In two weeks I will be meeting my husband in Ireland. He will be in Dublin on business. I am flying into Shannon and he plans to meet me there. We will rent a car at the Shannon airport once we meet up. Flights from Dublin to Shannon come in too late in the day. I get into Shannon at 7am. We are thinking it might be better for him to take the train or bus the night before and stay at the hotel near Shannon airport. Any advice? It looks like he will have to take the train to either Ennis or Limerick. How far are these cities from Shannon airport? Could he take a cab? Would he be able to get a cab easily late at night?

The train from Dublin to Limerick is probably the way to go (the bus is fine too, but I prefer the train). He could then take a bus or cab to the airport (about 25 miles).

The CG Hotel (formerly the Great Southern) is right at the airport.

He could meet you right in the arrivals hall, or you could agree to meet in the Estuary Cafe on the second level. Shannon Airport is pretty easy to navigate, so you just need to find the escalator (there's only one), and he can have a cuppa tea or coffee waiting for you when you arrive.

" ... you could agree to meet in the "Estuary Cafe on the second level. Shannon Airport is pretty easy to navigate, so you just need to find the escalator (there's only one), and he can have a cuppa tea or coffee waiting for you when you arrive."

There's also an elevator large enough to accomodate your luggage cart.

The Cafeteria opens at 7:00 AM.

Check http://www.BusEireann.ie for bus schedules. I think 7:00AM is the first Bus from the Limerick Bus/Rail station to Shannon (arr. 7:55AM); the last one departs Limerick around 9:00 PM (not sure about that).

Taxi might be prohibitively expensive for one person. I have stayed several times (when I had to catch an early flight) at the Railway Hotel (2-star at best) across the street from the Bus/Rail station.

The first buses to Shannon leave Limerick at 05:20 and 06:30.

"We will rent a car at the Shannon airport once we meet up." If you wait until you get to Shannon to rent a car, you will pay a lot more than if you book in advance from home. I recommend booking through www.autoeurope.com. Call their toll-free number and ask about any special deals that aren't listed on the Web site.

TimS writes: "The first buses to Shannon leave Limerick at 05:20 and 06:30."
That's good to know!
I think those carry mainly airport and airline employees. Later, after 07:00, employees at the Corporate & Industrial Parks and Students make up the majority of riders. I usually catch one around 7:40 because I can get breakfast at the Railway Hotel and still make that one.

Anyone have any idea how expensive a cab would be from Limerick to Shannon? Would my husband be able to get a cab easily if he gets in around 9:00pm? Is Ennis closer to Shannon? Would it be better for him to take the train there?

Accoding to www.buseireann.ie, the first bus from Ennis to Shannon doesn't leave until 06:55. According to www.viamichelin.com, it's 25km from both Ennis and Limerick to Shannon. According to www.shannonairport.com, a taxi from either city will cost 32 EUR.

"... Is Ennis closer to Shannon? Would it be better for him to take the train there?"
The closest train stations to Shannon airport are Limerick City and Ennis (i.e., no passenger train service between either city and Shannon airport).

Once, 7 years ago, my group caught the last Bus from Shannon airport to Ennis (9:00 PM). We were the only ones left on the Bus after Kelly's Corner - the Bus Driver asked where we were going. I told him the Temple Gate Hotel: He left his route before getting to the Ennis Bus / Train station and took us to the door of the Temple Gate, saying we should say hello to (Hotel Owner) John Madden.