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My Irish Cousin

Car rental at Shannon Airport

45 minto Cliffs of Moher
1h 10mto Galway city
10 minto Bunratty Castle
Finding us

Picking up at Shannon Airport, made simple

Ground Floor Terminal Building Shannon Airp, Ayle, Co. Clare, V14 EE06, Ireland
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What makes this spot special

your cousin's local knowledge
Shannon Airport

Shannon Airport is where North America meets the west of Ireland. Direct flights from the US and Canada land here daily, and the counter is on the ground floor of the terminal building. You can collect your keys and be driving toward the Cliffs of Moher within the hour.

The airport sits at the crossroads of Clare, Limerick, and Galway. Bunratty Castle is a ten-minute detour. The Burren's lunar limestone landscape is forty-five minutes north. Galway city is just over an hour up the N18.

Shannon is the quieter alternative to Dublin for transatlantic arrivals. Shorter queues, easier parking, and you start on the Wild Atlantic Way instead of fighting eastbound motorway traffic.

Pick your travelling companion

Small

Small

Ford Fiesta or Similar
32
Compact

Compact

Opel Astra or Similar
52
Standard

Standard

Skoda Octavia or Similar
53
Small SUV

Small SUV

Kia Sportage or Similar
53
SUV

SUV

Skoda Kodiaq or Similar
55
9 Seater

9 Seater

Opel Vivaro or Similar
98
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Good to know

Questions cousins ask about Shannon Airport

contact us if yours isn't here
Where do I pick up my car at Shannon Airport?
The counter is on the ground floor of the terminal building, in the car rental area. After collecting your bags, follow the car hire signs. Your car is in the compound directly outside.
Is Shannon Airport a good base for the Cliffs of Moher?
It is the closest airport. The Cliffs of Moher are about 45 minutes northwest via the N85. You can visit on your first afternoon and still be in your hotel for dinner.
How does Shannon compare to Dublin Airport for US travellers?
Shannon has US preclearance, so you clear US customs before boarding your return flight. It is also smaller and less crowded. If your trip focuses on the west coast, Shannon saves you a three-hour cross-country drive from Dublin.
Can I drive from Shannon to the Aran Islands?
You can drive to Rossaveal (about 1 hour 40 minutes via Galway) and take the ferry to Inis Mor. Leave the car at the Rossaveal car park. Ferries run several times daily in summer.
What road should I take from Shannon Airport to Galway?
The N18 / M18 motorway runs directly from Shannon to Galway. It is a straightforward, well-signposted drive of about 1 hour 10 minutes with no tolls.
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