Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Shannon
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Shannon
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Shannon
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Shannon
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Shannon is your gateway to exploring the stunning landscapes of County Clare and beyond. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to discover hidden gems at your own pace.
Unrestricted Exploration. With a rental car, you can easily visit iconic landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren National Park, and the charming towns of Doolin and Ennis without relying on public transportation schedules.
Convenience and Comfort. Renting a car offers unparalleled convenience, especially if you're travelling with family, have luggage, or plan to explore multiple locations. You can travel comfortably and efficiently without the hassle of buses or trains.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing individual tickets for public transport or taxis, especially for longer journeys and multiple destinations.
Travel at Your Own Pace. A rental car allows you to create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace. Whether it's a spontaneous detour to a scenic viewpoint or an extended stay at a local pub, you have the freedom to tailor your trip to your preferences.
Before booking a rental car in Shannon, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here's what you need to know.
Area
6.52 square kilometres (2.52 sq mi)
Population
Approximately 9,729 residents
Time Zone
GMT (GMT+1 during summer)
Ideal for
Exploring County Clare and the Wild Atlantic Way
Rush Hours
Expect increased traffic during morning and evening commute times
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Shannon require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. Visitors from outside the EU may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English or Irish. Ensure you also have your passport or another form of identification.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Super CDW to reduce your financial liability. A security deposit is typically required, held on your credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy to ensure it meets your travel plans. Unlimited mileage is often available, but some rentals may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, so understand whether you need to return the car with a full tank or not to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges, such as those for additional drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, or one-way rentals if you plan to drop off the car at a different location.
Understanding car rental prices in Shannon is crucial for budgeting your trip. Here's an overview of estimated daily prices and seasonal trends.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Peak season (June to August): Demand is highest during the summer months, with prices increasing by 20-30% due to the influx of tourists. Booking well in advance is advisable.
Low season (November to February): Off-season travel offers significant discounts, with prices often reduced by 20-40%. This is a great time to visit if you're on a budget and prefer fewer crowds.
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Shannon involves a few simple steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites like rentycars.com to find the best deals from various rental companies. Consider factors like price, included insurance, and mileage limits.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs. If you're planning to explore rugged terrain, an SUV might be ideal. For city driving, a compact car could be more suitable.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions, paying attention to the mileage policy, insurance coverage, and any potential extra fees.
4. Book in Advance - Booking your car well in advance, especially during peak season, can help you secure lower prices and ensure availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When picking up your rental car, bring your driver’s license, passport, and the credit card used for booking. Inspect the car for any existing damage before driving off.
Shannon is a town located in County Clare, Ireland, known for its airport and strategic location for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.
As a gateway to the west of Ireland, Shannon offers easy access to numerous attractions and scenic routes. However, it's important to be aware of local driving conditions and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Top Attractions to Discover
Cliffs of Moher
Iconic cliffs offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Burren
Unique karst landscape with diverse flora and geological formations.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Well-preserved medieval castle and living history museum.
Where to Find Parking
Airport Parking
Ample parking available at Shannon Airport, both short-term and long-term.
Town Center Parking
Designated parking areas in Shannon town centre, with pay-and-display options.
Hotel Parking
Most hotels offer free parking for guests.
Gas Stations in Shannon
Main Fuel Chains
Esso, Texaco, and Circle K stations are available in and around Shannon.
Airport Fuel Stations
Convenient refuelling options near Shannon Airport.
Refueling Tips
Ensure you refuel before returning your rental car to avoid extra charges.
Useful Tips for Visiting Shannon
Plan Your Route
Familiarise yourself with the road network and plan your route in advance, especially if you're heading to rural areas.
Drive on the Left
Remember to drive on the left side of the road, as is standard in Ireland.
Watch for Speed Limits
Pay attention to speed limit signs, which are typically in kilometres per hour.
Be Aware of Roundabouts
Roundabouts are common; yield to traffic already on the roundabout and enter when safe.
Major Bus Stations
Shannon Airport Bus Stop
Serves as the primary bus stop for connecting to various destinations.
Railway Stations
Shannon Airport Railway Station
Offers train services to Limerick, Galway, and other major cities.
Airports
Shannon Airport (SNN)
The primary airport serving the region, offering both domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Shannon is a straightforward process, but you'll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here's what you'll need.
A valid driver's license is required. If your license is not in English or Irish, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may have additional fees for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or another form of government-issued identification may be required.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Shannon as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Shannon was a delightful surprise! Having a car made exploring so easy, and I loved the charming town and surrounding countryside.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 24.01.2025
I'd heard great things about Shannon, and it mostly lived up to the hype. Exploring the area with a rental car was a breeze, though the local museum's cafe was a bit underwhelming.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 15.04.2025
Pleasant enough, really
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 19.08.2025
Peaceful coastal escape! Getting around was a breeze, and I loved exploring the charming towns nearby.
David Lee
Reviewed: 30.01.2025
Such a lovely spontaneous trip! Getting a car in Shannon was effortless, and it made exploring the surrounding countryside a dream. Beautiful scenery and charming villages.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 05.09.2024
Absolutely loved exploring County Clare from Shannon! The scenery was breathtaking.
Amelia Brown
Reviewed: 12.01.2025
Pretty chill, really.
Oliver Davis
Reviewed: 03.06.2025
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Meh. Overpriced pubs.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 21.02.2025