Shannon is a County Clare township that has practically sprung up overnight, standing today as a popular tourist destination and a handy location from which to hire a rental car and drive around Ireland.
The town was only declared a town in the 80s, after having being built in the 60s. One of its stranger claims to fame is that it was essentially created to serve the Shannon Airport, which was the first transatlantic airport in Ireland. Shannon is also just an hour from the world famous Cliffs of Moher - a must-see for any visitor to the country.
As Shannon Town itself is located on the banks of the Shannon River (Ireland’s biggest at more than 200 miles all up), you won’t be short of water-based adventures to enjoy while in town. Kayaking is one of the most popular, but you can equally take advantage of canoeing and cruising on the water. Keen anglers can check out the best spots up and down the river and on its surrounding lakes, as the waterway is known for its exceptional catches of bream, pike, roach and trout. Carrick-on-Shannon is two hours away by car and is known internationally for its phenomenal fishing, so could make for an ideal day trip!
Discover Shannon, the Cliffs of Moher, and County Clare with a cheap car rental from Shannon Airport.
![With a car rental from Shannon you can easily visit the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher.]()
How AirportRentals.com can help you find the best deal on Shannon car rentals
Airport Rentals is a car hire comparison website, so it makes it easy to find the cheapest deal on a Shannon car rental. Simply enter your travel dates into the search function and watch as a page of available cars comes up from all leading brands at Shannon Airport.
You’ll be able to quickly compare the rentals on offer, and you can easily filter the results if you’re after something specific for your Ireland road trip, such as a manual or automatic.
Book securely online once you’ve made your decision, and never worry about hidden fees. Be sure to ask if you have any queries, which you can do at any time with 24/7 customer service access.
Introducing Shannon Airport
Shannon Airport was the first transatlantic international airport in the country, and today it is still one of the main transport hubs in Ireland. It offers regular flights to the US and a number of European destinations, making it one of Ireland’s busiest airports.
You’ll find your rental company in the arrivals hall of the main airport, and from there it’s just a quick 10-minute drive into Shannon Town so you can start your holiday as soon as you step off the plane.
Because of its central location, Shannon is an ideal city to start an Irish road trip. To the South, Cork and County Kerry have plenty of beautiful sights to offer. If you head North, make sure you stop in Galway to see the beautiful old city on your way to the capital city. From Dublin, Northern Ireland is just a short drive away and is worth the extra drive.
![There are all kinds of amazing places you can discover in County Clare with a car hire from Shannon.]()
A quick guide to driving in Shannon
Shannon is a small town with a small population, so it will be an easy driving experience for those who are used to big, bustling cities.
Driving from Shannon Airport to the CBD
The airport is a short 6-kilometre drive from the town. Simply leave the airport, follow the N19, then turn right at the Shannon Town Roundabout. You can also either use GPS or follow the well-posted signs.
Tips for driving in Shannon
If you’re new to driving on the left side of the road, try spending a little time on the backroads out of town to get used to the controls before you drive in town. Be aware of windy, narrow roads and drive cautiously.
Parking in Shannon
You’ll be able to find streetside parking if you get into town early enough, or you can park in a lot such as the one at the Lidl Supermarket. It’s also a great idea to book accommodation that offers a free or cheap park so you have one less thing to worry about.
Parking at Shannon Airport
There are five long-term car parks at the airport with more than 3,500 spaces. There are also short-term parking options, and you will find the cheapest rates for any airport space online.
