
Shannon Airport is a welcoming and relaxing airport located in County Clare, Ireland. It is known for its quick trip through immigration and easy access to transportation. With almost 2 million passengers in 2023, it is the third busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland. The airport has 22 boarding gates, with Gates 1-14 designated for non-USA flights and Gates 106-114 exclusively for USA-bound flights. Shannon Airport is also unique in that it was the first airport in Europe to offer US border pre-clearance for private aircraft.
What You'll Learn
Shannon Airport has 22 boarding gates
Shannon Airport, a peaceful airport in County Clare, Ireland, has 22 boarding gates. Smaller than Dublin Airport and less busy than Cork Airport, Shannon Airport is a welcoming spot for arrivals and a relaxing departure point.
The airport has a quick trip through immigration and easy access to transportation. It is also known for its quick security checks. Passengers are, however, recommended to leave sufficient time to clear security before heading to their boarding gate.
Shannon Airport has both non-USA designated gates and USA-bound-only gates. Gates 1-14 are non-USA designated gates, while Gates 106-114 are USA-bound-only gates that require passengers to have pre-cleared US Customs and Border Protection at the airport before boarding.
The airport's first commercial flight took place in 1939, and it has since grown to become the third busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland, serving nearly 2 million passengers in 2023. Shannon Airport is also known for its strong, free WiFi, and it offers a variety of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
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Gates 1-14 are non-USA designated gates
Shannon Airport has 22 boarding gates in total. Gates 1-14 are designated for non-USA flights. This means that passengers travelling to non-US destinations will board their flights from these gates. The airport recommends that passengers always check airport screens for their flight's boarding gate. However, generally, each flight is assigned an individual gate.
Shannon Airport is Ireland's third busiest airport, serving almost 2 million passengers in 2023. Smaller than Dublin Airport and less busy than Cork Airport, Shannon Airport is known for its quick trip through immigration and easy access to transportation. The airport also has strong, free wifi, and a play area for children on the first floor near the Aviation Museum.
The airport is located in County Clare, adjacent to the Shannon Estuary, and lies halfway between Ennis and Limerick. It was built in the late 1930s, with the first commercial flight taking off in 1939. Shannon Airport was the world's first duty-free airport in 1947 and has the longest runway in Ireland at 3.2 kilometres.
Passengers travelling to the United States from Shannon Airport will need to go through US Customs and Border Protection. Gates 106-114 are designated for USA-bound flights, and passengers travelling to the US must have pre-cleared US Customs and Border Protection at the airport before boarding.
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Gates 106-114 are USA-bound only
Shannon Airport is located in County Clare, Ireland, and is known for its quick trip through immigration and easy access to transportation. It is a popular gateway for exploring Ireland's Atlantic coast and the southwest regions of the country, including the counties of Clare, Galway, and Limerick.
The airport has 22 boarding gates, with Gates 1-14 designated for non-USA flights and Gates 106-114 exclusively serving passengers bound for the USA. These USA-bound gates require passengers to undergo preclearance by the US Customs and Border Protection authorities prior to boarding their flights. This preclearance process is facilitated by the presence of a US Customs and Border Protection facility at Shannon Airport, which was established in 1986 and later expanded in 2009 to include customs and agriculture inspections. As a result, passengers arriving in the United States from Shannon are treated as domestic arrivals, streamlining their entry process.
The US preclearance facility at Shannon Airport is the first of its kind in Europe, and it also extends to private aircraft. This unique arrangement has contributed to the airport's reputation as a convenient gateway for travel between Europe and North America.
Passengers travelling through Shannon Airport are advised to allow sufficient time for security checks and to refer to airport screens for their designated boarding gates. The airport's website provides real-time information on arrivals and departures, assisting travellers in planning their journeys efficiently.
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The airport is smaller than Dublin Airport and less busy than Cork Airport
Shannon Airport is a smaller and less busy airport compared to Dublin and Cork Airports. Located in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, it is a convenient gateway for exploring Ireland's Atlantic coast and the southwest regions, including the counties of Clare, Galway, and Limerick.
The airport has 22 boarding gates, with gates 1-14 designated for non-USA flights and gates 106-114 exclusively for USA-bound flights. Shannon Airport is known for its quick trip through immigration and easy access to transportation, making it a welcoming arrival spot and a relaxing departure point for travellers.
Compared to Dublin Airport, Shannon has a more relaxed atmosphere due to the lower volume of flights. The airport offers strong, free Wi-Fi, and an ATM is available in the Arrivals Hall for those who need to withdraw Euros. Additionally, the airport has a play area and a Sensory Room, catering to the needs of individuals with autism, sensory processing disorders, and other special needs.
When it comes to transportation, Bus Eireann services Shannon Airport over 100 times daily, providing convenient connections to Limerick and Galway cities. While there is no direct train transport to or from the airport, nearby train stations in Limerick, Ennis, and Galway are easily accessible via taxi or bus.
In summary, Shannon Airport's smaller size and lower passenger volume make it a more tranquil alternative to Dublin and Cork Airports. Its efficient facilities, convenient transportation options, and proximity to popular tourist destinations make it a convenient choice for travellers exploring western Ireland.
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Shannon Airport is Ireland's third busiest airport
The airport was built in the late 1930s, with the first commercial flight taking off in 1939. By the 1960s, it had become a busy refuelling stop for transatlantic carriers. In 1986, Shannon Airport opened Europe's first United States border preclearance facility. The airport has the longest runway in Ireland, stretching 3.2 kilometres, which made it a designated alternative landing site for the Space Shuttle.
Shannon Airport offers a relaxing departure point for those ending their vacation in Ireland. It is known for its efficient immigration process and easy access to transportation options. The airport has strong, free wifi, and an ATM is available in the arrivals hall.
For those arriving at Shannon Airport, it is recommended to stop at the restroom to freshen up, especially after a long overnight flight from North America. The immigration process is quick, and passengers can expect to answer a few brief questions from the immigration agent. Luggage is typically readily available near the immigration area, and carts are provided free of charge.
Shannon Airport is well-connected to surrounding areas by bus and taxi services. Bus Eireann stops at the airport over 100 times each day, providing connections to Limerick and Galway cities. While there is no direct train transport to the airport, the nearest train stations can be easily accessed by bus or taxi.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 14 non-USA designated gates and 9 USA-bound-only gates at Shannon Airport, totalling 22 boarding gates.
No, there are only 6 airbridges at Shannon Airport.
Shannon Airport handled 1.86 million passengers in 2018, the highest number since it became publicly owned in 2012.