Planning a 2 week trip to Ireland next May and was planning to fly into Dublin and fly out of Shannon, mainly because the last leg of the trip will be in the SW of the republic. I found a reasonably priced hotel next to the airport which would allow me to turn in the rental car the day before we leave and not have to mess with transportation to the airport, saving a little time. I was wondering about the immigration - customs process is at Shannon? How far in advance should we get to the airport? Trying to get an afternoon flight so we don't have to get there too darned early. I would appreciate any thoughts from y'all. Thanks!
Posted by
Freedonia
16273 posts
I'm guessing you are traveling to the US. If so, here is Shannon Airports webpage on U.S. Preclearance:
If you are NOT going to the U.S., there is no immigration or customs for departing fights.
Posted by
OP
Colorado USA
75 posts
Yes, we'll be flying to the US. Thanks for the link!
Posted by
190 posts
Loved flying home from Shannon. It was so easy. You do customs there so when you fly into your airport in the US it's like you're coming in a domestic flight.
Also has a really nice gift shop and a small cafe and bar after security. Lines were almost non-existent.
Posted by
Last Frontier aka Alaska 🏔️
3561 posts
Agree with above poster. Have flown in and out of Shannon airport twice. Easiest airport ever.
Posted by
OP
Colorado USA
75 posts
Great feedback! Do you think arriving 3 hours prior to flight time is sufficient?
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2449 posts
Have used Shannon at least three times and so far three hours has been fine, including my son having to.go thru secondary screening.
Posted by
OP
Colorado USA
75 posts
Awesome! Many thanks!
Posted by
2 posts
Has anyone had experience with transportation from Kinsale to Shannon airport? We're flying out of Shannon in September. Need advice, please, on best combo of bus/train or to opt for limo. Thank you!
Posted by
CT
101 posts
I would definitely get to Shannon airport 3 hours before your flight just in case you’re randomly chosen for additional security screening, or in case it’s crazy busy for unpredictable reasons. My traveling buddy was randomly pulled out for additional baggage screening, and waited 45 minutes.
Posted by
OP
Colorado USA
75 posts
Thanks! Managed to get a flight at 12:30pm, so we still have plenty of time without having to get up at an ungodly hour. Appreciate all of your replies!
Posted by
Lake District, England
7842 posts
@decma79- From Kinsale to Shannon you would catch Bus Eireann bus #226 from Kinsale to Cork Parnell Place on each hour, arriving at Cork 50 minutes later, then catch Bus Eireann bus #51 (destination Galway) at 25 minutes past each hour for the 2 hour 30 minute ride to Shannon Airport.
The #226 bus costs 8.80 Euro- pay on bus.
The #51 ticket should ideally be purchased in advance for 14.60 Euro.-https://buseireann.ie/
While the #226 extends to Cork Railway Station you won't save any time or money by taking the train from Cork to Limerick (changing at Limerick Junction), then the #51 from Limerick to Shannon, so may as well just use the bus throughout.