Shannon, Ireland’s second airport is situated in the wilderness of South east county Clare. Like Gander airport in Canada, Shannon airport used to be a pivotal link for the transatlantic air route as planes barely had enough power to and range to make across the Atlantic Ocean.

If you come through Shannon airport, the extensive runways and various departure gates are reminders of a distant busy past. It is known that Irish coffee (a coffee with Irish whiskey mixed in) was invented here for early passengers as a wake up boost. The world’s first duty free shop was opened here at Shannon airport in the halcyon days of 1947. Shannon has a huge range of Irish and international goods. It is worth an explore and is a good place to get rid of left over foreign currency.

The towns of Limerick and Bunratty are nearby as well as Ireland’s longest river, The Shannon, which is also notable for good salmon fishing. All are well worth a visit.
 
Car hire is easily picked up inside the terminal building at the airport and many rental desks can easily be found. Just take your EveryCarHire voucher, driving licence, passport and credit card.