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Shannon Airport

Shannon, Ireland
Explore Shannon city guide Navigate to this airport
29
Routes out
26
Destinations
EINN
ICAO
46 ft
Elevation
AirlinesAirports profile

Ireland's transatlantic gateway on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Opened
1936
Location
Shannon, Ireland
Shannon Airport (IATA: SNN, ICAO: EINN) is an international airport located in County Clare, Ireland, situated on the southern bank of the Shannon Estuary. It serves as a key hub for transatlantic flights and is one of Ireland's three major airports alongside Dublin and Cork. Shannon holds a significant place in aviation history as the home of the world's first duty-free shop, opened in 1947, and was a pioneering stop for early transatlantic commercial aviation. The airport played a crucial role in the development of long-haul air travel during the mid-20th century. Today, Shannon is operated by Shannon Group plc and handles several million passengers annually, offering routes to the United Kingdom, continental Europe, and North America. It also hosts important US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance facilities, allowing US-bound passengers to complete US immigration formalities before departure.
Terminals
Shannon Airport operates a single terminal building that handles all passenger departures and arrivals, including a dedicated US pre-clearance facility.
Getting to & from
Shannon Airport is connected to Limerick city and surrounding areas by Bus Éireann coach services, taxis, and private car hire, with the airport located approximately 25 km from Limerick city centre.
Airlines here
Major airlines operating at Shannon include Ryanair, Aer Lingus, United Airlines, and American Airlines, among other regional and charter carriers.
Notable facts
  • ›Home to the world's first airport duty-free shop, established in 1947 by Brendan O'Regan.
  • ›One of only a small number of airports outside the US offering US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance.
  • ›Shannon was a critical refuelling stop for transatlantic piston-engine aircraft in the 1940s and 1950s.
  • ›The airport gives its name to the nearby Shannon Free Zone, one of Europe's oldest free trade zones established in 1959.
  • ›Shannon Airport became independently managed under Shannon Group plc in 2013, separating from the Dublin Airport Authority.
Official website Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Route map (25 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Routes

SNN → AGPEI · 320
SNN → EDIEI · AT7
SNN → MANEI · AT7 AT4
SNN → BHXEI · AT4 AT7
SNN → JFKEI · 757
SNN → LHREI · 320
SNN → BRSEI · AT4
SNN → FAOEI · 320
SNN → BOSEI · 757
SNN → AGPFR · 738
SNN → ALCFR · 738
SNN → FUEFR · 738
SNN → NCEFR · 738
SNN → PISFR · 738
SNN → WROFR · 738
SNN → ACEFR · 738
SNN → BVAFR · 738
SNN → KRKFR · 738
SNN → TFSFR · 738
SNN → FAOFR · 738
SNN → FMMFR · 738
SNN → LGWFR · 738
SNN → SXFFR · 738
SNN → WMIFR · 738
SNN → LPLFR · 738
SNN → PMIFR · 738
SNN → STNFR · 738
SNN → EWRLH · 752
SNN → EWRUA · 752
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City & Place Guide

Gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's storied west.

Shannon is a planned town in County Clare, built in the 1960s to support Shannon Airport, one of Europe's first international transit hubs. Its position on the River Shannon and proximity to the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, and medieval castles makes it an ideal base for exploring the west of Ireland.

Though compact and modern in layout, Shannon offers genuine Irish warmth, riverside walks, and easy access to some of the country's most dramatic landscapes. The town itself is quiet and practical, making it a favorite stopover for travelers arriving by air before venturing further into Clare or Limerick.

  • •Bunratty Castle & Folk Park — a magnificently restored 15th-century castle with living history exhibits.
  • •Cliffs of Moher — iconic 214-meter sea cliffs about 45 minutes away by car.
  • •The Burren — a unique limestone karst landscape rich in wildflowers and archaeology.
  • •Lough Derg — a serene lake perfect for walking trails and boat trips.
  • •Craggaunowen — an open-air Celtic heritage park with a bronze-age lake dwelling.
  • •Shannon Town Park — a pleasant riverside green space ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Getting around: Shannon is best explored by rental car, widely available at the airport. Bus Éireann operates routes connecting Shannon to Limerick, Ennis, and Galway. Taxis are accessible around the town center and airport. Rideshare apps like Uber have limited coverage, so local taxi firms are more reliable for short trips.

Best time: June through August offers the mildest weather and longest daylight hours, making it the best time to visit.

Local food: Try a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle, fresh Atlantic seafood chowder, brown soda bread, and a pint of Guinness at a traditional Clare pub.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via SNN? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for Ireland from official government sources.

Ireland visa & entry information →Embassy & consulate finder →
Shannon Airport
Encyclopaedia

Shannon Airport is an international airport located in County Clare in Ireland. It is adjacent to the Shannon Estuary and lies halfway between Ennis and Limerick. With almost 2 million passengers in 2023, the airport is the third busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland, and the fifth busiest on the island of Ireland. Shannon has had a long association with transatlantic flight, owing to its position on the west coast of Ireland and being one of the most westerly international airports in Europe. One half of Shanwick Oceanic Control, which controls all air traffic on the north eastern quadrant of the North Atlantic Ocean, is located close to the airport in nearby Ballygirreen.

Read full article on Wikipedia

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification