Car Rental at Shannon Airport

Airport travel guide

Located in County Clare in the western part of Ireland, Shannon Airport serves not only the nearby town of the same name but also the larger surrounding region. Here are four of the most interesting attractions near the airport that can be easily reached with a car:

• Limerick. The city of Limerick might seem rough around the edges but has a growing reputation as a tourist destination. There’s actually plenty for a curious traveler to discover in this city on the banks of the Shannon. Attractions include a number of impressive castles and cathedrals like King John’s Castle and St. Mary’s Cathedral, as well as the surprisingly diverse Hunt Museum. The trip from Shannon Airport takes only about thirty minutes.
• Ennis. Located about 25 km (16 miles) north of the airport, Ennis is the principal town of County Clare and a very worthy travel destination. Recognizable for the colorful facades in the town center, it is also the home of several religious landmarks such as the Ennis Friary and the ruined-but-nonetheless-spectacular Clare and Quin abbeys (the former is located in the town center and walkable while each of the latter two is slightly out of the way and more easily reached by car).
  Galway. The largest city in the western province of Connacht, Galway is one of Ireland’s most popular destinations — some travelers even prefer it over Dublin. A student city, it is known for its colorful architecture, strong Irish heritage, and access to famous nature sites like the Aran Islands and Connemara Mountains. The trip from Shannon Airport takes about one hour.
• Burren National Park. One of Ireland’s six national parks, the Burren might not be especially large but is well known for its unique karst lanscape and features a surprising variety of other landscapes like woodlands, meadows, and limestone hills. Go on a walk along one of its many hiking trails and you might spot an otter, a wild goat, a golden plover, or one of the other wildlife species inhabiting the area.The  Burren is about half an hour’s drive northwest of the airport.

Top international routes

• London
• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Krakow
• Boston
• New York City
• Wroclaw
• Edinburgh
   

Main airlines

Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Air Europa, Delta Air Lines, and Helvetic Airways

Terminals

The single airport terminal serves all domestic and international flights.

Location

Shannon Airport is about 5.5 km (3.4 mi) southwest of Shannon Town, 25 km (16 mi) west of Limerick, and 93 km (58 mi) south of Galway. Motorway N19 and Smithstown Road are the main roads connecting the airport to Shannon. Motorways N19, N18, R445, Clonmacken Road, and Cratloe Road are the main routes connecting the airport to Limerick.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $19 per day
• Medium cars - from $22 per day
• Large cars - from $24 per day
• SUVs - from $25 per day
• Station wagons - from $33 per day
• Vans - from $67 per day
• Premium cars - from $75 per day

Car rental desks

Many are located on the ground floor of the airport. The exact location of your car rental provider's desk will be listed on your Confirmation Voucher.

Services and facilities

You’ll find some shops, including a gift shop, a bookstore, a newsstand, and a duty-free shop that’s located after the security check. There are a few coffee shops, snack bars, and a full-service restaurant. You’ll also find ATMs, currency exchanges, a bank, a hotel opposite the main terminal, a children’s play area, baby changing facilities, a Catholic prayer room, a post office, and an amusement arcade. Luggage storage is located in the arrivals hall and is open daily from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. The airport is well equipped for travelers with reduced mobility, and special assistance is offered, but be sure to contact your airline in advance if you’d like this service. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

Top Oil gas station, at N19 E20, can be reached in about six minutes and is open 24/7. There are many other gas stations near Shannon Airport and on the way to Shannon and Limerick.

Popular one-way rentals

• Galway (93 km / 58 miles)
• Limerick (28 km / 17 miles)
• Cork (123 km / 76 miles)
• Kerry (122 km / 75 miles)
• Dublin (228 km / 142 miles)
• Killarney (135 km / 83 miles)