This historic view shows the Shannon Rapids at Castleconnell, County Limerick, during the early twentieth century. Renowned for their dramatic white water, the rapids formed one of Ireland’s most celebrated salmon-fishing locations and attracted anglers from Britain, Europe and beyond. The surrounding village developed a strong reputation for hospitality, sport and riverside leisure during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The character of the river changed after the Ardnacrusha hydroelectric scheme diverted much of the Shannon’s flow in 1929. Even so, Castleconnell remains closely associated with angling, boating, walking and the enduring natural beauty of the River Shannon to this day.
