Banagher is a riverside town on the River Shannon, where waterside activities meet a rich architectural history. When planning your visit, you can choose between walks and activities by the river or focus on bridges, fortifications and historic buildings.
On the Shannon: walking, swimming and getting out on the water
Shannon Bank Park is an open, green park on the banks of the River Shannon. Its one-mile circular route is suitable for walking or jogging. The park is open to groups, visitors and local residents from Banagher and the surrounding area, offering a way to spend time by the river right in Banagher.
Another waterside option is Banagher Open Water Pool. The facility officially opened on 23 April 2026 and offers year-round open-water swimming for local residents and visitors. The floating pool is 25 metres long and can adapt to changing water levels. Check the current operating arrangements before visiting.
Trips on the River Shannon can also start in Banagher. The River Queen offers a 90-minute cruise from Banagher Marina aboard a spacious passenger boat with 50 seats. The skipper provides live commentary during the trip, and there is a fully licensed bar on board. Timetables are seasonal, so check operator availability and arrangements in advance. If you prefer to stay on shore, Banagher also offers fishing and walks along the Shannon.
Bridges, forts and historic buildings
The present-day Bridge of Banagher crosses the Shannon at Banagher and was built between 1841 and 1843. A fragment of the earlier bridge, built in 1685, can be seen between Cromwell’s Castle and the seventh arch. The two construction phases provide a clear timeline for the bridge’s history. In Shannon Bank Park, “The Trollope Bridge”, a miniature replica built by the community, also commemorates Anthony Trollope’s bicentenary and his time in Banagher.
Fort Eliza, also known locally as Salt Battery, is a detached, five-sided battery with four guns, built around 1812. It lies 400 yards along Crank Road on the eastern side of the River Shannon. Fort Eliza was part of a chain of defences intended to protect the Old Bridge of Banagher from all sides. What began as an earthwork was developed into a fortification with a ditch, walls of dressed stone, a drawbridge, an ammunition store and a guardhouse. Platforms for four guns on rotating rails were also added.
Crank House is an early Georgian building with six bays and two storeys, built in 1750. Its former uses can be traced over time: it first served as a brewery, was converted into a malt house in the early 19th century, and was also used as a technical school in the early 20th century. Today, Crank House houses a tourist office and spaces for cultural activities. Check the office’s current arrangements before visiting.
The architectural history of St. Rynagh’s Church is also marked by several dates: the church was built in 1825/26, and its bell tower and spire were added in 1872. St. Rynagh is also associated with a 6th-century religious house that probably stood on the site of the present church.
A look at the surrounding area
Near Banagher is Meelick Weir, built in the 1840s as part of the Shannon Navigation. Visitors can enjoy riverside walks and birdwatching there. This adds more options for spending time by the water alongside the paths in Shannon Bank Park.
Banagher is a good base when looking for accommodation if you want to explore the riverside town and its different attractions. Whether you connect your stay more with time by the water or with the historic buildings depends on which of these aspects you want to focus on.
Discover more destinations: Rhode, Creagh, Cloghan, Tullamore, Kinnitty, Killurin, The Curragh, Clonmacnoise.
For the wider travel overview: County Offaly.
