Lois Larson
Limerick, a city in Ireland, is served by Shannon International Airport, located 25 kilometres away in County Clare. It is the third busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland, with almost 2 million passengers in 2023. The airport has a long history of transatlantic flights and was the world's first duty-free airport in 1947. In addition to its historical significance, Shannon Airport boasts the longest runway in Ireland and is the only airport in the country that can accommodate the Antonov AN 225, the world's largest jet. With its proximity to Limerick and its modern amenities, Shannon International Airport is a convenient gateway for travellers visiting the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Shannon International Airport |
| Location | County Clare, Ireland |
| Distance from Limerick | 25 kilometres |
| Runway length | 3,200 metres |
| US customs pre-clearance | Available |
| Dining options | Available |
| Military stopovers | Available |
| Passenger numbers in 2018 | 1,864,762 |
| Passenger numbers in 2023 | 2 million |
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What You'll Learn
Shannon International Airport is 25km from Limerick
Shannon International Airport is conveniently located just 25 kilometres from Limerick, Ireland. This makes it a great option for travellers looking to visit the city of Limerick or the surrounding area. The airport is easily accessible from Limerick, and travellers can choose to travel to the airport by bus, taxi, or car.
Shannon Airport is Ireland's second-largest long-haul airport and the only one outside of the capital offering direct flights to key markets such as the UK, the European mainland, and the US. It is also the third busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland and the fifth busiest on the island. With a long history of transatlantic flight, Shannon Airport was built in the late 1930s, and the first commercial flight took place in 1939. The airport became the world's first duty-free airport in 1947 and has had several notable flights and incidents since its opening.
In addition to its historical significance, Shannon International Airport has also undergone significant investments to enhance its customer offerings. A €45 million investment programme has brought new and upgraded dining and shopping options, as well as improvements to VIP lounges, transit, and boarding gate areas. The airport also has full US customs pre-clearance, making it a convenient option for travellers to the US.
The airport is well-connected to the surrounding area, with several major cities within driving distance. Dublin is approximately 223 kilometres away, Cork is around 125 kilometres away, and Galway is about 85 kilometres away. For those looking to travel to Limerick specifically, the N18/M18 route connects Shannon Airport to Limerick, Ennis, and Galway.
Whether travelling for business or pleasure, Shannon International Airport provides a convenient gateway to Limerick and the surrounding region. With its proximity to Limerick, modern amenities, and historical significance, the airport is a popular choice for travellers from around the world.
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It is Ireland's second-largest long-haul airport
Limerick, a city in Ireland, is served by Shannon International Airport, which is located 25 kilometres away. Shannon Airport is Ireland's second-largest long-haul airport and the only one outside the capital offering direct flights to key markets in the UK, mainland Europe, and the US. It is notable for being the only Irish airport with a runway long enough to accommodate the Antonov AN 225, the world's largest jet.
Shannon Airport has a rich history, dating back to the late 1930s, and has played a significant role in transatlantic aviation. It was the first airport in the world to offer duty-free shopping in 1947 and has a long history of military stopovers, including use by the American and Soviet militaries.
In recent years, the airport has seen significant investment, with a €45 million enhancement programme improving dining, shopping, and lounge facilities. The airport handled over 1.8 million passengers in 2018, making it the third busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland and the fifth busiest on the island.
The airport is easily accessible from Limerick, with car hire available at the arrivals hall and bus or taxi connections to Limerick's railway station. It is also the end destination of the N19 national route, connecting to the N18/M18 Limerick–Ennis–Galway route.
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Shannon Airport has a history of military use
Limerick is located just 25 kilometres from Shannon International Airport, which is the third busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland. Shannon Airport has a history of military use, particularly as a stopover point for US troop carrier flights and aircraft operated by the US Air Force and Navy. Since 2002, close to 3 million US troops have passed through Shannon Airport, with the numbers at their highest in 2005, when the airport facilitated 341,000 soldiers.
The airport has been used by the US military on their way to and from wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. It has also been used as a stopover point for CIA rendition planes. In 2005, the BBC programme Newsnight alleged that Shannon was used on at least 33 occasions by CIA flights, thought to be part of a US policy called extraordinary rendition. The Irish Times reported that between 2014 and 2018, the US military accounted for at least 93% of the flights requesting permits to carry munitions that passed through Irish airports or airspace.
In addition to the US troop carrier flights, aircraft operated directly by the US Air Force and Navy also land at Shannon. The Irish government claims that these aircraft are unarmed and carry no arms, ammunition, or explosives, but this has been disputed by some sources. In September 2013, for example, a Hercules C-130 with a 30mm cannon mounted on its side was photographed at Shannon Airport.
Shannon Airport also has a history of use by the Soviet military until the 1990s, as Ireland was not a member of NATO and maintained a policy of military neutrality. There were some restrictions on the use of the airport by foreign military forces, including that they could not carry arms, ammunition, or explosives and that their flights could not form part of military exercises or operations.
The use of Shannon Airport by the US military has been controversial, with some arguing that it violates Irish neutrality and complicity in human rights abuses. There have been protests and calls for an independent investigation into the use of the airport for extraordinary rendition operations. Despite this, the US military continues to use Shannon Airport for troop movements and as a forward operating base for their operations in the Middle East.
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Limerick's rainfall ranges from 59.0-105.0 inches per month
Limerick, a city in Ireland, is located just 19.87 km from Shannon International Airport, which is Ireland's second-largest long-haul airport. The airport is situated in County Clare, adjacent to the Shannon Estuary, and lies halfway between Ennis and Limerick.
Limerick's Rainfall
Limerick experiences a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, with a yearly average of approximately 43.9 inches. However, the rainfall in the city does not align with the given range of 59.0-105.0 inches per month. While Limerick's rainfall is consistent, the numbers vary from 39 mm (1.54 inches) in September to 62 mm (2.44 inches) in November. The city experiences a relatively warm and temperate climate, with a mean temperature of 10.0°C (50.0°F).
The driest month in Limerick is typically September, with an average of 13.63 rainy days and 39 mm (1.54 inches) of precipitation. In contrast, the wettest months are January and December, with January experiencing the highest number of rainy days at 16.37, and December recording the highest average precipitation at 110 mm (4.3 inches).
The spring months of March to May witness a slight decrease in rainfall, ranging from 46 mm (1.81 inches) to 40 mm (1.57 inches). During this period, the city transitions from mild to warmer temperatures, with average highs reaching 14.2°C (57.6°F) by the end of May.
Summer in Limerick, from June to August, brings a slight increase in rainfall, ranging from 56 mm (2.2 inches) to 60 mm (2.36 inches). The city experiences its highest temperatures of the year during this period, with average highs ranging from 17.1°C (62.8°F) to 18.1°C (64.6°F).
Autumn, from September to November, marks a return to slightly cooler temperatures and a more moderate range of rainfall, with precipitation levels fluctuating between 39 mm (1.54 inches) and 62 mm (2.44 inches).
The winter months, December to February, are the coolest and have the highest rainfall, with February being the peak month for precipitation at 57 mm (2.24 inches). Despite the consistent rainfall, Limerick rarely experiences snowfall, with only January, February, and March recording any snowfall occurrences.
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The cheapest flights to Limerick are on Thursdays
Limerick, Ireland, is served by Shannon International Airport, located just 25 kilometres from the city. It is the second-largest long-haul airport in Ireland and the only one outside the capital offering direct flights to all key Irish markets, including the UK, Europe, and the US.
When booking flights to Limerick, it's important to consider the day of the week, as prices can vary significantly. According to historical data, the cheapest day to fly to Limerick is Thursday, with prices typically being the lowest on Thursday afternoons. On the other hand, Sunday evenings tend to be the most expensive, so budget-conscious travellers should try to avoid this time.
For those looking for the lowest fares, it's recommended to book flights to Limerick approximately 45 days in advance of your trip. Prices tend to increase as your departure date approaches, especially within the last two weeks.
Several airlines offer affordable flights to Limerick, with Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and British Airways being among the cheapest options. Additionally, keep in mind that flights with stopovers are often cheaper than direct flights, so consider looking for deals that include a layover.
When planning your trip, it's worth noting that April is typically the driest month in Limerick, while October experiences the highest rainfall. If you're seeking warmer temperatures, consider visiting in July, when the average temperature reaches 16°C. For those who prefer to avoid the cold, steer clear of January, as it tends to be the coldest month.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Limerick has an airport, the Shannon International Airport, which is located 25 kilometres from the city.
The IATA code for Shannon Airport is SNN.
Ryanair, Aer Lingus and British Airways offer flights to Limerick from London.
Thursday afternoons typically see the lowest fares for flights to Limerick, while Sundays are the most expensive.
