New floating pool opens on the River Shannon between Galway and Offaly
A new pool on the River Shannon, with a historic past, made its grand debut this week as temperatures begin to increase for Summer.
The official opening of the floating pool in Banagher, bordering County Galway and County Offaly, was officially opened on Thursday April 23.
Among attendees were Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Minister Peter Burke and Galway County Councillor Alan Harney.
Construction began on the project in July 2025 with a €800,000 price tag that was to be funded through community grants and fundraising.
The investment was supported through Failte Ireland and the Just Transition Fund. Cllr Harney said a special thank you to the Shannon Bank Trustees and the Just Transition Officer, Loretta Raftery in Galway County Council.
Identified as one of the town’s largest attractions for tourism for the last 30 years, the pool sides aside the flowing River Shannon, features picnic areas and lounge chairs as well as a wraparound dock and dome eating shelters.
“This is such a good amenity on the River Shannon. I know first-hand it gets a massive amount of use in communities from Offaly and Galway,” Cllr Harney told the Irish Independent.
The next step, Cllr Harney said, is to secure postings for lifeguards throughout the warmer days.
“I have secured an allocation in the Galway County Council budget for that, and I will be working with the trustees to get those in place in the coming months. I am looking forward to a fantastic summer!”
Use of the pool is open to all and free of charge.