Shannon Airport Car Rental: Gateway to the West Coast
Quick summary: Shannon Airport car rental puts you on Ireland’s west coast from the moment you land. Rental desks are in the arrivals hall, Shannon town is around 6 km away, and the Cliffs of Moher are about an hour’s drive. Bunratty Castle is minutes from the airport, Limerick is close by, and Galway and Kerry are both within a couple of hours, making Shannon a natural start for the Wild Atlantic Way.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Desks | In the arrivals hall |
| Shannon town | Around 6 km |
| Cliffs of Moher | About an hour |
| Nearby | Bunratty Castle, Limerick |
| Onward | Galway north, Kerry south |
| Tours | Cliffs of Moher tours |
Compare car rental at Shannon Airport
Where are the rental desks?
In the arrivals hall, with cars parked a short walk away. Some companies operate off-site with a shuttle, so check your booking.
What can you reach from Shannon?
| Destination | Approximate drive | Tours |
|---|---|---|
| Bunratty Castle | A few minutes | Bunratty Castle tours |
| Cliffs of Moher | About an hour | Cliffs of Moher tours |
| The Burren | About an hour | Burren tours |
| Galway | Around 1.5 hours | Galway tours |
| Killarney | Around 2.5 hours | Ring of Kerry tours |
Why start a west coast trip at Shannon?
It saves the cross-country drive from Dublin, and the Wild Atlantic Way passes right by. See the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.
What do you need?
A full driving license, a credit card in the main driver’s name and your passport or ID. The minimum age is usually 21, with extra charges for younger drivers.
Compare car rental at Galway Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
In the arrivals hall.
About an hour’s drive.
Yes, it’s on the west coast near Clare, Galway and Kerry.
Around 6 km.