The twin towns of Ballina in Co. Tipperary and Killaloe in Co. Clare developed at an important fording point on the River Shannon. The ford has long been replaced by a bridge which has had many alterations over the centuries.
The name Ballina comes from Béal an Átha, meaning Mouth of the Ford.
Killaloe takes its name from Cill Dá Lua, meaning Church of Lua (or Molua), a sixth-century saint who is honoured locally.
One end of the bridge crosses the Killaloe Canal (a section of the disused Limerick Navigation); the other crossed the Killaloe Railway.
The metal structures on the downstream face of the bridge are used to net eels, which are then transported and released below Ardnacrusha power station.
Killaloe-Ballina