Commissioned by the Shannon Banks Trustees, we have delivered a brand-new floating concrete swimming pool on the River Shannon at Banagher, replacing a beloved facility that has served the community for more than 40 years. Designed for year-round use, the new structure provides a safe, inclusive and low-maintenance space for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
The original pool, first installed in the late 1970s, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. As part of wider rejuvenation plans for Banagher Shannon Bank Park, the Trustees wanted a modern replacement that could support the town’s active cold-water swimming community while securing the pool’s future for decades to come.
Swimming has become a major attraction along this stretch of the Shannon, drawing locals, early-morning dippers and visitors keen to experience the unique setting between Offaly and Galway, right next to the historic Cromwell’s Castle. The new pool enhances that experience while creating more opportunities for people to connect with the river environment.
We began production in May 2025 and installation started in September, with floating concrete pontoons chosen to withstand fluctuating river levels and to ensure long-term durability.
Accessibility was at the heart of the design process. “The biggest challenge was making the pool accessible with a wheelchair all year round due to the higher levels of water during the winter months,” says Ollie Shortall, Managing Director at Inland and Coastal, who oversaw the project.
“Both access points have been constructed slightly differently. The pool was to have a hoist but they also wanted to make it accessible by a ramp – which the old pool didn’t have.”
Those dual access points guarantee safe entry and exit for users with limited mobility and support a wider range of swimmers than ever before. The pool also now caters to local kayaking clubs and adventure groups, strengthening Banagher’s position as a destination for on-water activity and wellbeing.
Supported by Fáilte Ireland and the EU Just Transition Fund, the project is a flagship element of Banagher’s regeneration programme, with further landscaping and park enhancements planned for completion by spring 2026.
Visit Offaly describes the pool’s unique appeal: “Banagher outdoor pool is one of Ireland’s most unusual pools. It is located in the River Shannon, with Offaly on one side and Galway on the other. The pool is situated in Banagher Park, which is owned by the community and managed by Banagher Shannon Park committee, a group of trustees who have been responsible for the overall management of the facility since 1979.
“The pool is free to use and is perfect for an early morning swim. The water is clean and blue and you’ll be able to dry off with a picnic on the riverside afterwards or explore Banagher’s heritage at Cromwell’s Castle, located next to the swimming pool.”
We’re proud to support a community that has championed river swimming long before it became a trend, and to help secure this special place for the next generation.
