Car Rental in Shannon
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 20:12 on 2020-05-29. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
English,
Irish
Irish
Currency
EUR
Country code
353
Average car rental length
7 days
Economy car rental price
$20.75 / per day
Traffic direction
Left-hand
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h
50 - 62 mi/h
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
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 has little in the way of cities, but more than makes up for it with historic sites, quaint villages, and impressive protected areas. With a rental car, the rest of West and South Ireland are also 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 26.17 USD per day
- From Shannon to Knock - 57 offers from 27.57 USD per day
- From Shannon to Dublin - 110 offers from 26.17 USD per day
- From Shannon to Kerry - 37 offers from 27.57 USD 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 October 2019, 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 2.3 million travelers in 2018. 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 first time in its history in 2019. 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 31 million travelers in 2018. 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.
Useful 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 several 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 there are several venues that occasionally host concerts. 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.
Traffic and parking tips
- 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 downtown Dublin 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 downtown 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 Atha 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 a day-trip
- 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 shared by 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 Arans 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 a port in Doolin, park your car, and take a boat from there.
Most popular rental types and 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 southern 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. 2020 will be an especially good year to come to Galway as the city will be the European Capital of Culture, a title that it will share with Rijeka in Croatia. Located 100km (62 miles) northwest of Limerick, Galway can be reached in 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Connemara National Park. Made up of peats, 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 can be reached in 2 hours and 25 minutes.
Car Rental Prices in Shannon
- Station wagons - from $42 per day
- Large cars - from $28 per day
- Medium cars - from $20 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $50 per day
- Small cars - from $15 per day
- SUVs - from $32 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
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.
Top 14 Cities near Shannon
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Dublin Car Rentals from $10.23 per day194.6 km / 120.9 miles away
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Cork Car Rentals from $10.23 per day100.1 km / 62.2 miles away
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Knock Car Rentals from $12.67 per day134.5 km / 83.6 miles away
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Kerry Car Rentals from $10.57 per day70.8 km / 44.0 miles away
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Galway Car Rentals from $24.89 per day65.4 km / 40.7 miles away
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Donegal Car Rentals from $37.68 per day263.2 km / 163.6 miles away
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Naas Car Rentals from $25.13 per day160.8 km / 99.9 miles away
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Tralee Car Rentals from $24.89 per day71.0 km / 44.1 miles away
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Mullingar Car Rentals from $42.40 per day140.0 km / 87.0 miles away
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Cavan Car Rentals from $25.29 per day177.7 km / 110.4 miles away
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Athlone Car Rentals from $24.89 per day102.4 km / 63.7 miles away
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Letterkenny Car Rentals from $37.69 per day262.2 km / 163.0 miles away
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Sligo Car Rentals from $25.29 per day172.8 km / 107.3 miles away
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Kilkenny Car Rentals from $24.89 per day112.3 km / 69.8 miles away
Top 17 Locations near Shannon
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Shannon Airport Car Rentals from $10.23 per day
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Downtown Car Rentals from $24.89 per day65.4 km / 40.7 miles away
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Kerry Airport Car Rentals from $10.57 per day70.8 km / 44.0 miles away
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Downtown Car Rentals from $24.89 per day71.0 km / 44.1 miles away
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Downtown Car Rentals from $22.72 per day95.0 km / 59.0 miles away
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Cork Airport Car Rentals from $10.23 per day100.1 km / 62.2 miles away
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Downtown Car Rentals from $24.89 per day102.4 km / 63.7 miles away
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Downtown Car Rentals from $24.89 per day112.3 km / 69.8 miles away
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Knock Airport Car Rentals from $12.67 per day134.5 km / 83.6 miles away
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Mullingar Downtown Car Rentals from $42.40 per day140.0 km / 87.0 miles away
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Downtown Car Rentals from $25.13 per day160.8 km / 99.9 miles away
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Downtown Car Rentals from $25.29 per day172.8 km / 107.3 miles away
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Downtown Car Rentals from $25.29 per day177.7 km / 110.4 miles away
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Downtown Car Rentals from $10.97 per day192.4 km / 119.5 miles away
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Dublin Airport Car Rentals from $10.23 per day194.6 km / 120.9 miles away
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Downtown Car Rentals from $37.69 per day262.2 km / 163.0 miles away
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Donegal Airport Car Rentals from $37.68 per day263.2 km / 163.6 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Shannon?
Car rental prices in Shannon vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Shannon
The best month to rent a car in Shannon is January (when prices for an Economy class start from $15.82). This is 70% cheaper than the yearly average and 88% cheaper than renting in November (when rental prices start at $136.52 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.
What’s the usual rental length in Shannon?
Travel lengths vary from month to month: in September, travelers rent a car for an average of 8 days in October, the average rental period is 5 days.
Average Rental Length in Shannon
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Shannon?
While travelers visit Shannon year-round, the most popular month for renting a car is March, and the least popular is November.
Popularity of Car Rental in Shannon by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Toyota Corolla | 5 | 2 | Large cars |
| Budget | VW Polo | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Budget | Renault Clio | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Budget | Ford Ka | 2 | 1 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Ford Focus | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Easirent | Ford Fiesta | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Easirent | Fiat 500 | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Thrifty | VW Polo | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Thrifty | VW Golf | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Budget | VW Up | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
Our Customers Reviews
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.
Top 9 Suppliers in Shannon in 2020
Alamo
+353061704914
Ground Floor Terminal Building Shannon Airp, Ayle, Ennis, Co. Clare
Europcar
+35361206040
MAIN TERMINAL, SHANNON AIRPORT
Working hours
Mon:05:00-22:00
Tue:05:00-22:00
Wed:05:00-22:00
Thu:05:00-22:00
Fri:05:00-22:00
Sat:05:00-22:00
Sun:05:00-22:00
Enterprise
+35361704914
Ground Floor Terminal Building Shannon Airp, Ayle, Ennis, Co. Clare
Avis
+35361715600
Shannon Airport
Working hours
Mon:05:30-23:30
Tue:05:30-23:30
Wed:05:30-23:30
Thu:05:30-23:30
Fri:05:30-23:30
Sat:05:30-22:00
Sun:05:30-23:00
Keddy
+35361206040
MAIN TERMINAL, SHANNON AIRPORT
Working hours
Mon:05:00-22:00; 05:00-22:00
Tue:05:00-22:00; 05:00-22:00
Wed:05:00-22:00; 05:00-22:00
Thu:05:00-22:00; 05:00-22:00
Fri:05:00-22:00; 05:00-22:00
Sat:05:00-22:00; 05:00-22:00
Sun:05:00-22:00; 05:00-22:00
Budget
+35361471361
Shannon Airport, Ballyhennessy, Shannon, Co. Clare
Working hours
Mon:05:00-00:00
Tue:05:00-00:00
Wed:05:00-00:00
Thu:05:00-00:00
Fri:05:00-00:00
Sat:05:00-00:00
Sun:05:00-00:00
GreenMotion
35361471098
Shannon Airport, Co. Clare, Ireland
Ace Rent a car
35316950326 / 3172487251
Shannon Springs Hotel
Easirent
+353858616180
Shannon Springs Hotel, Ballycastle
Working hours
Mon:06:00-00:30
Tue:06:00-00:30
Wed:06:00-00:30
Thu:06:00-00:30
Fri:06:00-00:30
Sat:06:00-00:30
Sun:06:00-00:30
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