We flew into Shannon last Friday on the Ryanair flight from East Midlands, flight time 1 hour.
There was a lot of cloud on the day we arrived, and for that fact until we left on the Monday. As we decended below the clouds we could see the Shannon River, which is very large, perhaps all that rain.
All the planes seem to park within Walking distance of the terminal, so no need for that Bus Crush ride, very pleasant, also the walk way for most of the way was covered.
Passport control, just a little glance at the offered Passport, but a Big Smile and a "Come on in to Ireland", oh if it could always be like that whereever you go.
A short walk brings you to Baggage Reclaim, this I can not comment on as we had only Cabin Luggage, for speed and to save on costs. It certainly worked.
As you come into the main arrival Hall there are a few shops, impression is of a very modern but smaller place. As we had prebooked a hire car we headed for the Car Hire Desks, they are all in a row facing you. Paper work took about 5 mins. All the Car Hire firms seem to have the same system, Mini Buses wait just outside to take you to their cars, about 300 yards as the Crow flies. Car was ready and we were on our way in about 10 mins. We used Budget car Hire, but I suspect they are much of a muchness. You pay for a full tank and then get credit for what is left. As they do not have a pump on site, they do it by fuel gauge, I would recommend you fill up just before returning, that way you pay for what you used, not on an estimate of what is left.
Return Flight, as we had checked in online, I can not comment on the Check in Desk. Tip for the ladies with ONLINE Checkin and Cabin Bag only, your handbag has to be inside your case, it counts towards the weight and number of bags. Security is now the same everwhere, so best get it out of the way, what does amaze me, at East Midlands (and all others) TWEEZERS are listed as a NO NO item, you ladies will sympathise with my wife when told this. So we left them at home, there they were on the NO NO poster. Then you go thru, Straight into BOOTS and you have guessed it , you can buy a pair before getting onto the plane. Its about time we got back to common sense, do you think any PILOT would FLY THIS PLANE TO CUBA, on the threat of haveing his eyebrows Plucked.
Anyway back to Shannon, when thru Security there is a large bright duty free shop. A few small shops and a very good Bar that also does Food at reasonable prices, how refreshing. Also plenty of seats.
You are advised to stay here until your flight is shown as boarding. And as the Gate area is only a minutes walk and resembles a long corridor with no seats I think this is sensible advice, unless you are the ONE who has to be on first.
At one end of departure is an area controlled by USA Immigration for those going to America, looked a bit uninviting.
While there a flight of US Marines and US Guard arrived in the Hall, by their dress on their war to Iraq or Afganistan. Now what ever you views on the wrongs or rights of the War and Occupation, we were still touched by the sight of these young people wandering about, already you could see and feel their fears. After all they are SONS, BROTHERS, DAUGHTERS, SISTERS, FATHERS, MOTHERS of someone and do not deserve as all those of the centuries to have to give their lives for the arguments of politicians.
So we boarded are return flight, with not only the joys of another lovely trip, but also the Hope that all those who we had seen will also return safe to their familes.
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I went to Shannon years ago, Aer Lingus flight to New York from Heathrow via Dublin then Shannon! I love how you can clear immigration there. I liked how you added in the bit about the service men and women, a nice reminder.
blackmagicstar4 21.08.2008 11:37
Great review, very enjoyable to read. I hope they all return safe too x
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