Sleeping in Airports

Shannon Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Shannon Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I read on this website that the 3rd floor (panorama) had the most comfortable seats, so I went there and began sleeping at 23h. But at 23h15 the security told me (nicely) to go away. -Kisco

SNN Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Shannon Airport.

What to Expect

shannon airport guideThe small, modern terminal at Shannon Airport (code: SNN) handles European and North American routes, many of which are seasonal. Departing passengers bound for the U.S. will clear security and customs before boarding. Travellers report frigid temperatures, so bring an extra sweater. Choose from four eateries, including one 24 hour pub airside, and browse several shops and the duty-free area. Free WiFi helps pass the time. There are two airport lounges (with showers!) that economy class passengers can pay to enter. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for location and access information.

Sleeping in Shannon Airport

Overnight campers report a pleasant sleep experience. Landside, head behind the elevator near the staircase for a padded bench. Airside, try the closed restaurant for padded seats and benches. For floor sleeping, bring a sleeping bag or travel mat. A blanket or extra layers help combat cold temperatures throughout the terminal. For uninterrupted sleep, a hotel is located directly opposite the terminal. Other hotels are nearby. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s web site for current information.  For more airport information continue scrolling down to explore more in our Shannon Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport loungeAirport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!

  • Burren Suite – Location: Airside, adjacent to Gate 6. Non-Transatlantic passengers only. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Boru Lounge – Location: Airside, adjacent to Gate 7, Departure Lounge. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Related Pages: Shannon Airport Lounges

airport hotelsAirport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Shannon Airport:

  • Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport – Located opposite the main terminal, a two minute walk from the hotel.   Day rooms are offered.  » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels and B&Bs near Shannon Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

wifiAirport WiFi/Internet

Free, unlimited WiFi is available at Shannon Airport. Connect to the “FLYSHANNON Free Wi-Fi” network.

If you do not have a mobile device, coin operated Internet terminals are also available just outside the WH Smithbook in the central concourse between Arrivals and Departures.

airport infoMore Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover At The Airport

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: in the Check-in Area, Arrivals Hall and Departures Hall.

Currency Exchange – There are four ICE facilities at the Shannon airport: Departures Check-In (5:00AM – 8:00PM) • Arrivals Hall (5:00AM – 8:00PM) • Customs Hall, Arrivals (6:00AM – 2:00PM) • Departures Lounge, Airside (5:00AM – 4:00PM).

Duty Free & Shopping – Shannon Duty Free is available and is open from the first flight departure to the last. There are also two WH Smith stores, with the landside location open from 5:00AM – 1:00AM.

Family Services – The following services are available:

  • Baby Care Facilities – Baby change facilities are available both Landside and Airside.
  • Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. Location: Airside, 1st Floor, near gate 7 and beside the Aviation Gallery in the transit area.
  • Travelling with Special Needs Children – Contact the airport in advance, they can help get you through the airport quicker and smoother. Children receive a ballcap and bracelet. Families will also be provided access to the Sensory Room (Airside, 1st Floor, near the Children’s Play Area).

Food & Drinks – There is a 24-hour restaurant located airside in the departures lounge (Sheridan Food Pub). In addition, you will find:Take a Seat at JJ Ruddles (Arrivals Area. Hours: 5:00AM – 11:00PM) • Perk Up at Zest (Departures Lounge. Hours: 5:30AM – 6:00PM) • Hang Out at Harry’s @ 8 (Departures Area, near Gates 106 – 114).

Information Desk – Need help finding your way? An information desk is located near the front entrance.

Luggage Storage & Lockers – Location: Link Corridor, Terminal Building. Hours: 6:00AM – 11:00PM. Rates: from €3.00 per day.

Mobile Charging –  Power outlets are available in the transit seating areas as well as in the booths at the airport’s restaurants and bars.

Observation Deck – Watch the planes take off and land free of charge from the comfort of the airport’s viewing gallery. Location: Level 2, Main Terminal Building.

Post Office – Drop off your last minute postcards to friends and family from airport’s mailbox. Location: Arrivals Area, next to the WH Smith bookstore.

Prayer Room – Location: unknown. Roman Catholic Mass is held on Sundays at 8:45AM.

Rest Zones – There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Showers – Available in both airport lounges. [ see Airport Lounges above ]

SIM Cards – A reader tells us “When I asked about SIM card, I was told there wasn’t any sold at Shannon [Airport] and was told to get one in the town I was going to -which is what I did.” (updated by a reader / July 2023)

Smoking – Permitted in a designated area Airside, adjacent to the airport Transit Lounge/Departures Area.

airport hoursAirport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

airlinesAirlines

Shannon airport is served by the following airlines: Aer Lingus • American Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Lufthansa • Norwegian • Ryanair • United Airlines.

transportationAirport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Bus Eireann offers service between Shannon Airport and major Irish cities. For fares, routes and schedules, visit the Bus Eireann website.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies are available onsite: Avis/Budget Rentals • Dollar • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • Thrifty.

Hotel Shuttles

See also Airport Hotels above.

Taxi

For taxi service from the airport, visit the airport cab desk in the Arrivals Hall.

Last updated: 2024-01-30

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.