Shannon Airport Guide
Shannon Airport sits on the south bank of the Shannon Estuary in County Clare, roughly 24 km west of Limerick city. Its location on Ireland's Atlantic coast made it a natural stopping point for transatlantic flights, and it became Europe's first US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance facility in 1986. Passengers flying to Boston, New York, Newark, and Chicago clear US immigration and customs at Shannon before departure.
The airport operates a single terminal with 14 boarding gates and one runway. Ryanair and Aer Lingus are the dominant carriers, together accounting for the majority of the 2.05 million passengers handled in 2024. Transatlantic traffic grew 12% that year, with United and Delta joining Aer Lingus on North American routes.
Shannon recorded 18,086 aircraft movements in 2024. The airport is managed by Shannon Airport Authority plc, which has operated independently from Dublin Airport Authority since 2013. The site first handled commercial flights in 1939 and introduced the world's first airport duty-free shop in 1947.
Services
4 of 6 availableCompare 20 listed options at Shannon Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, lounges and hotels. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Shannon Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 2.1M passengers (2024)1 runwayopened 1939
- Location
- 52.702, -8.925
- Operator
- Shannon Airport Authority plc
Terminals
1 terminalShannon Airport has 1 passenger terminal — Main Terminal, handling both international and domestic flights for around 6 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Main TerminalMixed
Ryanair, Aer Lingus, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Vueling, Turkish Airlines
Nearby cities
3 citiesShannon Airport is closest to Limerick (24 km east), and also serves Ennis, Galway and other nearby areas. With 3 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Limerick24 km east
- Ennis24 km north
- Galway85 km north
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the airport codes for Shannon Airport?
Where is Shannon Airport located?
Where is Shannon Airport located?
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What services are available at Shannon Airport?
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