| Killaloe Historical Self Guided Walking Tour |
| Follow the Footsteps of High King Brian Boru |
| Follow the Footsteps of Brian Boru Self Walking Tour Information: 8km 2 - 2.5hrs Begin the Tour at the Brian Boru Heritage Centre located on the Killaloe side of the Bridge. 1. Brian Boru Heritage Centre and Tourist Information Office What better way to get an insight into the Celtic and nautical significance of Lough Derg and the River Shannon than by visiting Killaloe Heritage and Brian Boru Centre. The centre comprises of a tourist information office, crafts centre and an exhibition tracing the history of Killaloe from the 10th century to the present day including its strong nautical links with Lough Derg, the largest of the River Shannon Lakes. An important feature is the last High King of Ireland, Brian Boru (940-1014), who was born in Killaloe. The Heritage Centre is located on the bridge in what was once the lock keeper’s residence and offers visitors details on booking accommodation, places to eat, routes to take, maps, guides and books, places to visit, things to do and information on national and local events. Open May-September (061) 376866 Outside the Tourist Office, carefully cross the road turning right and following the footpath to the left to take you to St. Flannan's Cathedral. 2. St. Flannan’s Cathedral and St. Flannan’s Oratory This fine Romanesque Cathedral was founded on the site about 1185 by Donal Mór O’Brien (1168-1194) but was later destroyed. The beautiful west door of the church was preserved when the present structure was built in the early 13th century, and it was inserted into the building where it can be seen today. The Thorgrim stone, before the doorway, is unique for its Ogham and Runic inscriptions. In the grounds is a Romanesque church, St. Flannan's Oratory, dating from the 12th century. After exiting the Cathedral, carefully cross the road and turn right following the footpath to the left up Main Street to the top of the hill and St. Flannan's Catholic Church and St. Lua's Oratory. 3. St. Flannan’s Catholic Church (Former site of Brian Boru’s Kincora Palace) Built in 1836-37 on one of Killaloe’s highest points. 4. St. Lua’s Oratory On the grounds of the Catholic Church stands St. Lua’s Oratory. It originally stood on Friar’s Island in the River Shannon, but was moved and re-erected here when the island was due to be flooded with the opening of the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme at Ardnacrusha in 1929. Outside the Church gates, turn left and carefully cross the road. Turn left on the footpath and follow past several houses to the alleyway. Turn right to take you to the Aillebaun Walkway. 5. Aillebaun Walkway Picturesque walkway between the houses of Main Street and Canal Bank. At the junction of the Walkway, turn left and follow down the stairs to the Main Road. Carefully cross the road and turn left. Pass the Grotto and turn right and then left to take you to Tobermurragh Well. 6. Tobermurragh Well Tobermurragh Well, near the pier head, is named after Brian Boru's son, Murrough, who was baptised at this well. The well supplied the town with water before a piped water scheme came into operation. At the end of the nineteenth century the well was enclosed with red brick. Continue on the path on the other side of the Well to take you out the narrow exit to the footpath. Turn right and follow this footpath for 2km to Brian Boru's Fort on your right. 7. Béal Boru or Brian Boru’s Fort Located just outside of Killaloe within easy walking distance by a footpath and well sign posted, this is a lovely serene ring fort that has been dated to the time of King Brian Boru’s reign. Retrace your steps to Killaloe and follow the path to the Canal Bank. 8. Canal Bank The canal was opened in 1799 to bypass the rapids on the river. It was a vital link in the navigation route between Limerick and other ports on the Shannon. The canal became redundant in 1929 when the water level was raised over the rapids due to the opening of the hydroelectric station down river. Continue to the Bridge and carefully cross the road turning left. The Farmer's Market is in the parking area to your right. 9. Farmers' Market (Between the waters) Locally produced goods and crafts open on Sundays between 11am and 3pm. Continue on the Bridge and you'll see the Commemoratory Plaque on the left side of the bridge before reaching the centre. A. The Bridge connecting Killaloe, Co Clare and Ballina, Co Tipperary This historic 13 arch bridge has 5 small arches from the original 17 arch bridge built over 300 years ago. In the centre of the bridge is a plaque commemorating four young men that were shot here by the Auxiliaries in November 1920. After crossing the bridge, continue on the footpath to your right. This is Ballina, County Tipperary. Follow the footpath and then carefully cross the road to view St. Lua's Catholic Church. B. Our Lady and St. Lua’s Catholic Church Built 1843-1846 overlooking The River Shannon and picturesque Killaloe. Continue on past the Church and you can see The Old Mill across the River Shannon as well as St. Flannan's Cathedral. The Old Mill Across The River Shannon you can see an historic building that was once a Marble Mill (1837) and then Major Lefroy’s flour mill (1860). The building is now owned by the ESB. There is no access to the mill. Cross the road and turn left on the footpath and follow the footpath for just under 1km to see the Ruins of Templeachally Church on the left. Carefully cross the road to view the ruins. C. Templeachally Church Ruins The ruins of Templeachally or "The Church of the Callow or Marsh" are situated on the Birdhill Road. It is the remains of a 12th century Romanesque church. Turn right after viewing the ruins and follow the road back to Ballina. Carefully cross the road into the parking lot for the Riverside Park. D. Riverside Park, Slipway, and Outdoor Pool Follow the footpath (which is the Old Railway Line Path) past the pool up to the Main Road. Turn left and follow the footpath back to the bridge. Cross the road at the crossway at the lights and turn left following the footpath to the right. Cross the road at the lights and turn right. Follow and turn left for the Spirit of Killaloe. E. Old Railway line path A path can be seen that was the sight of an old railway that serviced Ballina along the River Shannon from 1862 until 1944 passing underneath the bridge. The railway tracks were removed in the 1950s, having fallen into disrepair. The red brick station and goods shed have been converted for private use. Along the shore is the docking point for the Spirit of Killaloe. |
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