The next time you're in the Shannon Region make sure to pick up a copy of our new canoeing brochure which is available at local tourist information offices.
Trail: O'Briensbridge to Limerick City
Distance: Approximately 10km
Location: O'Briensbridge, Co. Clare
Services: O'Briensbridge, Castleconnell and Limerick City.
To Suit: The trails are suitable for beginner and experience paddlers.
From O’Briensbridge, which is the starting point of this trail, you can paddle on to Limerick City via Castleconnell. Canoeists should be aware that the stretch from the World’s End (upstream of Castleconnell) to Clareville Water Works is extremely fast flowing and should only be attempted by experienced paddlers. This area can be affected at any time and without warning, by the release of flood water at Parteen Weir.
Paddlers are advised check with the ESB before attempting to navigate this stretch at any time. For more information telephone the Ardnacrusha Control Room at +353 (0)61 344601 during working hours – Monday to Friday 08h00 to 16h00. Contact the Ardnacrusha Lock-keeper outside of working hours at +353 (0) 87 9970131. In the summer there is fishing on the stretch below Castleconnell, and access must be prearranged with the ESB from 1st march to 30th September. For more information telephone +353 (0)61 344511 during working hours. Out of courtesy to anglers, canoeists should aim to move to the far bank of where the anglers are fishing and pass downstream in single file.
The river is flat again as it flows past the University of Limerick in Castletroy, where there are some small rapids. The trail then takes you on to Limerick City, where the finishing point of this trail is located at the Marina at Customs House Quay. Paddlers should be aware of major changes in water flow conditions and should check the water conditions in advance. For navigating around Limerick City canoeists should follow the
Waterways Ireland navigation information and instructions for this area (www.waterwaysireland.org).
Essential Information! Paddlers should be aware of boat traffic, especially in confined areas around bridges etc. The wash from fast boats can overturn canoes. Due to a lack of facilities and safety issues, it is not possible for canoeists to paddle from Killaloe/Ballina to O’Briensbridge. Paddlers who would like to journey on from the first to the second trail have to travel on land from Killaloe/Ballina to O’Briensbridge
Head Office, Shannon Town Centre,
Shannon, Co Clare: t: +353 (0)61 361555 f: +353 (0)61 361903
