Cheap flights to Shannon
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Quick summary
Country
Ireland
Continent
Europe
Airport
SNN
Currency
Euro
Time zone
UTC+0 (UTC+1 during summer time)
Deals already spotted to Shannon
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Airport and getting into town
An airport between Limerick and Ennis, gateway to the west
Shannon Airport (SNN)
Shannon Airport lies on the Shannon Estuary between Limerick and Ennis: about 20 to 25 km from Limerick depending on the source, around 15 km from Ennis and about 90 km from Galway. Buses and taxis serve these towns; allow in the order of 30 to 40 minutes to Limerick and 15 to 20 minutes to Ennis. The Cliffs of Moher are a little over an hour away by road, and a rental car is the most practical way to explore the region. Since 1986 Shannon has also offered US preclearance (immigration checks before departure) for some flights to the United States: check whether your flight is covered.
Distances and times are approximate: sources differ (from 15 to 25 km to Limerick) and transport timetables change, so check them before you travel.
Shannon is above all an airport, and the neighbouring town is small. This page presents the region the airport serves: the west of Ireland, between County Clare and County Limerick. The world's first duty-free airport in 1947, Shannon long served as a stopover for transatlantic flights.
From the airport you can reach the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Limerick, Bunratty and Galway within a few hours, which makes it an ideal starting point for a tour of the west.
Cliffs of Moher
Several kilometres of cliffs above the Atlantic
The Cliffs of Moher, in County Clare, are among Ireland's most visited sites. They run for several kilometres (8 to 14 km depending on the source) and reach about 214 m near O'Brien's Tower, built in 1835, dropping to about 120 m at the southern end, Hag's Head. On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. The villages of Liscannor, to the south, and Doolin, to the north, are a few kilometres away. The cliffs are part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, recognised within the European Geoparks network supported by UNESCO.
Always stay on the marked paths: the wind is strong and the cliff edge can be unstable. Check the opening hours and access of the visitor centre before you go.
The cliffs seen from above
The photo shows the cliff plunging into the ocean and the grassy slopes in the foreground, under a blue sky. In the distance the coast continues in a series of headlands.
A wall of layered rock
The dark rock is made of stacked layers of sandstone and shale. The deep, almost black blue of the water recalls the height of the wall.
The Burren
A limestone landscape where alpine and Mediterranean flowers grow
The Burren is a karst plateau in north-west County Clare: a vast expanse of grey limestone, fissured by rain, covering some 250 to 360 km² depending on the definition. Plants of alpine and Mediterranean type grow side by side, giving it a reputation as a natural garden. The area is part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark and contains a national park, the smallest in Ireland.
Poulnabrone
Poulnabrone dolmen is a megalithic tomb from the early Neolithic, dated to roughly 3800 to 3200 BC by estimates. Three upright stones support a heavy horizontal slab. It is the best known of the roughly 170 dolmens in Ireland.
Caves and forts
The Burren has many archaeological sites and several caves; the most accessible, Aillwee Cave, can be visited. We do not illustrate it: it is described in text only.
Poulnabrone dolmen
The large slab rests on three upright stones in a landscape of limestone rock, short grass and shrubs. Ropes protect the site: do not climb on the stones.
Limerick
A medieval city on the Shannon, with castles and museums
Limerick, about 20 to 25 km from the airport, is Ireland's third-largest city, with around a hundred thousand inhabitants. The historic centre occupies King's Island, between the Shannon and the Abbey River. In the Middle Ages the Normans built King John's Castle beside the river, along with St Mary's Cathedral.
Museums
The Hunt Museum holds an important collection of antiquities and art; the Frank McCourt Museum, in his former school, evokes the author of Angela's Ashes, whose story is set in Limerick. King John's Castle houses an exhibition. We do not quote admission prices, which change; check opening hours.
History and sport
The Treaty Stone, near Thomond Bridge, recalls the treaty of 1691 according to tradition. Limerick is also a rugby city, with the Thomond Park stadium.
The Shannon near Limerick
The river winds between meadows and woods, with a footbridge crossing it; the city can be made out on the horizon. It is Ireland's longest river, which widens into an estuary a little further west.
Bunratty and Ennis
A castle from 1425, a folk park and Ennis's music
Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle stands beside the Shannon, between Limerick and Ennis, near the airport. The tower you see today dates from 1425; it is surrounded by a reconstructed folk village showing rural life of the past. Medieval banquets with music are also offered by reservation; check the conditions, days and prices.
Ennis
Ennis, about fifteen kilometres from the airport, is a small historic town with lanes and a medieval Franciscan friary. It is a centre of traditional Irish music: a festival, the Fleadh Nua, has been held there at the end of May since 1974. We do not illustrate it: it is described in text only.
Galway
Galway, about 90 km away, is a natural stop further north, with its bay and the nearby Aran Islands; we do not cover it in detail here.
The tower of Bunratty Castle
The photo shows the massive crenellated tower, behind low walls and a lawn. A wooden staircase leads to the raised entrance.
Food and pubs
Seafood, soda bread, whiskey and pubs
Seafood
The Clare coast and Galway Bay supply oysters, mussels, crab and fresh fish, which you will find in restaurants in Doolin, Lahinch, Ennis and Limerick.
Soda bread and pub food
Soda bread, the Irish bread raised with bicarbonate of soda, goes with soups, smoked fish and stews. Pubs offer simple dishes: lamb stew, fish and chips, seafood chowder.
Whiskey, beer and music
Pubs in the region serve Irish whiskey, stout and local beers, with traditional music sessions, especially in Ennis and Doolin. Arrive early in the evening for a seat and drink in moderation.
Getting around
A rental car is essential, plus buses and the airport shuttle
From the airport
A bus service links the airport with Limerick, Ennis, Galway and Cork; taxis are also available outside. Check timetables before you travel, as frequency varies by time of day and season.
Rental car
For the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Bunratty, a rental car is essential or nearly so: public transport serves these sites poorly. In Ireland you drive on the left and minor roads are narrow and winding; allow extra time and take care at junctions.
Train, bus and excursions
Trains and buses link Limerick and Ennis with the rest of the country. Day excursions to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren leave from Galway, Limerick and Ennis; they spare you the driving and suit a short stay.
Budget and precautions
A medium to high budget, with wind and weather the main precautions
Price level
The region is a medium to high-budget destination compared with many European countries, especially in summer, when accommodation is expensive and fills quickly. Simple pub meals and free sites help keep costs down. We give no figures, as we could not cross-check them on two independent sources.
Flights
The flight remains the most variable item. SniperAir tracks prices to SNN and compares them with the route's history, but it does not sell or book tickets.
Entry requirements and precautions
Entry requirements for Ireland depend on your nationality: check them on official websites. Also consult the official advice of your country of departure. On the cliffs, stay on the paths and keep away from the edge in strong wind; bring waterproofs and good footwear.
When to go
Mild and changeable, most pleasant from May to September
Winter (December to February)
Mild but damp and windy, with short days; some tourist sites have reduced hours.
Spring (March to May)
Days lengthen and the Burren's flowers appear in late spring; the weather stays changeable.
Summer (June to August)
Mild temperatures, long evenings: the best period for the cliffs and excursions, and the busiest.
Autumn (September to November)
Fewer people and beautiful light; rain and wind gradually return.
The west of Ireland has a mild, damp and windy oceanic climate, with frequent rain all year. You can get four seasons in a single day: dress in layers. May to September is generally the most pleasant period.
By length of stay
What to do around Shannon depending on how long you stay
The essentials
The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren (Poulnabrone), with a stop at Bunratty.
Towns and music
Limerick (castle, Hunt Museum) and an evening of traditional music in Ennis.
Further afield
Galway and the bay, or a trip south to Killarney and Kerry.
In pictures
Shannon in pictures
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Shannon
How do I get from Shannon Airport to Limerick or Ennis?
The airport (SNN) lies between the two towns: about 20 to 25 km from Limerick and around fifteen kilometres from Ennis. Buses and taxis link the airport with these towns, in about thirty minutes to Limerick. Check timetables.
When is the best time to visit the west of Ireland?
From May to September for the long days and milder weather, although rain and wind remain possible all year. Dress in layers.
Is the Shannon region expensive?
The budget is medium to high, especially in summer. Pub meals and free sites help limit spending.
How long should I stay around Shannon?
Two days for the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Bunratty; three days to add Limerick and Ennis; four days or more with Galway.
How do I get around Shannon?
A rental car is almost essential for the cliffs and the Burren; in Ireland you drive on the left. Buses and trains link Limerick and Ennis, and excursions leave from Galway, Limerick and Ennis.
What should I eat around Shannon?
Seafood from the Clare coast, soda bread, a pub dish and an Irish whiskey; evenings of music in Ennis and Doolin complete the experience.
How much does a flight to Shannon usually cost?
The price depends mainly on your departure city, the period and the booking date. The "opportunities" section above shows real examples of prices already detected by SniperAir for this destination.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Shannon drops below my budget?
Create an alert profile with your departure airport, {n} as the destination and your maximum budget. You are notified automatically as soon as a matching fare is detected.
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