Shannon Airport serves the western Munster region, approximately 25 km from Limerick, a historic airport for transatlantic flights and the world's first airport to open a duty-free store in 1947.
It is the gateway to the Cliffs of Moher, among Ireland's most celebrated natural attractions.
How to get to Shannon Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SNN
Parking near Shannon Airport
The airport-managed parking is located in front of the terminal.
Active video surveillance and rates of approximately 2-4 euro/hour, with discount for daily parking.
How to get to Shannon from SNN
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Shannon Airport
Major car rental companies have counters in the arrivals area, useful for exploring the Cliffs of Moher and the western coast.
Bring your driving license, passport, and credit card in your name; remember that in Ireland you drive on the left.
Hotels near Shannon Airport
At the terminal
The Park Inn by Radisson is about a 2-minute walk from the terminal, the only hotel directly connected to the airport.
Best for: Very early morning flights or one-night layovers, when you want to reach check-in on foot.
- Check-in is reached on foot, with no bus or taxi needed
- Useful for those with a transatlantic flight with US pre-clearance who want to arrive well ahead of time
- Around it there are only car parks and runways: dinner means staying in the hotel
- No evening life nearby, not even by taking a taxi
Shannon town and the Clare countryside
The Shannon Springs Hotel is a 5-7 minute drive from the terminal (about 4-7 km depending on the source); Carrygerry Country House is a 10-11 minute drive, already deep in the countryside.
Best for: Those who want a real dinner or a quieter night while staying a few minutes' drive from check-in.
- A few minutes by car or taxi from the terminal, with real dinners instead of just the hotel restaurant
- Carrygerry is an eighteenth-century country house with countryside views, useful for those who want to unwind before a long flight
- Without your own car a taxi is still needed, as there are no frequent buses to the terminal at all hours
- A rural area: apart from the two hotels there's nothing else to do in the evening
Recommended hotels
- Shannon Springs Hotel A few minutes from the terminal, between the towns of Ennis and Limerick; 71 rooms, the Old Lodge gastropub with a covered garden for dinner before an evening flight. View availability
- Carrygerry Country House A country house from 1793, 10-11 minutes by car from the terminal, 11 rooms furnished in country style and the Conservatory restaurant praised for its breakfast; a way to turn a layover into a truly quiet night. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, historically notable for being the world's first with a duty-free shop, is appropriately sized for its role as a regional hub.
For flights, arriving at least 2–3 hours early is recommended, given that U.S. preclearance is available.
Map of Shannon Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is it true that Shannon invented duty free?
Yes, in 1947 the airport opened the world's first duty-free shop, an idea born to serve the long technical stopovers of transatlantic flights at the time.
Q. How far is Shannon Airport from the Cliffs of Moher?
About an hour's drive: they are among the most famous and photographed natural attractions in Ireland.
Q. Does Shannon have US preclearance like Dublin?
Yes, it allows travelers to complete US customs checks directly at the airport before departure.
Q. Is it better to land at Shannon or Dublin to visit the Cliffs of Moher and the west coast?
Shannon is much closer: it saves about an hour and a half of driving compared to starting from Dublin, a real advantage if your itinerary is focused on the western Atlantic coast.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
