Car hire in Shannon, Ireland

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Choose from 27 pick-up spots

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There are 27 car hire providers in Shannon. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Driving in Shannon: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need your driving licence, passport and a credit card to rent a car in Shannon.
Most drivers can use their regular licence. You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence isn’t in English. Rental companies also ask for matching ID and a credit card at pick-up.
Navigating city driving
Roads are wide and easy to follow around Shannon.
Driving in Shannon is simple, with light traffic linking the airport, town and nearby villages. Navigation apps help you reach Limerick, Ennis and the start of the Wild Atlantic Way without difficulty.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Ireland uses toll roads, including some near Shannon.
Routes such as the M7 or M18 may include toll sections. Shannon itself has no emissions zones. Most tolls can be paid online or at booths, but check your rental company’s advice before longer trips.
Parking your car in Shannon
Parking is simple across most of Shannon.
Street spaces and car parks are easy to find, and hotels often provide parking. Airport parking can fill during busy travel periods, so give yourself a little extra time when collecting or returning your car.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging stations in Shannon are increasing.
Petrol stations sit near major roads and retail areas. Charging points are growing across County Clare, with several in Shannon town. Apps like PlugShare or ESB eCars help you find available chargers.
Local driving style and tips
Traffic is calm, but rural roads can feel narrow.
Around Shannon, drivers move steadily and give space on smaller roads. You may meet tractors or cyclists when travelling between villages. Take care on bends, keep your speed steady and be ready for slower vehicles.
Find Shannon car hire deals

The most popular car rental companies in Shannon

Choose from the best car hire companies in Shannon

Hiring a car in Shannon: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyThrifty
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceP6,206
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Shannon

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Shannon car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Shannon

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Shannon and start your adventure for around P6,206 a day. From solo getaways to family escapes, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.

  • P1,139 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Shannon.

  • For longer trips, book a weekly rental from P7,970 and fit more into your itinerary.

  • Here's the secret to booking at the right time. Around four weeks in advance gives you the best shot at finding the best price on a Shannon car hire.

  • Grab your wheels from Easirent, Carhire or Budget. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Shannon car hire policy, whether you book with Easirent or any other supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.

  • Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Shannon.

  • Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Want to explore without stressing about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra fees.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average P4,483 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around P8,314, [this provider](this provider) comes in next.

  • The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly P9,410 a day with this supplier.

  • If you're having trouble deciding which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Intermediate rental category. It's the most commonly booked vehicle type in Shannon.

Flying to Shannon? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Make arrival day easier by booking a car hire at Shannon Airport. If you're flying to Shannon through this hub, simply pick up your ride after landing and go. The drive to the city centre is about 3 kilometers and takes around 5 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Shannon

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Shannon gets you moving without breaking the bank. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are great for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and enhanced tech features, this Shannon car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Shannon that can handle a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the roomy ride you need. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group trips, business needs or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Shannon car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.

  • Make travel easier when you rent a car in Shannon by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.

Good to know

  • To rent a car in Ireland, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for a higher rate, so carefully review the policies before finalizing your ride.

  • Travel plans include the kids? Child car seat laws vary depending on where you are, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Shannon car hire booking.

  • You'll be asked for a few things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.

  • Driving in Ireland may take some getting used to if it's your first time. Keep in mind traffic flows on the left side of the road.

  • Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 45kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Ireland. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.

  • One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 5pm. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.

  • The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay with a card when it's convenient, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't an option.

Best hotels in Shannon for drivers

  • Pull in, unpack, and ease into your stay at Dromoland Castle. Offering valet parking as well as a pool and a fitness centre, this hotel is around 5 kilometers from central Shannon.

  • Alternatively, make use of the parking at Bunratty Manor Hotel. The city centre is roughly 3 kilometers from this stay, which also features Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

  • Explore the full range of hotels in Shannon and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.

  • Once you've found a car hire deal in Shannon and the right hotel, all that's left to do is decide where to head to first. Get started with popular attractions like View Point Bunratty Castle, Mooghaun Hill Fort and Shannon Aviation Museum.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Shannon

  • Shift gears and take off to Cork. Around 97 kilometers south of central Shannon, it's home to must-sees like Blarney Castle & Gardens and Blarney Castle House(Teach Caisleán na Blarnan).

  • They've perfected the guest experience at The River Lee Hotel a Member of The Doyle Collection and Cork International Hotel, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Cork.

  • Or collect your cheap car hire in Shannon and travel roughly 16 kilometers northwest to Ennis. Featuring Glor Irish Music Centre and Ennis Friary, its attractions are worth the drive.

  • Hotel Woodstock Ennis and Great National Temple Gate Hotel are comfortable places to stay in Ennis if you're settling in for a while. Choose one of these and skip the stress of finding somewhere to leave your ride.

  • Looking to cover more ground? Waterford is a top road trip destination that's around 129 kilometers east of Shannon. Make a few pit stops at Bishop's Palace and Christ Church Cathedral.

  • Next on your itinerary is some serious shut-eye. Waterford Viking Hotel and Granville Hotel have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Waterford.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Shannon will set you back around P6,206 per day or P21,758 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Shannon is an economy crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Shannon are currently Thrifty and Budget.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Shannon is currently July.
On average, around P21,758. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Shannon is P7,970.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Shannon for a whole month is P267,807. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Shannon, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Shannon that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Shannon.
Most places – Shannon included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is P1,210 per day. The average price per day is around P3,094.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Thrifty, Easirent and Flizzr offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Flizzr as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Shannon.