Killaloe Bridge

The long stone bridge between Killaloe and Ballina marks the southern end of Lough Derg; below it the Shannon runs on towards Parteen and Limerick. Waterways Ireland gives it the lowest clearance on the main Shannon navigation, about 3.85 m at normal summer level, and less when the water is higher, so check your boat's air draft, including any canopy or mast, before heading downstream. Air-draft gauges stand on the approaches to some Shannon bridges, and if you are unsure, call the Inspector of Navigation in Athlone (+353 90 649 4232) first. Since October 2025 the old bridge has carried only walkers and cyclists; road traffic uses the new Brian Ború Bridge, opened in May 2025, whose clearance is not covered here yet. Further downstream, Ardnacrusha locks are closed until 31 March 2027, so there is no through passage to Limerick this winter.