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Shannonbridge
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Shannonbridge
is a small village located on the River Shannon, at the borders of
counties Offaly, Galway and Roscommon, with the majority of the
population living east of the bridge in County Offaly.
As the name implies the village gets its name from the bridge
connecting County Offaly and County Roscommon. This is one of the
oldest bridges still in use over the River Shannon and was built in
1757.
Shannonbridge’s location along Ireland's largest river and its
proximity to the ancient monastic site at Clonmacnoise has
led to a thriving tourist industry. Downstream of the village the
river Suck joins the Shannon. This area is renowned for bream, rudd
and hybrids and has outstanding potential for the coarse angler. The
town is also well known for its bars and music and throughout the
summer is a hive of activity. The Shannonbridge Midsummer Music
Festival takes place annually in late June.
As well as being rich in heritage the village is flanked by an
important nature conservation area - the Shannon Callows. The
physical environment consists of the River Shannon, callows,
boglands and the Esker Riada (a major routeway in the 18th century).
The Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway is based just outside
Shannonbridge. This quaint railway line will take the visitor on a
9km guided tour on the Blackwater Bog. This gives a golden
opportunity to discover many aspects of Ireland's peatlands and is a
must for visitors who want an authentic experience. The area holds
one of the largest concentrations of breeding waders in these
islands including Lapwing, Redshank, Sandpiper and Godwit. Extensive
hay meadows hold large numbers of corncrake.
8km north of Shannonbridge is Clonmacnois. This is an early
Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the
eastern bank of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a
cathedral, seven churches ,two round towers, three high crosses and
the largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs in Western
Europe. The original high crosses and a selection of grave slabs are
on display in the visitor centre. The long and varied history of
Clonmacnoise is recounted in an audiovisual presentation shown in
the visitor centre. There are also exhibitions that deal with the
flora, fauna and landscape of the region. |
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Shannonbridge Holiday Homes - County Offaly, Ireland