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LHR destination photo
SNN destination photo

LHR → SNN

Which side of the plane to sit from London Heathrow Airport (London) to Shannon Airport (Shannon)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a classic departure view of Windsor Castle, followed by a stunning panorama of the Severn Estuary and the southern coastline of Ireland as you descend into Shannon.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏰

Windsor Castle

Visible almost immediately after a westward takeoff from Heathrow, providing a rare aerial view of the Royal residence.

🚢

Bristol & Severn Estuary

A wide-angle view of the industrial docks of Bristol and the expansive mudflats where the River Severn meets the sea.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Cardiff Bay

Clear views of the Welsh capital's waterfront, including the Senedd and the Millennium Centre.

🌊

St George's Channel

The crossing between the Welsh and Irish coasts, often featuring cargo ships and ferries below.

☘️

Waterford Coastline

The first sight of Ireland usually features the rugged cliffs and sandy coves of County Waterford.

💧

Shannon Estuary

On final approach, the dramatic meeting of the River Shannon and the Atlantic Ocean creates a mosaic of water and greenery.

Book a window seat on the left for the best 'Windsor departure' (Runway 27L). For afternoon flights, this side experiences direct sunlight, so have your window shade ready, but the sunset over the Atlantic during the final descent into SNN is spectacular. Watch for the 'Glint' on the Shannon River as you approach from the east.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌳

The Cotswolds

Rolling limestone hills and quintessential English countryside between Oxford and Gloucester.

🌉

Severn Crossings

An excellent view of the two massive suspension bridges connecting England and Wales.

⛰️

Brecon Beacons

To the north, the peaks of the South Wales mountains are often visible on clear days.

🏔️

Wicklow Mountains

Distant views of the granite peaks of eastern Ireland as the flight crosses the Irish Sea.

🐄

The Golden Vale

The lush, highly fertile agricultural lands of Tipperary and Limerick, famous for dairy farming.

🏙️

Limerick City

Just before landing, you can often see the historic grid of Limerick city and King John's Castle to the north.

The right side is ideal for morning flights as it avoids the glare of the southern sun. It offers better views of the inland geography of both the UK and Ireland. Keep an eye out for the distinctive horseshoe bends of the River Wye near the Welsh border shortly after crossing the Cotswolds.

Top Activities in Shannon
Route Information

Distance: 594 km (369 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 59 min

Departure: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)

Arrival: SNN (52.702, -8.92482)

Route Type: International

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