative to the average
Car rental information
| Car rental locations | 1 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular suppliers | Budget, Easirent, SIXT, Flizzr, Enterprise |
| Popular car categories | Small cars, SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars |
| Lowest price | $7 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Easirent |
Most popular car models of rental suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Toyota Corolla | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Budget | Renault Clio | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Budget | Toyota Aygo | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Budget | Volkswagen Polo | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Fiat 500 | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| SIXT | VW T-Cross | 5 | 1 | SUVs |
| Flizzr | Volkswagen T-Cross | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Budget | Nissan Qashqai | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
Our customers' reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the 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.
WN
United States of America (USA)
VW Jetta
11/2/24
Drive along slea head and visit to Kinsale
IN
Hungary
VW Jetta A/C
8/10/24
The west coast of Ireland is simply breathtaking, so, it was fantastic. Also, it is not overcrowded as most cities are. Nature has so much to offer, but of course, many of these places would be almost impossible to reach without a car.
RL
Hong Kong
Toyota Corolla
7/27/23
We drove to ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula.
Lovely nature sightseeing.
AM
United States of America (USA)
VW Arteon Aut.
6/22/23
We traveled the country side stopping in several towns for a couple of days each. It was wonderful to have our own transportation and be able to make our own schedule. We toured the Cliffs of Moher, several castles and other landscapes.
CW
United States of America (USA)
Ford Focus
6/2/23
We were so pleasantly shocked by the ease of the car rental experience with Flizzr. I'm actually taking the time to write this review because the experience was so great with the rental staff! Renting a car in Ireland was the best way to see the nooks & crannies of Ireland. Although it takes an hour or so to get used to driving on the opposite side of the road - it's so worth it! Driving the Wild Atlantic Way at our own pace was definitely worth the rental fee. Our best memories are of green rolling hills dotted with sheep and cows (and one or two cottages) gently sloping down to vast beautiful beaches - with not a beachfront property in sight! It's magical.
DA
United States of America (USA)
Opel Zafira
5/27/23
Best tour I've ever been on anywhere, Lost Valley https://www.thelostvalley.ie/
Great traditional music in Dingle, Doolin, Westport and Galway.
Kingdom Falconry in Dingle was a great experience https://www.kingdomfalconry.com/cms/
MM
Malta
Toyota Corolla
5/7/23
Ireland is a gem, we enjoyed every minute
MG
Ireland
Ford Fiesta
2/19/23
We went go by vacations.
PB
Norway
Ford Ka
1/2/23
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.
10/7/22
Ireland coast
GD
Australia
VW T-Roc
9/3/22
Enjoyed our experience in ireland
JG
Ireland
Ford Galaxy
10/6/21
Easy to find,no delay in picking up the car, great service
AE
United Kingdom
VW Polo
3/18/20
Went to a funeral
TL
United Kingdom
Renault Clio
8/8/19
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
Enterprise
9.2 / 10
Lowest-rated company
Easirent
6.5 / 10
Total number of reviews
17
Total rental companies
8
Average daily price
$36.86
Lowest daily price
$6.51
Total cars available
182
Top 8 suppliers in Shannon in 2024
Enterprise
1 location
$28 - $62
SIXT
1 location
$15 - $263
Budget
1 location
$11 - $1,108
Flizzr
1 location
$11 - $285
Hertz
1 location
$11 - $146
Keddy
1 location
$12 - $32
Europcar
1 location
$11 - $65
Easirent
1 location
$7 - $127
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