The River Shannon has always played a vital role for the community of the East Galway-Offaly border. On summer afternoons, the riverside atmosphere buzzes with life, with the laughter of children chasing each other into the water and the low hum of boats drifting past the bridge. Just beside Shannon Bank Park near Banagher, under the watch of Cromwell’s Castle, lies one of Ireland’s quirkiest swimming spots: a floating pool tethered to the river itself.
For more than 30 years, this pool has been a cherished amenity and meeting place for families and communities from East Galway and surrounding counties. Generations have learned to swim here, teenagers perfected their dives, and visitors from across Ireland have come to enjoy summer afternoons by the river. Now, Banagher’s favourite summertime spot has been given a fresh lease of life. The newly upgraded facility officially opened to the public on 22nd September, marking a major milestone for both the town and the wider East Galway region, which is increasingly gaining recognition as a hub for tourism and community-based development.
Designed and built by local company Inland and Coastal Marine Assistance, the new pool keeps its trademark floating design but adds wide pontoons for lounging, better seating for sun-seekers, and a launch point for kayaks and paddleboards. For the first time, there’s wheelchair access too, ensuring everyone can share in the experience. And the best part? The pool will remain free to use, keeping alive the tradition of open, accessible fun for all.
What makes this upgrade even more remarkable is the community behind it. In just a few months, the Shannon Bank Park Development Group raised nearly €200,000, an astonishing feat for a town of fewer than two thousand people. This project was awarded significant funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, which is co-funded by the EU and the Government of Ireland under the EU Just Transition fund.
Speaking about the project, Loretta Raftery, Just Transition Fund Activator for Galway, said, “This is one of our many successful JTF projects. It is a fantastic community-based project and is crucial to the development of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, a region with a strong tradition of community-based tourism. The Just Transition Fund represents just the beginning of tourism development for East Galway.”
Phase one of the project, now complete, has transformed the site into a sleek, accessible pool that still holds the charm of the old pool. Phase two, planned for 2026, will weave the pool more closely into the riverside park with landscaping and further improvements, ensuring it becomes a focal point for recreation and tourism in East Galway.
Already the new pool is drawing swimmers, paddlers, and sun-seekers back to the water’s edge. With swimmers braving the cool temperature of Shannon and kayakers pushing off from the pontoon, passersby can sit and watch all the activity unfold with a takeaway coffee from town. For visitors, the pool is a perfect starting point to explore East Galway, from its riverside walks and heritage sites to its growing network of community-led attractions. The nearby Banagher town also offers cafés, shops, and historic landmarks to complement the experience. So, pack your swimsuit and maybe a picnic blanket, because this East Galway outdoor pool is about to become your new favourite summertime swimming spot.
This article is sponsored by Galway County Council.
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