New free outdoor swimming pool opens for Galway locals
The new facility provides an improved outdoor swimming experience including wheelchair access, additional seating, wider pontoons and a dedicated launch area for kayaks and paddleboards.
Water enthusiasts in East Galway will be making a splash as the area’s new outdoor swimming pool begins life with a community open day at Shannon Bank Park this Saturday.
The free event will begin at 10am and will feature wellness classes, a 3km community run, kayaking and paddleboarding activities, the Shannon Poc Fada and a family friendly picnic in the park.
A group of swimmers completing the 3.5km journey from Shannon Harbour to Banagher will arrive at approximately 3pm. The day will conclude at 4pm with the unveiling of sponsored nameplates, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and official opening.
The community open day marks the culmination of an ambitious fundraising campaign led by the Shannon Bank Park Development Group.
Since the campaign was launched in February 2025, the community has raised more than €195,000 towards the wider €850,000 development. The project also received €616,000 through the Fáilte Ireland EU Just Transition Fund.
The new facility provides an improved outdoor swimming experience at Shannon Bank Park, including wheelchair access, additional seating, wider pontoons and a dedicated launch area for kayaks and paddleboards.
Johnny Butler from the Shannon Bank Park Development Group said the project has been made possible by an extraordinary community effort.
“People from Banagher and the surrounding areas of East Galway, West Offaly, and North Tipperary and the wider midlands region supported the campaign through fundraising events, sponsored nameplates and individual contributions," he said.
"The new pool is a free, accessible amenity for local people and visitors to swim, exercise and enjoy the River Shannon.
“The Community Open Day is an opportunity to thank everyone who helped to make it happen and to celebrate the achievement together,” he added.
Fundraising activities included swimming, cycling and hiking challenges, a pony trek, a tractor run, school events, an auction and a fundraising night at Melba’s nightclub. More than 2,600 individual contributions were also made through the campaign’s online fundraising platform.
Parking at Shannon Bank Park will be limited on the day.