O’Briensbridge on the Shannon

O’Briensbridge lies at a crossing over the River Shannon on the eastern edge of County Clare. Riverbanks, canals and several walking trails shape the options in the area: you can compare routes by distance while discovering a landscape whose paths are closely connected with the history of its waterways.

Circular walks of varying distances

The O’Briensbridge–Errinagh Bridge Loop is moderately difficult and 7.5 kilometres long. It starts and ends at Riverside Park in O’Briensbridge. The route follows the banks of the River Shannon and the towpath of the Errinagh Canal; the return leg follows the embankment of the Shannon Head Race. The riverbanks, canal route and embankment give this trail its distinctive landscape features.

The Parteen Weir Loop heads north from O’Briensbridge. It starts in the car park beside the bridge. The route is five kilometres long and can take up to an hour, depending on walking speed. The 12-kilometre Old Barge Loop Walk runs from O’Briensbridge along the riverbank and towpaths to Clonlara, then returns along the embankment of the Shannon Head Race. In terms of length, these are three different distances: five, 7.5 and 12 kilometres. Only an approximate walking time is also given for the Parteen Weir Loop. Check local conditions before setting out.

The Shannon, the canal and paddling

The stretch of the River Shannon south of O’Briensbridge is popular with anglers and water sports enthusiasts; local conditions and regulations may vary. The canoe and kayak club Shannon Paddlers is based in O’Briensbridge on the Shannon. It was founded in 2017 and is registered with Canoeing Ireland. The club offers guided canoe and kayak trips on the canal and on the Shannon towards Limerick. Check whether tours are available before your trip.

The history of the Errinagh Canal is also linked to navigation: the canal was built so that boats and barges could travel as far as the city of Limerick. An old canal towpath forms part of the Old Barge Loop Walk. In the past, horses pulled barges along this waterway. The route therefore connects its present-day description with an earlier use of the canal.

Bridge construction and local history

O’Brien’s Bridge is a 12-arch rubble-stone road bridge over the River Shannon. It was built in phases around 1750, 1770, 1840 and 1925. In the 1840s, the bridge was reduced from its original 14 arches to 12 so that barges and steamships could pass along the river. The number of arches today thus also reflects the demands of navigation on the Shannon.

The place name comes from a bridge built over the River Shannon in 1506 by Turlough O’Brien, the first Earl of Thomond, and his brother, the Bishop of Killaloe. South of O’Briensbridge, public footpaths cross seven sandstone humpback bridges. The canal company built them in the 19th century. Nearby, on the Errina Canal behind Errina Bridge, is a triple lock, described as the only triple lock in Ireland. Together, these bridges and canal structures illustrate different chapters in the local history of the waterways.

Discover more destinations: Purt, Coillte, Spanish Point, Bunratty, Dromoland, Boston, Doolin, Corofin.

For the main travel overview: County Clare.