Shannon (River Shannon)

The Shannon, Ireland's longest river, rises in Cavan county, flows through the limestone plains of central Ireland and reaches the Atlantic just beyond Limerick. With its loughs, tributary streams and canals it forms a widely ramified system of waterways traversing a fifth of the area of Ireland. The banks of the Shannon, apart from the few places of some size through which it flows, are thinly populated and for much of their length bordered by pastureland. Since there is no industry along the river the light over the water is of unusual clarity. Apart from a short non-navigable stretch in its upper course the gradient down to Killaloe is so gentle that only six locks are required over this considerable distance. In recent years there has been an active development of facilities for recreation and the tourist trade on the Shannon between Battlebridge (at its outflow from Lough Allan) and Killaloe. There are marinas for cabin cruisers of all types and sizes at Carrick-on-Shannon, Athlone and Killaloe.

A leisurely cruise along these peaceful waters is one of the great holiday pleasures that Ireland can offer. Care is, however, required on the two largest lakes in the Shannon area, Lough Ree at Athlone and Lough Derg at Killaloe, since a sudden wind can whip up heavy waves. Lough Ree, in particular, with its low lying shores and great expanse of open water, should be crossed only in good weather conditions.

Most of the city of Limerick lies on the south bank of the Shannon, with docks and moorings for sea-going vessels of up to 10,000 tons.

Beyond Limerick, on the right, is Shannon International Airport.

Between here and the Atlantic, over a distance of some 60mi/100km the Shannon opens out into its funnel-shaped estuary. Near Kilkee there is a car ferry between Tarbert in Kerry county and Killimer in Clare county.