Start of the walking tour - Ballina & Killaloe

The twin-towns of Ballina and Killaloe developed at an important fording point on the River Shannon. The name Ballina comes from Béal an Átha: “Mouth of the Ford”.

The ford has long been replaced by a 13 arch bridge which links Ballina in Co. Tipperary to Killaloe in Co. Clare. This bridge dates from the 17th century, with many alterations over the centuries.

Killaloe takes its name from Cill Da Lua, meaning Church of Lua (or Molua); a 6th century saint who is honoured locally. Lua was succeeded by St. Flannan, who was his first disciple. The 13th century St. Flannan’s Cathedral (which you can see across the river) is named after St. Flannan.