O'Briensbridge - Old Barge Loop
Grade
Moderate
Length
11.6 km
Time
3 hours
Format
Loop
Ascent
10 m
Dogs Allowed
Under effective control
Waymarking
Red arrow on yellow background
Start Point
Riverside Park in O'Briensbridge
Finish Point
Riverside Park in O'Briensbridge
Nearest Town to Start
O'Briensbridge
Grid Ref.
R 661 668
Lat. and Long.
52.75176, -8.5017
This loop follows red arrows along the banks of the River Shannon and the tow path of the Errinagh Canal as far as Clonlara, returning along the embankment of the Shannon Headrace. Apart from the climb up onto the embankment this is a level walk on sandy path, sandy road, tarred road and grassy path. It passes through a section of natural woodland. It is a very pleasant countryside walk although some of the riverbank may be wet.
Maps and other information
External Links
Trail Management
Killaloe Tourist Information Office
Killaloe Heritage Centre The Bridge Killaloe Clare Republic of Ireland
Telephone: +353 61 376866
There may be some sections of wet ground as the trail is situated at the riverbank, so walking boots may be required.
Please keep dogs under close control
OSI Maps
Discovery Series Sheet 58
Joe from Galway
Lovely easy walk, beautiful scenery. Missing some signage at junctions. The information boards need to be replaced also to show walkers what points of interest they are walking past. O Brien's in Clonlara is a great place to stop for a cuppa, very warm welcome.
Els from Cork
Lovely easy route that takes you through a beautiful towpath laden with shrubs, trees and wildlife..feels almost mythical...as you continue on past the bridges you meet a different terrain with houses along one side and the canal on the left as you enter the village of Clonlara. At the midway point I called into O Sheas for a coffee where I recieved a warm welcome and passed some time there before I set off again along the headrace. The headrace, while monotonous was still pleasant, crossing paths with flocks of sheep and kayakers on the way back to O Briensbridge. It was a fine day so I sat a while to watch kayakers and swans move slowly along the canal...such a wonderfully relaxed walk and a joy on a fine day...not the most interesting of walks in terms of terrain but still pleasant and with no ascents it would be easy for all abilities
Amy from Clare