Shannon Airport Parking

So, you’re looking for parking at Shannon Airport?

You’ve just touched down in the ideal corner of the internet. Keep it right here and you’ll get all the info you need about parking in or near SNN – and some useful info on airport facilities and amenities too.

And if you’ve got some extra time on the way to the airport, there’s a lot to see and do in the area around Shannon Airport, so it’s well worth factoring in another day or so to do it.

For example, the Cliffs of Moher are within striking distance and they’re a very dramatic sight, reaching 702 feet high and stretching for 8km. The views are truly panoramic, and you might even see whales and dolphins frolicking in the surf below.

Another natural attraction is the unusual limestone landscape of the Burren in County Clare. With weird rock formations and very little greenery, you could almost be walking on the surface of the moon, and the nearby Aillwee Caves are also worth seeing too.

When you’re feeling energetic, take a hike in the lush Connemara Park and County Galway. It’s peppered with bogs, lakes, and mountains, crisscrossed with hiking trails and features the lovely Kylemore Abbey too.

If you’ve got your sea legs, take a boat trip on the Shannon River, Ireland’s longest. You can unwind all the way and see wildlife like ducks and swans. And for a historic attraction with a difference, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park fits the bill. This medieval County Clare castle is surrounded by traditional Irish buildings and often showcases live music and traditional Irish dancing.

If you want to shop ‘til you drop, try Limerick City’s mix of trendy and boho shops, bars and restaurants, while culture vultures love the Hunt Museum’s collection of art and antiquities.

When you want to let your hair down, Shannon’s music and nightlife are legendary, and there are several clubs to soak up traditional music, dancing, and craic.

How about good places to stay? There are tons to choose from, but few are better than the Bunratty Castle Hotel. This 5-star hotel bang in the middle of Shannon is close to the castle and folk park, and has a spa, luxurious rooms, and several dining options.

Meanwhile, Knockranny Hotel is another discerning choice. A 4-star establishment on the banks of the Shannon, it boasts a golf course, several dining options, and luxuriant suites.

Then there’s the Slieve Russell Hotel, a 30 minute drive from Shannon in Castlerea. Here you’ll find a spa, several dining rooms and plush bedrooms. And Drumorland Castle in Newmarket-on-Fergus. 45 minutes’ drive from Shannon, it has lovely rooms and superb dining.

Another excellent choice is Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel, a 4-star establishment in Shannon own with large rooms, a restaurant and bar, and free parking.

Find the best deals at Shannon Airport

So how do you find really good parking deals at Shannon Airport?

At a basic level, comparing prices is a must and comparison sites can be a great place to start (more of which later). And you can also keep a keen eye out for parking promotions from airports and parking operators online and in travel magazines and newspapers – there’s often a deal available in certain seasons or if you’re a member of a certain group or scheme.

Booking your parking in advance is usually a good move if you want to save cash, and if you’re willing to consider off-airport parking, you can save even more.

Compare parking at Shannon Airport

With 5000 parking spaces, Shannon Airport has plenty to choose from (if you book early). Built as a military airfield in 1939, SNN converted to civilian use after WWII and by the 1950s has become a top refuelling point for transatlantic flights due to its geographical location.

By the 1960s, SNN had become a major charter flights hub due to it being close to the Cliffs of Moher and other County Clare tourist attractions, and by the 1970s lost some traffic due to certain airlines providing direct flights between Europe and North America. However, SNN picked up again in the 1980s thanks to attracting low-cost carriers, a tactic that boosted traffic significantly in the 1990s and 2000s.

Shannon Airport has continued to grow in recent years and invested in facilities like a new runway and terminal building. As one of Ireland’s busiest airports, it has serious economic clout in the region.

What parking is there at Shannon Airport?

If you want to cast your net wider for Shannon Airport parking options, comparison sites are worth a look. For example, APH offers significant discounts for members of the Aer Lingus Frequent Traveller Club and for customers making bookings 30 days in advance. And Looking4 Parking also offers various types of discounts.

But if you’d rather stick to official SNN airport parking, here’s what’s on offer.

Short-term parking

You’ll find short-term parking opposite the termina building and it’s perfect for picking up and dropping off passengers.

Long-term parking

Just a short walk from the terminal building, long-term parking is the best choice when you’re away for slightly longer. The rate is also reasonable.

Meet & Greet

If you’d rather not park your car yourself, pay extra for the Meet & Greet service and a member of staff will do it for you.

Valet Parking

This is a similar service to Meet & Greet, except your car’s driven to a secure car park and cleaned while you’re away. If you want a hassle-free, luxury parking service at SNN, this is it.

Getting to Shannon Airport

It’s simple to drive to Shannon Airport from nearby towns and cities.

From Limerick City, take the N8 road west towards Ennis and SNN will be on your left in around 20km.

From Ennis, take the N18 road east to Limerick City and SNN will be on your right after 10km.

If you’re rolling in from Bunratty meanwhile, take the N18 east to limerick City and you’ll be at the airport in around 5km.

From Kilrush, take the N67 north towards Shannon Airport and you’ll see the airport on your left in around 10km.

Facilities at Shannon Airport

Facilities at Shannon Airport are very good.

When you want some quiet time away from the main concourse, the airport lounges are fabulous and there are two here – the Shannon Airport Business Lounge and the Shannon Airport Priority Pass Lounge. Both have newspapers, magazines, complimentary food and drink, and comfortable seating.

There’s a currency change in the arrivals hall for switching up your currency, two duty free shops in the departures hall, and free Wi-Fi throughout. If you have tiny tots, the baby changing facilities are a godsend, and there’s a lost and found in the arrivals hall in the rare instances that anything goes missing.

Pets are also allowed in SNN (provided they’re put on a leash) and if you need any type of assistance whatsoever, the travel assistance desk in the arrivals hall is your first port of call. It’s also where you get assistance for passengers who use wheelchairs or have any type of disability or additional need.

For food and drink, there are several options, including restaurants serving global cuisine like Asian, Mediterranean and Irish. Several cafes offer your caffeine hit and tasty pastries and cakes, and if you want a pint of the black stuff, there are a few good bars dotted around.

Good restaurant choices include Harry’s @8, which serves up modern Irish cuisine, and the Square Café, for cakes, pastries and breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Alternatively, Eddie Rockets is the place for classic burgers and shakes, while The Shannon Rose pub showcases live music as well as serving a fine selection of beers and wines.

Shopping options at SNN include the duty free, for your alcohol, fragrances and fancy goods, and several retail stores selling newspapers, books, souvenirs and travel essentials.

Good airport hotel options include Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport, which is just wo minutes’ walk from the terminal. It has contemporary styled rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs, as well as a bar, restaurant and gym.

And you can also try the Shannon Springs Hotel, a 3-star hotel five minutes from the airport with comfy rooms, a sauna, swimming pool, sauna and leisure club.

And there ends your Shannon Airport parking guide – bon voyage!